Kubota unveils diddy RT battery-powered pivot-steer loaders

Two new compact, zero-emissions wheeled loaders have joined the Kubota stable, offering near-silent operation for working indoors, around livestock or in areas where noise is likely to irritate the neighbours.

The RT210-2e and RT220-2e are identical in all but lift capacity, but there’s plenty of scope to tinker with the specs – primarily to lengthen run-time and shorten charge time.

As standard, they are propelled by a 48V DC electrical system paired with a 260Ah lithium-ion battery pack.

This can be upgraded to a 390Ah or 520Ah package, the latter offering the potential for up to eight hours solid work – at least on relatively light-duty tasks.

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Base versions come with a 230V/40amp on-board charging kit, which will replenish the cells of the smallest battery in about five hours.

This too can be swapped for a more powerful 60amp unit that will do the same job an hour quicker.

However, access to a three-phase electricity supply is a game-changer as it opens the option of a 400V Super Charger, the 300amp version of which can top up the biggest battery in just 90min.

Kubota also offers an adaptor that allows owners to plug the RT into an electric car charging point.

To maximise run-time, both models come with a system that harvests energy otherwise wasted during deceleration and when travelling downhill.

Four-wheel drive, to a top speed of 20kph, comes by way of a 6.5kW (9hp) electric motor fitted to the rear axle, while a bigger 12kW (16hp) unit is dedicated to working the hydraulic system.

Tipping load ratings in the straight-ahead position are 1,480kg for the RT210-2e and 2,054kg for the 220.

There is also a marginal difference in operating weights, which are 2,200kg and 2,350kg respectively, but their dimensions are pretty much the same – they stand 2.3m tall, width is a smidge over 1m and the maximum hinge pin height is 2.82m.

The smaller RT210-2e is priced at £56,000 with a canopy, though there is the option of upgrading to an enclosed cab.