The flagship model of Wacker Neuson’s latest compact excavator models was on display at Equip Expo 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky.
The 5.8-ton ET58, a conventional tracked excavator, is part of a family of excavators, the 4.2-ton ET42 and the minimal tail swing 5-ton EZ50, that have been released over the past couple of years.
“It's an interesting class of machines,” said John Dotto, Wacker Neuson product application and training specialist. "The 4-ton excavator was the catalyst for designing this particular family of machines, because when EPA regulations said that 3.5-ton excavators over 25 horsepower required an aftertreatment system, it became pretty cost ineffective to have that size class machine with the high horsepower.”
For customers looking for a machine with a small footprint but high productivity, Wacker Neuson came forward with the ET42.
"That's where we've got the 48-horsepower Perkins engine on the ET42, EZ50 and ET58," Dotto said, noting that the E4T2 filled the gap, bringing Wacker Neuson back into the high-horsepower game in a compact package.
The 5-ton EZ50 offers a minimal tail swing design which is ideal for close quarters work.Wacker Nelson
With a cab a bit bigger than a 3.5-ton machine and maintaining a small footprint, contractors can haul a 4.2-ton excavator and CTL. Dotto noted that many are opting for that option versus the one-piece tractor/backhoe solution.
“A lot of guys are looking at a mini excavator plus a CTL to stay productive and have two machines working on site and doing work,” he said.
