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MINI EXCAVATORS
IRN JUNE 2014
E
urope’s market for construction equipment
is expected to increase from an estimated
€8 billion in 2013 to more than €9 billion by
2017, according toOff-HighwayResearch. Withone in
threemachines sold in the region amini excavator,
demand for these popular machines seems set to
rebound.
In this competitive industry, many manufacturers
Reducing the cost of
Manymanufacturers are forecasting growth inmini excavator
sales this year and are keen to ensure customers get value for
moneywhen investing in newmachines.
IRN
reports.
are putting huge efforts into making their latest
machines more efficient in order to reduce
ownership costs for contractors.
Indeed, the relevant off-highway diesel exhaust
emissions laws affecting compact equipment are
now in place (EU Stage IIIB/US Tier 4 Final). Many
expect these regulations to be the final big step in
emissions laws for some time – and now research
and development spends can be refocused
elsewhere.
From new engines to load-sensing hydraulics,
telematics systems and new travel modes,
manufacturers are working hard to introduce fresh
technology to these compactmachines.
And plenty of new mini excavators – both
conventional tailswing models, which have an
overhanging counterweight, and zero tailswing
models, whichdonot –havebeen launched in recent
months.
Rental machines
Bobcat’s new 8 t class E85 model, for instance, is
nowmaking itswayonto the rentalmarket. Powered
by a 44.3 kw Yanmar engine, themachine boasts an
upgraded hydraulic system that is said to result in
higher pressures and flows – in fact it claims bucket
digging forces have been increased 13% over the
previousmodel.
UK-based rental company Kelsey Plant Hire
recently bought five new Bobcat compact
excavators, including an E85 model, 1.6 t class E16,
2.5 t class E26 and 4.6 t class E45 – all supplied by
Bobcat of London.
Nadine Clark, Kelsey Plant Hire joint director, said
the purchaseswere part of expansion plans tomeet
agrowth indemandand increased confidence in the
market.
“Following an excellent period in the second half
of 2013, which has continued in the first part of the
year, we have decided to expand our fleet to meet
the increaseddemand,”Ms Clark explained.
One of the first rental customers for Kelsey Plant
Hire’s new Bobcat E85 excavator was NWJ Bignell
Landscape Contractors, which is a groundworks and
landscapingbusiness based inCoulsdon, Surrey.
Owner GaryBignell said, “I will definitelybeasking
for the E85 for use on some of our future projects
where its responsiveness, digging power and
manoeuvrabilitywill be key assets.”
Reduced operating costs were also a key factor in
One of the first rental customers for Kelsey
Plant Hire’s newBobcat E85 excavator was
NWJ Bignell Landscape Contractors.
Yanmar Construction Equipment’s Reynaud, “Fuel
consumption on the new SV26 – which replaces the B25V –
has been reduced by 20%”.
Caterpillar’s 308E2 compact radius excavator claims amore
efficient engine and hydraulic system.
