Farmers who like the nippiness of a skid-steer loader and the near-silence of electric drive can enjoy those characteristics in the same machine thanks to Exvo Electric, a new Irish manufacturer.

The company, formed just two years ago by engineers Conor Traynor and Dylan Scott, unveiled its first of now four skid-steer variants last year, all built from scratch in a County Monaghan factory.

See also: Farmers Weekly‘s complete guide to battery-powered loaders

Apart from the battery-electric hydraulics and three-speed hydrostatic drive, the new machines’ novelties include swappable battery packs for maximum daily running time, and access in and out of the cab through a fully-glazed, up-and-over front door.

The EX family of skid-steers comprises two models with a choice of radial- or vertical-lift arms, the latter having an additional loader arm linkage that produces extra lift capacity, a vertical lift path for the bucket or fork, and greater forward reach at full height.

All variants lift to a height of 3.6m and suspension provided by gas accumulator units tucked away in the battery and oil tank bay should reduce the incidence of spillages or loads such as bales and pallets being dislodged.

Controls

Other common features include electronic transmission control providing three traction modes to suit different situations, and the provision of electric auxiliary services at the end of the right-hand loader arm in addition to hydraulic outlets on the left to suit different attachments and power tools.

The Exvo EX227R, with a claimed run-time of roughly five hours, is a radial-lift machine with a rated operating capacity of 850kg, while its vertical lift counterpart – the EX227V – is rated at 950kg.

They weigh in at 3.7t and 3.75t, respectively, and with an overall width of 1.68m, can easily pass through narrow entrances and along slim passageways.

Exvo’s bigger EX245R and EX245V loaders benefit from a larger battery giving up to eight hours of run-time; they have rated operating capacities of 1,250kg and 1,350kg, and are a tad wider at 1.78m.

The rubber-mounted cab on all variants has joystick controls with access to self-levelling and return-to-dig options available through a touchscreen tablet that also shows the battery charge status, drive mode selected, and so on.

A roof window lets in more light, air conditioning is available, there are fold-down operator restraint arms, and the machine can be worked with the front door-cum-window open or closed.

No details of the Quasar battery pack have been released other than it can be charged in five hours on a three-phase supply or eight hours single-phase, and can be swapped out in around 10 minutes once a rear panel has been removed and the bumper swung out of the way.