Volvo L120 Electric proves itself in demanding winter sawmill operations

"So far it's been working well — very well, actually," says Fredrik Grönberg, Maintenance Manager at Fiskarheden.

Volvo Construction Equipment's commitment to electrification now extends to mid-size machines. At the end of last year, the L90 Electric and L120 Electric wheel loaders were announced at construction trade fair Load Up North, offering the same performance as their diesel predecessors. The machines are also available as rental solutions through Swecon Rental.

But how do they perform in tough daily operations during a harsh Swedish winter? That question has been put to the test by Fiskarheden in Dalarna, one of Sweden's largest and most modern privately owned sawmills. Last year, the sawmill passed a major milestone, producing more than 400,000 cubic meters of finished goods through its grading line.

Fiskarheden Trävaru AB generates large volumes of wood chips and sawdust, which are collected by trucks around the clock.

The operation generates large quantities of by-products – around 470,000 cubic meters of wood chips and nearly 330,000 cubic meters of sawdust annually. These materials are collected daily, 24 hours a day, by approximately 30 trucks for onward transport for various applications including district heating plants and pellet manufacturers across the region.

Snow and sub-zero temperatures

Truck drivers previously used a conventional diesel-powered wheel loader to load sawdust and wood chips. Since the beginning of this year, however, an L120 Electric has been tested in collaboration with Volvo CE and Swecon.

"It's very exciting to run this test in the middle of winter, with snow and sub-zero temperatures. These are exactly the real-world conditions needed to get an honest picture of how electric machines perform in practice," says Fredrik Grönberg at Fiskarheden.

Fredrik Grönberg is Maintenance Manager at Fiskarheden Trävaru AB.

The test focuses on functionality, efficiency, and sustainability. It is particularly challenging since around 30 different drivers operate the electric wheel loader.

"Yes, it's tough, but so far it's been working well. We've of course given the drivers clear instructions — one of the most important being that the machine should be connected to the Volvo PU500 energy storage unit when the battery drops below 50 percent, and that the cab heater should always be switched on after use," says Fredrik Grönberg.

The advantage of electric machines

Fredrik Grönberg believes electrification makes sense where operating conditions are right – and loading wood chips and sawdust at the sawmill in Fiskarheden is one such example.

"The electric machine is a good fit here. The work cycles are short — a diesel machine wouldn't even have time to reach operating temperature. The zero emissions and low operating and maintenance costs of the electric machine are, of course, also major advantages."

When the charge level drops below 50%, the Volvo PU500 energy storage unit is connected.

What do the operators think?

Feedback from operators has so far been positive. Many are driving an electric machine for the first time, including Elin Martinsson and Martina Olsson Fredrik, from Lima Bilfrakt.

"It always feels a bit unfamiliar to operate a new machine before the movements are in your muscle memory. The L120 Electric is quick and responsive — I'm sure I'll get really comfortable driving it," says Lina.

Martina agrees: "Yes, you need to be a bit more careful with lever movements, but that comes with habit. I really like the comfort in the Volvo, especially the automatic adjustment of the air suspension in the seat."

Charging a Volvo L120 Electric at Fiskarheden Trävaru AB.