Skanska AB, a leading global construction company, has an ambitious vision to replace all petrol-powered tools and equipment with Battery alternatives by 2027. Following a successful trial of the MX FUEL™ system, Skanska’s Swedish rental arm placed a substantial order for MILWAUKEE® Battery-powered equipment, marking a significant milestone in achieving its sustainability goals.

The challenge

While Skanska had successfully converted its general Power Tool portfolio to Batteries, the company continued to rely on petrol-powered solutions for heavy-duty wet concrete work. This created an obstacle to achieving its low-emission goals.

Traditional petrol-powered machines posed several challenges. Harmful emissions were particularly hazardous indoors, causing headaches and dizziness, and also limiting work periods. Equipment also lacked immediate cut-out options, whilst traditional mixing and refuelling processes introduced fuel handling risks.

The solution

A comprehensive wet concrete trial took place at Skanska Rental’s Nordic headquarters, with detailed presentations and hands-on product training.

Admir Garaplija, Key Account Manager at MILWAUKEE® Rental SE, explained: “Skanska has had a vision to transition away from petrol tools for many years. We had to prove that MX FUEL™ batteries could deliver the runtime needed to power through long shifts on busy construction sites, without compromising on performance.”

The equipment

Following the successful trial, Skanska quickly placed a substantial order for MX FUEL™ equipment:

• MX FUEL™ 900 mm Walk Behind Power Trowels
• MX FUEL™ 600 mm Walk Behind Edging Trowels
• MX FUEL™ Plate Compactors
• MX FUEL™ Cut-off Saws
• MX FUEL™ Super Chargers

A year later, Skanska invested in reordering more equipment, specifically the MX FUEL™ 900 mm Walk Behind Power Trowels and MX FUEL™ 600 mm Walk Behind Power Edging Trowels.

Performance and efficiency benefits

The MX FUEL™ system created a substantially safer working environment. Safety features like AUTOSTOP™ provide instant cut-out to improve user protection and prevent accidents. The cut-off saw’s RAPIDSTOP™ brake system stops blades within 3 seconds, while anti-kickback technology prevents user injury. The equipment eliminates hazards associated with petrol, including spills, so workers can now operate safely indoors with zero harmful emissions.

What’s more, the MX FUEL™ platform covers the whole wet concrete process, from pour to finish, using one battery platform. This removes cable and petrol risks, streamlining operations.

MILWAUKEE® was the first manufacturer to supply Skanska with battery-powered trowels that could effectively replace petrol alternatives. “There’s a lot of benefits when it comes to battery-powered tools and equipment; like how fast you can start them, it’s just one button, simply push it, and off you go,” said Mirza Palislamovic, Product Manager at Skanska Rental Sweden.

Results and impact

Feedback from operators has been overwhelmingly positive.

As Palislamovic explained, “With MX FUEL™ Trowels, we noticed that end users really, really like this equipment. They don’t have to bother with petrol mixing or a trailing cord, and they know these trowels will finish the job.”

The transition supports Skanska AB’s climate roadmap and long-term environmental goals.

As Elif Wahlund, Climate and Sustainability Manager at Skanska Rental Sweden, said: “(We) find battery-powered tools and equipment, like those from MILWAUKEE®, are better for people, better for jobsites, for working indoors, and for the wider environment.”

Looking ahead

The successful adoption of MX FUEL™ equipment demonstrates that battery-powered technology can match and exceed petrol performance in demanding construction applications. Skanska’s commitment to eliminating all petrol-powered equipment by 2027 is now supported by proven, reliable battery solutions.