How Much Does the All-Electric Skid Steer Cost?

When contractors and construction companies evaluate adding new equipment, understanding the true cost is essential. However, the cost of an all-electric skid steer goes beyond its price tag. It’s important to consider how it impacts efficiency, safety, and labor costs on a job site. For an industry that thrives on maximizing output while minimizing downtime, the switch to electric machinery can have profound effects on a project’s profitability.

Cratos Equipment's Sherpa 100ECO, alongside other electric skid steers such as Bobcat’s T7X, represents a new frontier in construction equipment. This post, however, isn’t just about discussing price. We will focus on how electric skid steers impact efficiency, remove laborious manual tasks from job sites, and why Cratos’ Sherpa 100ECO stands out as a better option for everyday indoor applications compared to other models like Bobcat’s T7X.

Maximizing Worker Efficiency: The Real Cost of Labor

Construction projects are time-bound, and inefficiency often results in lost revenue. A significant portion of a worker’s time on-site is spent on labor-intensive tasks like pushing wheelbarrows, sweeping, and moving debris. Manual material handling tasks can be slow and costly, especially when you need your skilled workers focusing on more productive tasks.

Electric skid steers like the 100ECO eliminate the need for manual work like broom, shovel, and wheelbarrow activities in tight indoor spaces. Instead of deploying several laborers to clean up debris or move materials, a single operator with an electric skid steer can do the same job in a fraction of the time. This increase in worker productivity translates to faster project completion, less downtime, and, ultimately, cost savings.

While machines like Bobcat’s T7X also promise efficiency, their use is more limited when it comes to indoor projects, which we’ll discuss further. The compact design of the 100ECO allows it to navigate small, confined indoor spaces easily, which is crucial for projects like interior demolition or warehouse renovations. This machine not only reduces the physical strain on workers but also allows you to reallocate manpower to more pressing tasks.

Indoor Operations: Why Size and Weight Matter

One of the key benefits of electric skid steers is the ability to work indoors without the harmful emissions of diesel engines. Zero-emission equipment is crucial for confined indoor spaces, improving both air quality and worker safety. However, not all electric skid steers are equally suited for these environments.

Bobcat’s T7X, while a powerful all-electric machine, is heavier and wider than the Sherpa 100ECO, making it less ideal for most indoor applications. Weighing nearly 12,000 lbs and being over 5 feet wide, the T7X is better suited for large, open indoor environments like commercial building construction or warehouse projects where space is not at a premium. For smaller indoor projects—like interior demolition in homes, office renovations, or tight warehouse spaces—its weight and width become obstacles.

In contrast, the 100ECO is specifically designed for maneuverability in tight, confined spaces. It can access areas that larger machines simply cannot reach, making it the better option for everyday indoor use. Its smaller size allows for precision work in cramped spaces without the risk of damaging walls, floors, or other structures—issues that could arise with a larger, heavier machine like the T7X.

For contractors who frequently deal with confined indoor spaces, the weight and width of the equipment are major factors to consider. The 100ECO is not only compact but also much lighter, which reduces the risk of damaging surfaces or substructures like concrete floors. This is especially important when operating in spaces where the surface integrity must be preserved, such as warehouses or residential buildings.

Reducing Physical Strain and Injury Risks

One of the often-overlooked costs in construction is the toll that manual labor takes on workers. Pushing wheelbarrows, shoveling debris, and performing repetitive manual tasks can lead to injuries over time, reducing productivity and increasing labor costs through injury claims or lost time. These low-value, labor-intensive tasks also distract from more critical aspects of the job.

An electric skid steer like the 100ECO allows your team to avoid these physically demanding tasks altogether. The machine takes over jobs like debris clearing and material transport, drastically cutting down on the manual work that often leads to overexertion injuries. This shift not only improves the overall well-being of workers but also reduces the need for multiple laborers, saving on labor costs and boosting efficiency.

By reducing the strain on workers, companies benefit from fewer injury-related disruptions and can focus on utilizing their workers for skilled tasks that contribute more to the project. This allows your team to work smarter, not harder, and get more done in less time.

Bobcat’s T7X also promises similar efficiency gains, but as noted earlier, its large size and weight limit its ability to operate in confined spaces where most of these labor-intensive tasks occur. For large projects, it may be effective, but for daily indoor use, the Sherpa 100ECO remains a better choice, especially when worker safety and efficiency are priorities.

Streamlining Workflows and Project Timelines

Electric skid steers not only reduce physical strain on workers but also streamline the overall workflow on a job site. On large construction projects, workflow bottlenecks often arise from inefficient material handling, debris removal, and cleanup tasks. These delays can push back timelines and lead to costly overruns.

With a compact machine like the 100ECO, contractors can remove these bottlenecks. For example, instead of assigning multiple workers to manually clear debris using wheelbarrows, the Sherpa can perform the task in a fraction of the time, with just one operator. This frees up laborers to focus on other high-priority tasks, keeping the project on track and within budget.

While the Bobcat T7X has the power to handle large loads, its bulk and lack of maneuverability in smaller indoor spaces limit its application in everyday workflow situations. Large projects with wide-open spaces can certainly benefit from the T7X, but for projects where maneuverability and precision are key, the Sherpa 100ECO excels. This agility makes it perfect for small-to-medium-sized contractors who frequently work on indoor renovations, tight warehouse jobs, or interior demolitions.

Indoor Projects: The Clear Advantage of the 100ECO

When comparing electric skid steers, especially for indoor use, the 100ECO clearly stands out over larger machines like the Bobcat T7X. While the T7X is a remarkable machine in its own right, its size and weight restrict its utility in most indoor applications. It excels in large, open spaces or for projects requiring heavy-duty equipment, but for most contractors needing a versatile, indoor-focused solution, it’s overkill.

The 100ECO, on the other hand, was built for these kinds of indoor applications. It can fit through doorways and operate in hallways, basements, or other confined areas where larger machines like the T7X simply cannot go. Additionally, its lighter weight ensures that it won’t cause damage to flooring or other sensitive surfaces, making it a more practical option for everyday indoor use.

The Hidden Costs of Inefficiency

Focusing only on the upfront price of equipment is a common pitfall when evaluating construction machinery. However, the true cost of a machine comes from its ability to reduce inefficiencies, improve worker safety, and streamline workflows. While larger machines like Bobcat’s T7X may seem attractive for heavy-duty projects, their size and weight limit their versatility.

For contractors focused on efficiency, safety, and reducing labor costs, the 100ECO offers clear advantages, especially in indoor applications. By automating labor-intensive tasks, enhancing worker safety, and streamlining project workflows, this compact, all-electric skid steer represents a smarter investment for contractors looking to maximize returns on their equipment.

Next Steps: Invest in Efficiency with Cratos Equipment

If your construction company is looking to improve worker efficiency, enhance job site safety, and reduce reliance on manual labor, the 100ECO from Cratos Equipment is the perfect fit. Whether you're handling indoor demolitions, warehouse renovations, or tight-space construction work, the 100ECO delivers superior performance in areas where larger machines like the Bobcat T7X fall short.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Cratos Equipment today for a quote on the 100ECO and see how switching to electric equipment can save your company thousands in operational costs.