Electric Muck truck launched at Saltex show

Before now the truck has always been powered by a petrol engine, but the version shown at Saltex runs on a bank of 24v batteries providing "ample" power for the unit. The rechargeable batteries give up to 3.5 hours of operation, said the company.

The unit's 6 ft3 capacity skip can carry over 100 kg loads up and down up and down 30-degree slopes. The electric Muck truck has two-wheel drive with forward and reverse gear.

The "whisper quiet operation" means the electric version will be ideal for use around schools, hospitals or any site where silence is important.

Terry Rowlands, managing director of Muck-truck said. "The demand for an electric dumper truck has been there for some time. Battery technology is improving all the time but we had to ensure performance wasn't comprised and the costings were right."

The electric version will have a similar price to the petrol powered version, and availability is expected to be early next year.

One of the attractions of the mini-dumper is its versatility. The skip can be replaced and the unit converted into vacuum or a snow plough. It can also be fitted with a ball hitch and be used to tow trailers. The use of turf tyres offers protection for grass and double wheels provides stability on uneven ground.

The Muck-truck is manufactured in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America.