Zero-Emission Excavation in a Busy Bournemouth Retail Centre
When our client took on the challenge of transforming a single retail space into multiple units within a shopping centre in Bournemouth, they knew that excavation work would be central to the project.
To create the necessary drainage and utility channels, robust excavation and debris removal were essential. However, this job presented some unique challenges, especially for an indoor environment that demanded both zero emissions and minimal disruption.
Here’s how our team at the FTH Hire Group’s Basingstoke Hub provided the right tools and expertise to make this conversion project a success.
The Challenges of Indoor Excavation
Indoor excavation projects require careful consideration of both logistical and environmental factors. This shopping centre remained operational throughout the project, which presented several key challenges:
- Zero Emissions: Working in an enclosed space meant that conventional diesel equipment was out of the question. Electric-powered machines were essential to maintain air quality and comply with indoor safety requirements.
- Limited Access and Delivery Constraints: Since the shopping centre was open to the public, all equipment had to be delivered in a single visit when closed, limiting the options for staging and logistics.
- Space Constraints: With narrow corridors and limited space, the equipment needed to be compact and manoeuvrable. The electric dumper, for instance, was transported to the site via a lift, underscoring the need for small, yet highly effective machinery.
Our Solution: Zero-Emission Equipment Tailored for Precision and Efficiency
After surveying the site, our team discussed a range of options with the contractor, carefully selecting the best equipment to meet both the project’s environmental requirements and the logistical constraints of the site.
- Electric Excavators for Efficient, Emission-Free Digging
We provided two JCB 19C-1E electric excavators for the job. These machines allowed the team to work in tandem, doubling productivity while keeping emissions at zero. Each excavator provided around five hours of runtime per charge, meaning one could operate while the other charged. This seamless rotation ensured continuous work, preventing downtime and keeping the project on schedule.
- Compact and Powerful Truxta Electric Dumper
For waste removal and material transport, the Truxta electric dumper was the ideal choice. Its battery-powered operation provided silent, emissions-free running with a load capacity of 450 kg, allowing it to handle significant waste material efficiently. The Truxta’s compact design also enabled it to navigate the restricted indoor spaces with ease, a crucial advantage given the retail environment’s spatial limitations.
- Hydraulic Breaker for Floor Preparation
Excavation work involved breaking up the existing flooring to create drainage and utility channels. Our team equipped the JCB excavators with hydraulic peckers, allowing the operator to quickly switch between the breaker attachment and a bucket using a quick hitch system. This versatility minimised tool change time, making excavation and material removal swift and efficient.
The Results: A Smooth, Eco-Friendly Excavation Process
By leveraging zero-emission electric excavators and dumpers, our team not only met the project's environmental goals but also ensured the work could proceed without disrupting shoppers or workers in the centre. The equipment’s compact design allowed for seamless transport and operation in confined spaces, while the electric power source kept noise and air pollution to a minimum.
This project underscores the advantages of electric equipment in indoor projects, proving that efficient, eco-friendly solutions are not only possible but can deliver outstanding results in even the most challenging environments.
Whether for retail conversions, office refits, or any other enclosed-space projects, our fleet of electric and hybrid equipment at FTH Hire Group is ready to meet modern environmental demands without sacrificing performance. For more information on how we can support your next project, contact our team at the Basingstoke Hire Hub:
Station Yard
Andover Road
Basingstoke
RG23 7HA
Phone: 01256 780 344