Wacker Neuson rolls out wheeled excavators

By Mike Anderson

LAS VEGAS – The wheeled excavator represents Wacker Neuson’s latest injection of compact construction equipment into North America.

With two compact models rolled out at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011, Wacker Neuson is “offering a new class of excavators” to a market not unfamiliar with full-sized wheeled excavators – although not nearly to the degree of overseas markets – but traditionally shy on compact versions of the rubber-tired excavator type. The 6.5-metric-ton 6503 and 9.5-metric-ton 9503 models are the most compact wheeled models available, says Wacker Neuson, which has hit the market aggressively in the past four years with compact wheel loaders, tracked excavators and wheel dumpers.

“The major benefit of the 6503 and 9503 is the mobility, saving time and money,” says Jay Baudhuin, compact product manager for Wacker Neuson. “Our wheeled excavators are the ultimate urban excavator. They are a great alternative to reduce the time and cost associated with needing a truck and trailer to transport track excavators to and from the jobsite. When working within approximately a 25-mile radius, it makes more sense to drive the wheeled excavator then trailer it.”

Powered by a 58.7-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine, the 6503 can travel at speeds up to 19 miles per hour with a maximum digging depth of 12 feet 7 inches, suiting it for roadside applications such as ditch work. The Deutz-driven, 101.8-horsepower 9503, with a maximum digging depth of 13 feet, can travel up to 25 miles per hour for mobile applications where travel is required while using an attachment, such as moving Jersey barriers along roadside construction.

“Wacker Neuson’s wheeled excavators are jobsite-proven in Europe and are an excellent addition to our seven compact track excavators,” says Baudhuin. “The compact size, speed and mobility make them the ideal machine for a variety of applications that require the excavator to move around the jobsite or to and from the jobsite in municipal areas.”