Becx Machines Introduces Fully Electric Pruning Set |
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HS 131 ER Successfully Completes First Long-Duration Test
About three months ago, director Erwin Hommen announced that Becx Machines was working on developing a complete electric pruning set—including an arm, pruner, and battery pack—as part of their electrification strategy. The pruning set would enable electric pruning with any (electric) wheel loader, tool carrier, or tractor. The battery pack on the arm would be large enough to work a full day without recharging. That moment has now arrived, and naturally, we're very curious.
Koen van den Hurk, who has been with Becx Machines since 2009, oversees both the workshop and engineering department. "In recent years, I've had the time and freedom to explore electric drive systems. The government has set a course to make machines under a certain power class fully electric, and our machines are often linked to that class. That's why we're now working hard on an electric solution—in the form of a fully electric pruning set: a mowing arm equipped with batteries to power the HS 131 ER."
Existing Pruner With Electric Drive
It wasn't a simple process. Van den Hurk explains: "We were completely unfamiliar with electric drives, and several tool carrier manufacturers saw little value in collaborating with an implement manufacturer." He notes that there are many differences in electric drive systems, such as varying voltages. "But especially in the technical communication around electrification, manufacturers were quite reserved. That led us to develop and produce our own electric drive system."
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"We equipped an existing hedge trimmer with an electric drive."
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 | | Erwin Hommen |
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Coincidentally, landscaping company J. van Esch from nearby Cromvoirt approached Becx Machines around the same time with a similar request. The idea emerged to collaboratively build a complete pruning unit, including a battery pack to power the pruner. "For that, we equipped an existing hedge trimmer with an electric drive. Perry Butter from Vlarotech Engineering provided advice and practical support."
"You Can Get Through Eight Hours"
The first question users ask is whether they can work a full day with the machine. "With 16 kWh gross capacity, you can easily get through eight hours," says Van den Hurk enthusiastically. "That was confirmed by the first long-duration test we conducted during the autumn pruning season. Eight hours is more than sufficient, since the pruner isn't running continuously. You drive from hedge to hedge, take breaks, or the hedge is interrupted by other vegetation."
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"With 16 kWh gross capacity, you can easily get through eight hours."
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Naturally, the testers also provided valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement. "We're currently working on those. We want the set to be ready again before the start of the new pruning season. We expect the pruning set will then take its final shape."
This article was previously published on 7 May 2025 on the Stad + Groen website.
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