Design of a Battery Powered Skid-Steer Loader 851516

A battery-powered, skid-steer, loader was designed for farm-chore routines and general materials handling activities. The design criteria used are discussed in terms of vehicle performance, safety and energy use. Tubular plate, lead-acid batteries provide a usable energy capacity of 25 KWh. Series wound motors were used for traction and a compound motor used for the hydraulics package.

Side entry is a unique feature, facilitated by the opportunity to place the battery mass as a counter balancing force, which may provide easier and safer access than is currently offered by skid-steer loaders. The break-out force, lift-capacity, lift height and lifting rate are comparable with commercially available skid-steer loaders. An SCR dual-proportional controller operates two series wound traction motors. Two joystick controllers directionally position the vehicle, regular forward and reverse speeds and operate the loader hydraulics.