Grupo Base Deploys SDLG Electric Wheel Loaders in Brazil
SDLG Brasil has completed its first sale in the South American country, delivering an order of six heavy-duty electric wheel loaders to Brazilian mining, construction, and infrastructure company Grupo Base. “This contract is a historic milestone and comes at a time when we have taken on commercial responsibility for SDLG across 60% of Brazil,” Carlos Renato Machado, executive director of SDLG’s Brazilian distributor, Tracbel, said.
The machinery deployment includes four 27-ton L972 HEV models and a pair of 12.5-ton L938 HEV units manufactured by Chinese equipment brand Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. Grupo Base placed the order back in June. The heavy-duty machines are now operating on-site, moving dirt, but not making noise.
LFP Batteries Power Heavy-Duty Loaders for Full Day Operation
The heavy-duty equipment relies on LFP battery technology to handle rigorous daily schedules at industrial sites. The larger L972 HEV loaders draw power from 423 kWh battery packs that feed a 230 kW, approximately 305-horsepower electric motor. Meanwhile, the smaller L938 HEV machines utilize 180 kWh packs paired with a 180 kW, roughly 240-horsepower electric motor.
Both equipment specifications provide a full day’s worth of continuous operation. Tracbel equipped the lineup with fast DC charging systems to accommodate power replenishments between work shifts.
Fleet Transformation Across Brazilian Operations
Grupo Base maintains an extensive operational footprint, managing a fleet of 450 heavy equipment assets. The company operates more than 30 concrete and mortar batching plants alongside 20 crushed stone and fracking sand sites, employing more 2,000 people. Transitioning these assets to electric power addresses emissions in ecologically sensitive regions.
We are driving a major transformation across our operations,
Edson Pechio, president and CEO of Grupo Base, said. We want to incorporate solutions that will enable us to operate more efficiently and progressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Future Expansion Plans for Regional Electrification
Tracbel aims to use the initial deployment as a springboard for broader regional adoption. Leadership hopes to expand the use of electric mining and construction equipment throughout the region.
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