Baumann 120v Electric Sideloader handling timber at Galante Fratelli | Condino, Northern Italy.

In 1964, Alessandro Galante, together with his sons Carmelo and Narciso, established a new business in Condino, northern Italy. The spectacular Southern Alps region had played a part in stirring the passions of Alessandro’s father and grandfather, both woodworkers - a family heritage stretching back to the 19th century.

The family sawmill is now in the hands of cousins Catia, Elisabetta, Luca and Stella, nephews of the founder. “The challenge is to continue investing in quality,” says Catia, “as our fathers and grandfather have always taught us. The quality in the production processes and in the choice of raw material is the real added value.”

“We are a traditional business,” adds Luca. “but change is important. In 2013, to expand the offer and be more competitive, we started the production of lamellas for doors and windows. We had to open up to markets, differentiate ourselves and make better use of the most valuable part of the timber. It was an important economic commitment at a difficult time for the economy. ”

Investment is continuing, with the latest acquisition a 120v electric ELX sideloader from Baumann. The model is the most compact of its kind ever produced, measuring less than four metres in length and 750mm in deck height. Used to maximise the available storage space (the site is 24,000m2) but certain areas require the flexibility of the small turning radius.

“The ELX is a model we are very proud of," says sales manager, Andrea Zuliani. “The reduced overall length and improved turning circle have been achieved without sacrificing the mast or well width, clearance and low bed height, whilst the combination of 120 volt power supply and 2.5 tonnes weight reduction is expected to increase battery performance by up to 30%.”

“As you might expect for the location," says Luca, "our yard is uneven in places. The Baumann keeps the load level even when we are on an incline, which great for our productivity and peace of mind.”

Designed and built from the ground up, the ELX followed two years of painstaking research and development, and features a completely new chassis, battery and power train configuration. The operator cabin was also designed from scratch, maintaining the company's reputation for comfort and uncluttered operability, all within a reduced footprint.

“The war against weight was won," says Baumann Technical Director, Riccardo Bove. "By looking at every component, every system and every material, three tonnes, a huge amount for a small machine, was saved. It allowed us to add weight back in to improve weight distribution and operability."

With less power needed to achieve high levels of performance, running time between charges has been extended. A specially designed intelligent system developed in conjunction with Midac can be paired with a charger system to re-energise in mid-shift without damaging the cells and a battery change option.

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