The Dieci Apollo-e 26.6 electric telehandler marks an evolution in warehouse machinery, offering quieter and emission-free operation.
With demand growing for quieter and cleaner machinery, Dieci is investing in the future with its first fully electric telehandler in the Australian market – the Apollo-e 26.6.
For Australian machinery repairer AWD Australia, the addition of the Apollo-e to its fleet was the first time it had used an electric telehandler.
To see how the Apollo-e 26.6 has seamlessly joined operations at AWD Australia’s busy Sydney warehouse, Earthmoving Equipment Magazine joined Dieci Sales Manager Bob Mules and AWD Australia NSW Service Manager Ryan Pedro on site.
Materials Handling – The Fleet Evolution to Electric Telehandlers
AWD Australia has been offering machinery servicing and repair across Australia for nearly 30 years. With its headquarters in Sydney and branches in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth, the company specialises in engineering and adapting products to meet local construction machinery requirements.
At its Prestons warehouse on the south-western edge of Sydney, a fleet of handling equipment is used to stack, transport, and load a variety of machinery parts for construction and lifting brands.
Joining the team on site at the beginning of July, we watched an electric Dieci Apollo-e 26.6 electric telehandler manoeuvring loads in a busy workspace where precision and safety are vital.
“The Apollo-e 26.6 marks a new era in materials handling for Dieci,” Bob said. “As Australia’s first fully electric Dieci telehandler, it delivers zero-emissions operation without compromising the performance, lifting capability, or reliability the brand is renowned for.
“Having the Apollo-e in a live warehouse environment like this at AWD Australia, you can see how well it performs in day-to-day operations.”
The Apollo-e 26.6 telehandler has a maximum carrying capacity of 2.6 tonnes and a lift height of 5.73 metres. The traction motor has a power rating of 25hp (19kW) and the hydraulic motor has a power rating of 30hp (22kW).
A dedicated electric hydraulic motor achieves a hydraulic flow rate of 62 litres per minute, maximising manoeuvrability and lifting power.
For AWD Australia, the Apollo-e 26.6 was an attractive option because it could be operated indoors with zero emissions, but still delivered the lifting capability needed to maintain efficient operations.
“Here at AWD Australia, we have a large range of equipment and parts moving through the warehouse every day, so efficiency, safety, and reliability are really important to keeping the operation running smoothly,” Ryan said.
“The biggest advantage is the zero-emissions operation. Because we use it inside the warehouse, there are no exhaust fumes, creating a cleaner and more comfortable environment for our team.
“It’s also noticeably quieter than a diesel machine. That makes a real difference during a busy day and improves communication throughout the warehouse.”
Apollo-e Electric Telehandler Performance
For businesses used to diesel-run machinery, the switch to electric can raise concerns around whether battery-powered equipment can perform at the same level.
This hasn’t been a concern at AWD Australia, with Ryan saying that the Apollo-e 26.6 delivers “smooth power, responsive controls and plenty of lifting capability for our daily requirements”.
“One misconception around electric equipment is that performance may be compromised,” Bob said. “The Apollo-e 26.6 has been engineered with dedicated electric drive and hydraulic systems, delivering instant torque, smooth operation, and consistent boom performance.”
The Apollo-e 26.6 delivers a maximum lift height of 5.73m and up to 3.3m of horizontal reach, giving operators the versatility required for a range of lifting applications.
“The compact footprint and tight turning circle give us excellent flexibility when handling stock,” Ryan said. “Whether we’re loading, unloading, or positioning pallets at height, the machine has the reach and lifting performance we need.
“The compact design allows us to work comfortably in tighter warehouse spaces while still maintaining excellent visibility and control.”
Three steering modes – two-wheel steer, four-wheel steer and crab steer – offer greater flexibility for different worksite conditions.
For AWD Australia, the combination of smooth operation and responsive controls has been a standout from operating the Apollo-e.
“Because it’s fully electric, you get instant power exactly when you need it,” Ryan said. “Another real advantage is that the drive system and boom functions operate independently. Unlike a diesel machine, you’re not relying on engine RPM to maintain hydraulic performance, so the lifting functions stay smooth, precise and consistent throughout the job.”
Apollo-e Electric Telehandler Charging options
The Apollo-e 26.6 has multiple charging options for Australian worksites:
- 240V industrial socket;
- 415V three-phase socket;
- Mode 3 EV fast charge socket and
- External fast charger
All charging points are positioned for easy access and can be used with the bonnet closed to improve safety and protect against tampering.
With a modular battery system, the Apollo-e 26.6 can be configured to match your job requirements. Scale your battery capacity for longer runtime or lighter operation – giving you the flexibility to work smarter and stay productive longer.
“Customers can choose either a single or dual battery configuration to suit their operational needs,” Bob said. “If required, a second battery can easily be added to a single battery configuration later as your business or workload grows.”
Ryan said that flexibility was one of the first things that AWD Australia asked about when deciding to take on the Apollo-e 26.6.
“The dual battery configuration really appealed to us because it best suits the way we operate,” he said. “We also purchased a spare battery, giving us the flexibility to quickly swap batteries during overtime shifts or whenever charging isn’t readily available.”
Another advantage is charging flexibility, with the Apollo-e 26.6 offering charging using standard 240V industrial power, three-phase power, an EV charging station or an external fast charger.
“This makes integration into existing operations straightforward,” Bob said. “Depending on the charging solution selected, the Apollo-e can be recharged in as little as one hour with the optional fast charger, in around 2.5 hours using 415V three-phase power, or in about five hours from a standard 240V power outlet.”
Ryan said that charging the telehandler had been easily integrated into AWD Australia’s warehouse operational schedule.
“The charging options provide flexibility and allow us to schedule charging around our workflow without disruption,” he said.
Easy operation
For a machine to be successful, it needs to be comfortable to sit in for long periods of time, be easy to maintain, and have clear, intuitive controls so employees can quickly get up to speed with operating a new system. Bob said these considerations were front of mind for Dieci when creating its first electric telehandler.
“One of the biggest ownership advantages of the Apollo-e 26.6 is its simplified maintenance requirements,” Bob said. “With no diesel engine, fuel system or engine servicing requirements, customers can significantly reduce routine maintenance costs and associated downtime, increasing their productivity.
“The multifunction joystick allows operators to control multiple boom functions simultaneously while maintaining precise machine movement.”
The feedback from the AWD team has been positive, with the joystick making operation of the Apollo-e smooth and easy to learn.
“The joystick system is fantastic,” Ryan said. “Everything is intuitive and easy to control.
“The proportional controls allow multiple boom functions at the same time, making the machine precise and easy to operate. Once operators jump in, they become comfortable very quickly.”
The Apollo-e 26.6 electric telehandler is backed by a comprehensive three-year/3,000-hour warranty, supported by Dieci Australia’s national sales and service network.
Bob said that the Apollo-e 26.6 is proof that businesses no longer need to choose between sustainability and performance.
“With fully electric operation, flexible charging options and genuine Dieci lifting capability, it’s helping Australian businesses take the next step in materials handling,” he said.
After a successful debut at AWD Australia, Ryan said that he had no hesitation in recommending the Dieci Apollo-e 26.6 to other businesses considering a switch to electric telehandlers.
“The Apollo-e 26.6 delivers all the capability you’d expect from a diesel telehandler, with the benefits of zero emissions, lower noise, and lower operating costs,” he said.
For businesses looking to explore the advantages of electric telehandlers in their operations, Dieci can provide expert advice on how the Apollo-e can best be utilised.
“The Apollo-e 26.6 was developed to provide customers with a genuine alternative to traditional diesel-powered telehandlers,” Bob said. “With a fully electric transmission, zero exhaust emissions and significantly reduced noise levels, it’s ideally suited to warehouses, manufacturing facilities and environmentally sensitive worksites.”
For more information about the Apollo-e Electric Telehandler, contact Dieci Australia.
