Mini excavators: updates and launches

Stage V diesel excavator models

Hyundai Construction Equipment has updated its mini and midi excavator offer with the launch of a range of EU Stage V machines.

With operating weights of 1.7 to 5.5 t, Hyundai said the A Series mini excavators will deliver lower emissions, increased hydraulic capabilities and improved operator comfort.

Hyundai Construction Equipment extended its range of mini and midi excavators during 2022. (Photo: Hyundai)

Features include the Red Dot Design Award for the ‘Tiger Eye’ design language; load-sensing hydraulic system for models over 4 t; proportional joystick controls as standard on all models, and a large, quiet cab, tilting on models above 3.5 t.

Four of the eight machines in the range were shown at Munich’s Bauma trade show in October.

The introduction of these models will complete Hyundai’s range of 11 compact excavators, from the 1 t HX10A micro, through to the HX85A, which competes in the 9 to 10 t segment when equipped with a two-piece boom.

All Hyundai mini excavators benefit from an EU Stage V compliant diesel engine.

The company says this will establish a mutually complementary production system with Itsukaichi Plant, enabling flexible production according to the changes in the number of machines.

The company added that although global demand for hydraulic excavators had declined due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been mostly steady in advanced countries and the segment is expected to see good growth in the future.

Electric-powered mini excavators 

Case Construction Equipment launched its new D-Series mini excavator range for the European market.

It comprises 20 models, including two zero-emission electric machines.

The new CX19D CX15EV CX65D models are available in Europe through Case dealers. (Photo: Case)

Initially only available through the manufacturer’s authorised dealers, the mini excavators have operating weights ranging from 1.2 to 6.2 t.

The first electric model – the CX15EV – will be on sale in early 2023.

The CX15EV is a 1.3 t machine with a 16 kW electric motor and a 21.5 kWh battery, which can be recharged in less than two hours via a fast charger.

The D-Series machines incorporate features such as electro-hydraulic controls, additional hydraulic settings, a load-sensing electronic pump and flow-sharing control valves.

To help lower the total cost of ownership (TOC) the machines are also equipped with electronic proportional rpm control for increased fuel efficiency.

For customers managing large equipment fleets, such as those in the rental sector, D-Series machines can be used with the Case SiteWitch fleet management tool.

It incorporates geo-fencing and unauthorised used alerts for improved security, and helps improve productivity by tracking the key performance indicators of each machine.

Fuel consumption, utilisation rates and idle time data are all included in performance reports, which users can then access via an online portal.

Increasing production capacity

Kobelco Construction Machinery (KCM) announced that it will expand the production capacity of its Ogaki Plant in Japan, which produces mini excavators, to adapt quickly to the changing business environment.

The new hydraulic excavator assembly line at Ogaki Plant will have a capacity of 3,000 units a year.

Five-tonne models manufactured by Kobelco include the next generation SK50SRX-7 and SK58SRX-7 mini excavators. (Photo: Kobelco)

KCM is also increasing the plant’s fabrication capacity to increase the plant’s production capacity from 8,500 to 11,500 units a year.

The new assembly line handles 7 t machines, which are also manufactured at Itsukaichi Plant in Hiroshima, and 5 t machines, which are also manufactured at the Ogaki Plant’s existing line.

• Article first published in the November-December 2022 issue of Demolition & Recycling International