New mini and compact excavators
Published 4/7, 2022 at 08:31In this issue of PDi we feature, as usual, a summary of new models of mini and compact excavators for efficient material handling on the demolition work site.
Some of the featured manufacturers have already announced that new models will be released this year, which will be shown at, among other places, the bauma trade show in Munich in October. Here are some of the new machines, including some loaders and dumpers which are also ideal for demolition work.
Avant Tecno introduces two new loaders
Maybe not an excavator, but still very compact, are Avant Tecno’s two new loaders. Avant 645i and 650i have the same dimensions and lifting power as the previous 600 series models, but the engine is new, with Kubota's 33kW diesel engine providing the power and torque for work which requires high pulling force or is speed intensive. The current EU Stage V emission standard for diesel engines in non-road mobile machinery requires a catalytic converter and a particulate filter for engines above 19kW. The single speed 645i and the two speed 650i are equipped with a Kubota V1505CRT diesel engine. The oxidation catalyst and particulate filter handle the exhaust after treatment and no additives (AdBlue) are required. The maximum oil flow of the auxiliary hydraulics is 75l/min. The new loaders can run almost any of Avant’s hydraulically driven attachments. Hydrostatic transmission with a hydraulic drive motor on each wheel is a familiar feature of Avant compact loaders. The 645i is equipped with single speed motors (maximum driving speed 13km/h), while the 650i has two speed motors and a maximum driving speed of 25km/h. The loaders weigh 1620kg and 1630kg respectively.
The new loaders have a certified ROPS/FOPS open cab as standard. Both the ‘L-cab’ and Avant's latest ‘GT cab’ are available as an option. The GT cab features noise and vibration isolation, heating, ventilation, and more. The Avant concept features articulated steering which allows turning without tyre marks, with the operator sitting in the front chassis to see the attachment and the working area. The low centre of gravity, together with the rigid articulation joint, is said to increase stability and provide a higher tipping load. The telescopic lifting boom comes as standard for the new models. The length of the telescope is 600mm, and the maximum lifting height is 2.84m to the hinge pin of the attachment coupling plate. This enables loading on trucks and unloading loads from high up. The hydraulic boom self-levelling system automatically keeps the load horizontal when the boom is lifted and lowered. The 600 series also has the Avant specific quick attachment plate for attachments, and hydraulic quick locking of the locking pins is also available. The hydraulic hoses of the attachment are connected to a multi connector with over 200 attachments being available for the 600 series, which will begin production in the autumn of 2022.
Ausa’s new 3t dumper
Again, not an excavator, but a compact dumper useful for the demolition site. After completing the launch of its entire range of dumpers with higher payloads (6t to 10t), Ausa is continuing to upgrade its equipment with the new D301AHG dumper which has a 3t payload. The new dumper is designed to deliver higher productivity, a better return on investment, and improved operation safety, being ideal for relatively large scale construction works, whether for public works or quick earthworks in open spaces.
The dumper is equipped with a Kubota four cylinder 18.5kW engine with no DPF, which complies with the Stage V low emissions standard. Additionally, the machine's low weight and permanent all-wheel drive are designed for excellent off road capability and 50% gradeability. A new skip has been devised with a heaped capacity of 1,742l, which is 12% higher than the previous model. With this notable increase, Ausa is seeking to minimise the number of journeys that the operator has to make to transport the same amount of material. The power to weight ratio has also been optimised, resulting in a machine that is more manoeuvrable, quicker and with greater off road capability.
New 8t E88 excavator from Bobcat
Bobcat has extended the company’s R2-Series of mini excavators with the launch of the new E88 8t Stage V compliant model. Replacing the previous E85 M-Series machine, the E88 has been designed to deliver outstanding performance from a compact dimension machine, provide operator comfort and excellent stability with high digging output. The R2-Series also includes new features and options such as an optional fourth AUX4 auxiliary tilt coupler line, a fifth AUX5 hydraulic coupler line as standard and a longer undercarriage. Bobcat´s says that its productivity is coupled with smooth controllability thanks to low effort joysticks and intuitive displays. Large, easy opening covers provide convenient, ground level access to all service points and for maintenance checks. The proven Bobcat D24 Stage V 4-cylinder engine provides a maximum power output of 48.5kW and is designed to deliver high performance and maximum reliability. To meet Stage V emission levels, the engine uses diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), replacing selective catalytic reduction, to achieve maximum reliability, efficiency and environmental protection.
20 new models from Case
Case has recently launched the new ‘Mini-Excavator D-Series’ range in Europe, featuring 20 models from 1t to 6t, including two electric models. The D-Series is equipped with the latest technology, features and attachments for all markets and applications. The series has been designed to be versatile and agile and is supported by high levels of serviceability and reliability. Furthermore, the European Case D-Series range is manufactured at dedicated plants in Italy, benefitting from the synergies of innovation, technology, expertise and production following the acquisition of Sampierana by CNH Industrial in 2021. “Mini excavators are a high growth segment and account for nearly half of all European machine sales. Case has responded to customer demand with a full line up of 20 D-Series Mini Excavators from 1t to 6t, with two electric models in the 1t to 3t range,” notes Egidio Galano, director, Construction Equipment Product Management Europe, CNH Industrial. The two electric models, the first available from the first quarter of 2023, are in the 1t to 3t ranges, supporting customers operating on jobsites with demanding emissions controls and noise constraints, such as in urban locations. “One primary benefit of this extensive line up is versatility, tailor making a solution to all customer needs, whether that’s different sizes for sites with restricted access or to take advantage of the huge range of attachments,” continues Galano. The range includes such features as a zero tail swing and two piece booms, hydraulic and mechanical quick couplers and electric models.
18 new mini excavators and three new loaders from Caterpillar
Caterpillar is launching 18 new models of mini excavators on the market. The new models of mini excavators are: 301.5 – 301.6 – 301.7 CR – 301.8 – 302 CR – 302.7 CR – 303 CR – 303.5 CR - 304 – 305 CR – 306 CR - 307.5 – 308 CR – 308 CR VAB (Variable Angle Boom) – 308 CR Fixed Boom – 309 CR – 309 CR VAB (Long Undercarriage) - 310. In addition, Cat is also launching three new ‘Next Generation’ compact loaders which are Cat 906, 907 and 908. “The next generation of Cat mini hydraulic excavators delivers improved performance, longer service intervals, and a lower total cost of ownership compared to previous models. From the 301.5 to the 310, design commonality gives operators a high quality, comfortable and consistent working environment,” says Sam Matthews, Caterpillar product application specialist, mini excavators. Cat says that the range includes some ‘industry first’ features such as operators being able to adjust settings to implement speed and response. The stick steer system allows the operator to switch with the touch of a button from conventional travel lever/pedal steering controls to left hand joystick control. Some new machines are fitted with cruise control and there is air conditioning in even the smallest models. The 3.5t to 10t Next Generation models can also now be equipped with Cat ‘Grade’.
‘New Generation’ Doosan DX27Z-7 and DX35Z-7 mini excavators
Doosan Infracore Europe has announced the launch of the new DX27Z-7 2.8t and DX35Z-7 3.9t Stage V compliant mini excavators. Both new models have been developed to provide a larger working range than the previous generation machines, higher lifting capacities and digging forces. Also installed as standard is the latest version (3.0) of the ‘DoosanConnect’ system. The DX27Z-7 and DX35Z-7 are now the smallest machines in the Doosan range with the system. Featuring the new global styling for the next generation Doosan mini excavator range, the platform design and new upper structures in the DX27Z-7 and DX35Z-7 are said to provide increased durability/robustness. The zero tail swing design of both machines makes them ideal for work in confined spaces. Both models are powered by the Doosan D17 Stage V compliant diesel engine providing 18.4kW of power at 2,400rpm and 2,200rpm respectively (DX27Z-7 and DX35Z-7).
The DX27Z-7 and DX35Z-7 also offer high auxiliary flows of 58l/min and 74 l/min respectively, to enhance work with attachments. Newly designed cast counterweights ensure machine balance and stability when working. Long arm options are available for both models with 60kg and 100kg additional counterweights respectively. The boom swing angle and swing radius are said by Doosan to be better than or equal to other machines in their class. Visibility and workability are improved by increasing the bucket protrusion distance beyond the tracks. Placing the boom swing cylinder on the left hand side of cab allows the operator to work right up against walls and other structures on the right hand side of the machines. The fuel tank and boom swing cylinder have been positioned at the base of the cab, with the MCV now on the right side of the machine, improving visibility for maintaining and working on the MCV.
