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Mini Excavator
Construction trends today
suggest the need for smaller, more agile and better-performing
equipment. These needs are pushing tractor and excavator
manufacturers to pioneer new designs for smaller excavators suited
to high-performance construction work in restricted conditions. High
engine output and torque are critical for the needs of today's
contractors. Models in the mini-excavator range need to offer
operators abundant hydraulic power allowing for comfortable working,
regardless of the task.
Two-pattern selection systems permitting the operator to choose
either a "backhoe" or "excavator" operating mode reduce
familiarization time and inefficiency on the job site. Other
standard features that increase operator productivity and comfort
include hydraulic, "feather-touch" pilot controls; walk-through cab
designs; and steel or rubber tracks. Bucket and boom specifications,
coupled with hydraulic flow rates and breakout force, are equally
important. Research and development The design of responsive
construction equipment doesn't happen by accident. Top manufacturers
invest heavily in forward-thinking engineering and measure those
trends influencing the market sectors they serve.
This is especially true when
it comes to excavator design and development. Research and
development efforts and marketplace understanding are key in
determining the winners and losers in the compact excavator and
mini-excavator market. For example, variable-width track affords the
operator seamless, on-the-go track manipulation. Being able to widen
or reduce track width without having to alter the machine's position
or drop the dozer blade and/or bucket means faster job performance.
Increased track length translates to more stable and comfortable
operation. The longer track means compact and mini-excavators can
handle obstacles and curbs without loss of directional stability.
The quest for design innovation results in upgraded excavator lines,
with each of a manufacturer's models having the ability to work
efficiently and precisely in restricted areas. These types of design
and performance attributes make compact and mini-excavators the
logical choice for construction challenges unmet by larger machines.
Market responsive engineering Contributing to demand for and sales
of smaller excavators are a strong U.S. economy and a construction
boom. Industry surveys suggest owner-operators prize excavators that
have faster speeds, versatility, ease of operation and
site-friendliness. Market data indicates that many construction
operators now prefer a compact or mini-excavator to a standard
trencher, especially when the job calls for operation in
obstacle-ridden soil. A reputation as a compact or mini-excavator
pioneer contributes to a manufacturer's gaining market share.
One manufacturer found through customer surveys the need for
improved operator seating. So it added a suspension seat.
Accordingly, the manufacturer offered a high-back, full-featured
suspension seat as standard, along with standard retractable seat
belts. For improved service life and less downtime, the manufacturer
relocated the bucket hoses. These critical parts are now routed
through the boom arm frame. This reduces repair costs, improves
operator visibility and enhances overall service life. Hose
connections between the rotary joint and the boom cylinder also
eliminate the need for inside-the-machine repairs.
Manufacturer improvements Operators also asked that on-machine
storage be improved, and the manufacturer responded by designing a
generous tool/storage bin perfect for a grease gun, tools,
construction plans or a lunch box. While convenience and comfort
items are important upgrades, the primary focus should be on
performance for compact and mini-excavators to boost lift capacity,
increase stability and enhance on-the-job applications.
High-performance, variable-width track frames translate to improved
side-to-side stability when trenching and performing other tasks.
With the switch of a lever the operator can reduce the track width
without lifting the machine off the ground or dropping the dozer
blade. This greatly improves access to tight areas. Directional
stability can be improved as well by adding to the on-ground track
length. This upgrade can improve fore-aft stability and operator
comfort. Narrow track features along with enhanced performance
features improve the go-anywhere, lightweight mini-excavators.
Manufacturers that use advanced design techniques to meet the
challenge of offering customers smaller, more versatile and
performance-matched machines with increased power lead the market in
meeting contractor needs. The smaller the better Some
mini-excavators are so small they can fit through a standard door
opening, ride in an elevator, dig 5 feet deep and hammer up to 1,600
beats per minute without being hampered by space restrictions. Fitted
with rubber tracks, a mini-excavator is also easy on the operator
and the neighbors. Low noise and low vibration are traits of top
units. The newest mini-excavators are perfect for jobs too small for
compact excavators and are a valuable alternative to manual labor or
a work crew using hand-held equipment. With enough breakout force to
manage tough excavating jobs, some machines have a breaking force
rated at 900-1,600 beats per minute when equipped with a hydraulic
hammer.
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