Executive Hire News › Archives › November 2008 › Market Report : Mini excavators
Market Report : Mini excavators
Volvo’s Road to success
Road Equipment of Ashford, Middlesex, recently added eight new Volvo mini excavators to its hire fleet. The chosen models include four 3 tonne ECR28 machines. Plant Director, Andy Cook, believes such zero tail swing machines are becoming the most popular type of machine to hire, especially in the Greater London area where restricted access and limited working space are common problems. “This is especially so for our typical customers who, in the main, work on roads and pavements, and landscapers working in small gardens and public areas.” Closed centre load sensing hydraulic systems are designed so that each of the machine’s functions can be performed simultaneously, thus maximising available power and fuel efficiency. The engine is side mounted to facilitate service access.
01223 836636
www.volvo.co.uk
Hirers turn to Takeuchi
Takeuchi reports that its TB016 1.5 tonne mini is proving popular with hirers supplying contractors in the utilities industries, such as Hire One, Morris Leslie, One Call and Speedy. Speedy recently provided Wales and West Utilities with a batch of the machines for a substantial contract for replacement and reinstatement work throughout its region.
Jane Rowley, Speedy’s Regional Manager, says, “We are successfully reacting to customer demand. Wales and West is very familiar with Takeuchi minis. They are well liked by operators, reliable on site and provide good breakout force.” The TB016 has automatic track brakes and a slew brake for safety in transportation. The machine’s track width can be varied from 1m for access up to 1.3m for maximum stability during operation. A joystick control is fitted for ease of use, and the engine shuts down automatically if the oil level is too low or operating temperature is excessive.
01706 657722
www.takeuchi-mfg.co.uk
JCB launches new two-tonner
JCB’s recently launched 8020 mini excavator is a 2 tonne model based on the 801 series of machines, which are designed to be easier to operate and service. The manufacturers says that the reduced tail swing machine is the largest JCB model which, under European legislation, can be legally towed behind increasingly popular crew-cab style pickup trucks. The cab is designed for low noise levels and controls are ergonomically designed for straightforward operation in excavator or dozer modes, and for in-line tracking. Separately, Jewson Tool Hire has purchased over 300 JCB compact machines as part of a fleet upgrading. It has ordered 200 8014 minis, 100 8008 Micro excavators and 40 HTD5 tracked dumpers.
01889 590312
www.jcb.com
Narrower Kubota machine
Kubota has launched the U30-3 zero tail swing mini, a 3.3 tonne machine that sits between the existing 2.5 tonne U25-3 and 3.5 tonne U35-3 in the company’s U Series. Measuring 1.55m wide, it is 20cm narrower than the U35-3, facilitating access in tight locations. Like other Kubota models from 1.5 tonne upwards, the U30-3 has the manufacturer’s anti-theft system as standard. Other features include automatic engine idle and return to speed, as well as a display of diagnostic readings and routine maintenance alerts. The flow rate of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit can be adjusted quickly, simplifying the use of attachments.
01889 565111
www.kubota.co.uk
New Holland’s mini upgrade
New Holland Construction has upgraded its E18B mini excavator, which has an operating weight of 1780kg. It is now available with a cab and incorporates an efficient Tier III engine. The machine features an adjustable track width from 990-1330mm, allowing it to pass through narrow openings before extending the tracks for greater working stability.
01268 292183
www.newholland.com
Wacker-Neuson changes colours
Wacker-Neuson has announced several model number changes to its line-up of mini excavators, as well as a switch in livery from red to yellow, following the merger of Wacker Construction Equipment AG and Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen. One of the main reasons for the new designations is to more accurately match machines to their weights. For example, the 1503 becomes the 1703, and the 1903 is now the 2003.
The company has also re-named its Kippmatic design as the Vertical Digging System (VDS) which is now available as an option on the 2003 and 3503 excavators (formerly the 1903 and 3703).VDS allows the superstructure to be hydraulically tilted by up to 15°, to enable the operator to work on inclines of up to 27% with greater stability when digging or using a hydraulic breaker on undulating terrain.
01992 707200
www.wackergroup.com |
