Huddig launches the 1370T hybrid backhoe in the United States

Claiming the world’s first commercial diesel-electric hybrid backhoe by 2021, Swedish manufacturer Huddig has launched two new backhoes, including its first hybrid model for the US.

The 1370T features a hybrid engine system that can run on electricity alone for up to two hours with the same performance as when running on diesel alone. The company says the diesel engine automatically kicks in when the battery needs to be recharged and can recharge the battery in 40 minutes while running. It can also be recharged via a power outlet.

Operating the hybrid model in electric (EV) mode offers quiet operation and lowers fuel costs. The hybrid technology can also provide an instant 30% increase in power when needed.

The backhoe has a power mode (PWR) and an ECO mode to work with a mixture of diesel and electric power.

The hybrid system includes Huddig’s Tigon technology. Its electric drive works with a 44 kWh 90-volt battery that has a power of 81 kilowatts, which is equivalent to 108 horsepower. The diesel engine is a 4.5-liter Cummins with 154 horsepower.

Huddig 1370 diesel backhoeHuddigHuddig has also released its 1370 diesel model in the US which is powered by a 157 horsepower 6.7 liter Cummins. The engine can also run on HVO biodiesel to reduce carbon emissions.

Both models, which launched in the US at ConExpo 2023, follow the company’s 1260E diesel backhoe and the 1260T, which came out in 2021 as the world’s first hybrid backhoe. The 1370 achieves a 10% greater reach than the 1260 at 23.6 feet and an 18% increase in lift height to 14 feet. The backhoes also have an improved HVAC system, a new 10-inch LCD display and a new attachment coupler.

FlexLever, a third hydraulic output, is an option that allows three hydraulic functions to be operated at the same time with joystick buttons.

The 1370T weighs 32,231 pounds, while the 1370 diesel weighs 29,101 pounds.

Huddig offers the 1370 in three different configurations than the standard. These are “City” for limited urban areas, “Cable” for power line installation and cable laying, and “Rail” for railway work. Backhoes come with options designed specifically for these segments, if chosen.

Huddig distributors in the US are Supertrak Inc. in Punta Gorda, Florida; and Vancer Railway Group in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Galesburg, Illinois.