Compact excavators may not have the muscle of a loader/backhoe or a mid-size excavator. But these nimble machines aren’t as big or heavy, or as hungry for fuel.
That means they can go places — like small backyards, existing landscapes, and across wet or muddy areas — where the bigger machines can’t, and take on all kinds of digging, loading and grading work when speed and agility will make you more money than sheer brawn.
“Their overall versatility allows compact excavators to be used in many applications and essentially keeps them running while on a job site, regardless of conditions,” says Curtis Goettel, marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment. “They can pay for themselves quickly and operate at low cost per hour during their life cycle. In the end, contractors can charge less to the customer and put more profit in their pockets.”
Most compact excavators come with a hydraulically controlled blade for use in backfilling trenches and for grading small areas. The latest models offer a number of design and technological advances to make work easier while boosting productivity.
“Center-swing booms allow the unit to dig or operate attachments directly parallel to building foundations, fences or other obstacles,” Goettel says. “Two-speed transmissions give them faster ground speed. Zero-tail-swing allows operation near obstacles.
“Joystick pilot controls and proportional-flow hydraulics provide smooth and intuitive control of the excavator and any hydraulic attachments while reducing operator fatigue. Cabs with heat, air conditioning, radios and heated suspension seats increase operator comfort. That means you spend more time in the seat working and making money.”
Here’s a sampling of current models:
Bobcat E42
Equipped with a 41.8 hp liquid-cooled diesel engine, the 9,246-pound conventional-tail-swing E42 joins the Bobcat M-Series line of compact excavators. The standard-arm version provides a digging depth of 126.2 inches, while the long-arm machine digs to 138 inches.
Bucket breakout force is increased by a load-sensing pump and closed center-valve system, which improves control of machine travel and work-group operation, and by re-engineered boom geometry. Cushioned work-group cylinders offer smooth, precise end-of-stroke control. A thumb switch on the left joystick makes operation of the swing boom easy.
An in-track swing frame keeps the swing castings and cylinders within the width of the tracks when digging in an offset position, improving operation when digging flush against an obstacle. A TOPS/ROPS canopy with high-back suspension seat, retractable seat belt, cup holder, adjustable armrests and lockable toolbox are standard. 800/743-4340; www.bobcat.com.
Case CX
Case Construction Equipment has upgraded its compact excavators with Tier 4 certified engines for more efficient power and faster cycle times and a three-post ROPS for easier entry and exit and better visibility. Joystick pilot controls and proportional-flow hydraulics provide smooth control of the machine and hydraulic attachments, while variable controls let operators use either hand to operate the bucket or dipper.
With a tap on a button, the one-touch decelerator instantly drops engine speed to idle, making it easier to talk with ground personnel. Another touch returns the engine to the previous rpm. Users can reach service and maintenance points from the ground. The four models — the CX27B, CX31B, CX36B and CX50B — range from 5,566 to 10,261 pounds. Delivering from 21.3 to 39.8 net hp, they offer maximum digging depths from 8 feet, 4 inches to 11 feet, 9 inches. 866/542-2736; www.casece.com.
Caterpillar 308D CR SB
Caterpillar offers 10 mini-excavator models, ranging from 18.1 to 55.6 net hp, and from 3,549 to 18,519 pounds. Among the newest and largest is the 308D CR SB. The compact radius design, with just a 6-inch tail-swing overhang, offers more versatility in confined areas. The swing boom lets users trench parallel to tracks, dig close to fences, walls and buildings and dig a box-section without repositioning the undercarriage.
The machine digs down to 15 feet, 6 inches and has a maximum ground-level reach of 24 feet, 5 inches and a bucket breakout force of 13,489 pounds. An economy mode reduces fuel consumption in light-duty applications, while maintaining high bucket forces and lift capacity. A boom and stick regeneration circuit saves energy during boom-down and stick-in operations. 309/675-1000; www.cat.com.
JCB 8085ZTS
The 8-ton zero-tail-swing 8085ZTS is the largest of the 10 JCB compact excavators. An Isuzu Tier 3 turbo engine provides more power, torque and productivity, and boosts fuel efficiency more than 25 percent. Optional electronic proportional auxiliary controls improve attachment control.
The Advanced Management System’s LCD display shows fuel level, hydraulic and water temperature and operational details, like hours run and error messages. It also lets the user choose among light, standard, and heavy digging modes and provides self-diagnostics.
Tracks include the standard 17.7-inch triple grouser steel tracks and optional 23.6-inch steel tracks, 17.7-inch rubber tracks and 17.7-inch Geogrip rubber pad tracks. Daily maintenance points and hydraulic test ports are under the rear hood, and the excavator valve block has been moved to the right side of the engine compartment, reducing maintenance time. 912/447-2000; www.jcbamericas.com.
Komatsu PC35MR-3
The 28.9 hp Komatsu medium-swing-radius PC35MR-3 excavator has an operating weight of 7,909 pounds and a maximum dig depth of 11 feet, 4 inches. The standard thumb mounting bracket and auxiliary hydraulics simplify hydraulic thumb installation, and the optional Power Angle Blade lets users angle the blade 25 degrees right or left.
The machine has the Komtrax fleet monitoring system, which uses wireless technology to send machine operation data such as operating hours, machine location and fuel levels to a secure Web site for analysis. The cab features include easy entry, fully adjustable suspension seat with retractable seat belt, and pilot proportional joystick controls. The X-track frame prevents dirt and debris buildup and a single, large-diameter swing pin enhances the durability of the swing boom mechanism. 866/513-5778; www.komatsuamerica.com.
Takeuchi TB138FR
Takeuchi offers the zero-tail-swing TB138FR. This 8,995-pound excavator has a digging depth of 11 feet, 3 inches, a maximum reach of 17 feet, 9 inches at ground level, and a bucket breakout force of 8,995 pounds. The side-to-side offset boom system combined with the zero-tail-swing lets the machine slue 360 degrees only inches beyond the track width.
A low center of gravity offers the stability and craning capacities of conventional excavators. The hydraulic system has a large-capacity cooler and variable-displacement piston pumps to make more efficient use of engine power while adjusting power and speed for fast cycle times. An electrohydraulic push-button and proportional slide switch on the left joystick provide precise control of auxiliary hydraulics. 706/693-3600; www.takeuchi-us.com.
Terex TC35
The 32.5 hp, 7,980-pound TC35/TC35E is one of 10 Terex compact crawler excavators, ranging from 18 to 94 hp and from 3,638 pounds to 28,219 pounds. This model digs to 11 feet, 8 inches and has a maximum reach of 18 feet, 9 inches. It has multi-function operation and an auxiliary hydraulic circuit with open (pressureless) return for flexibility in adding attachments.
The offset boom design with built-in swing gives operators excellent visibility and enables the machine to work in tight areas next to buildings and foundations, including parallel-to-wall jobs. The boom cylinder is mounted on the back of the boom to protect from impacts with loads, and ground-level access to the engine, drive train and hydraulics speed maintenance. The cab includes a suspension seat and adjustable armrests. 662/393-1800; www.terex.com.
Yanmar ViO55
No part of the housing of the 11,312-pound Yanmar ViO55 extends beyond the tracks. The combined flow of three hydraulic pumps lets users turn the house while also operating the boom and arm. The machine digs to 13 feet, 8 inches and reaches 20 feet, 4 inches.
The hydraulic quick coupler lets operators attach and remove buckets while seated in the cab, except for fitting and removing the safety lock pin. It adapts to most bucket pin sizes and spreads. Other features include joystick pilot controls, protected boom light, and double acting/single acting hydraulic PTO. The optional angle blade has a float position, and a switch on the blade lever allows angling of the blade while lifting and lowering it. 847/541-1900; www.yanmar.com.
