With electrification on horizon, latest compact excavators defined by improved hydraulics, new tech

More tech packed into lower-cost machines

 

Technology has always been a tricky issue for compact equipment. Tech features can be expensive and represent a higher percentage of total initial cost than on larger models. And the same technology that provides clear value for production-class equipment doesn’t have the same return on investment for compact machines, which handle varied applications and typically have lower utilization rates.

That said, the demand is there for technology on compact equipment. Perhaps nowhere is the demand stronger than on compact excavators. This is true even in the rental market, where residual value is a prime consideration. “In rental, everything is for sale,” says Greg Worley, product application specialist, Caterpillar, “and technology helps preserve resale value.”

OEMs have responded to this increased demand in various ways.

 

Adding tech

Bobcat expanded their R-Series lineup with the launch of the E85 in 2018. It is among seven models offering the optional Bobcat Depth-Check System. With Depth-Check, sensors monitor the position of the bucket teeth for accurate and consistent digging. “We have seen a steady take rate for the Depth-Check System where customers are doing a significant amount of digging work,” says marketing manager Jason Boerger. All Bobcat models feature in-track swing frames. Swing castings and cylinders remain within the tracks when offset digging.

In-cab advances on the R-Series include optional automatic heating and air conditioning and a secondary auxiliary selector toggle switch on the left joystick for boom swing control with better metering than by foot pedals.

Case has included many features as standard, moving compact equipment closer to full-size amenities. “We want to simplify the buying process, include as many premium features as possible, and give operators a full-size excavator feel and experience,” says Ed Brenton, product marketing manager. This is especially true as you move to the mid-size CX75C and CX80C. Proportional controls are standard on the full line. One set of one-way/two-way auxiliary hydraulics is standard; a second set is optional.

Caterpillar sought to bring the technology with greatest value to its next generation machines. They currently have four models each in the 1- to 2-ton and 7- to 10-ton sizes. The monitor that had been only in the larger models is now standard all the way down to the 1- and 2-ton machines. All but the smallest models include a camera. Cruise control is found on the left joystick. Also on the left joystick is Stick Steer, which makes Cat’s compact excavators handle like skid steer loaders while traveling.

Doosan uses engines carefully matched with pumps to provide optimal hydraulic performance. Rubber hydraulic lines are routed through the lower portion of the boom swing casting, and steel lines are secured on the top of the boom structure for protection. And while attachments are popular and useful, “a blade can be an effective tool for operators,” says Aaron Kleingartner, marketing manager, Doosan. An optional angle blade gives 25 degrees of angle left and right. With it, operators can direct spoil from one side of the blade to the other without forming windrows on both sides of the blade.

Features on Hitachi’s six-model lineup include a heavy-duty X-frame that provides a stable platform and resists dirt buildup, wedge-style couplers for quick changes of a variety of buckets and attachments, rubber tracks, and Tier 4 Final Yanmar engines. A canopy is available on all models as a cost-effective alternative to a cab. Isochronous high idle reduces noise by maintaining a constant engine speed under varying loads.

While attending to all the features on compact excavators, Deere has paid special attention to hydraulics because “the secret sauce of any excavator is the hydraulic system,” says Jonathan Spendlove, product marketing manager, excavators, John Deere Construction & Forestry. Auxiliary hydraulics are standard. The 26G, 30G and 35G feature auxiliary selector valves with bidirectional, adjustable flow. Other features include an available suspension seat (standard in cab models), zero tail swing models and an auto-idle feature that returns the engine to idle speed after 4 seconds of inactivity.

As part of Kobelco’s iNDr noise and dust reduction package, engine compartments are fully enclosed, resulting in much lower noise levels. A thumb mounting lug is standard on most machines, and suspension seats are on many models.

Kobelco also addresses the North American market with higher capacity engine and hydraulic cooling systems, says George Lumpkins, general manager of marketing, Kobelco USA. In addition, the ability to change between steel and rubber tracks without modifying the excavator base is optimized for North America. Counterweights are heavier, or additional weights are available. North American models’ pattern changers include a tractor loader backhoe pattern.

Kubota also has enhanced its hydraulics architecture. Attachment flows can be adjusted from inside the cab. All 11 “-4” models have a hydraulic diverter valve in the arm for quick change of hydraulic lines with the thumb hydraulics connected. This simplifies attachment management on machines equipped with thumbs. An option for two service ports is available on KX040-4 and larger machines and is standard on the KX080-4. “The number of attachments for compact excavators grows every year,” says Jeff Jacobsmeyer, Kubota product manager. “Sophisticated hydraulics allow the operator to match the flow to the attachment, preventing damage and optimizing performance.”

Doran Herritt, construction equipment brand marketing manager, New Holland, points to four tech features on the company’s compact excavators. The auto-shift travel system downshifts and upshifts automatically to maintain momentum as loads change due to condition changes. Auto idle drops engine speed to reduce wear and conserve fuel when the operator is not using the travel or excavator levers. Fleetforce telematics includes usage monitoring, which helps with preventive maintenance scheduling, and geofencing. The smallest New Holland model, the E17c, has retractable tracks.

Keith Kramlich, national service and warranty manager at Takeuchi-US, cites the company’s advances in electronics that allow hydraulic flow and pressure, joystick sensitivity and travel speed to be adjusted by in-cab display. Electronics also augment comfort with better climate control, larger displays and controls that are more intuitive and easier to use. Takeuchi compact excavators have three work modes: Standard, ECO for fuel savings, and Highland for operation in high-altitude, low-oxygen environments. But, he says, “with these enhancements also comes more complexity. Wiring harnesses are bigger and controller communication requires shielded CAN bus circuits with stable power. And new hydraulic systems are less forgiving of abuse or lack of maintenance because of their higher performance and finer tolerances.” These are not reasons to shy away from new equipment, just things to consider in owning, operating and maintaining it.

While it makes the transition to electric compact excavators, Volvo will continue to offer 10 models of diesel-powered compact excavators. Nine are track-type, and the EW60E is wheeled. John Comrie, Volvo compact excavator product manager, says the company is targeting backhoe loader owners with the EW60E. “The compact size of the EW60E, its 360-degree swing radius, its attachment versatility and its ability to travel at 19 mph make it an excellent replacement to a backhoe.” The conventional tail swing EC35D and short swing radius ECR40D remain popular with the rental market. New to the lineup are the EC20E and ECR18E. The latter, with its rear overhang of only half an inch, is meeting the growing demand for short-swing machines.

Yanmar now offers eight compact excavators in two series. The ViO Series line, launched in 1993, has six models of zero tail swing machines. Standard features include Eco and Auto-Deceleration modes for up to 20 percent fuel savings. The SV Series models are built around an ultra-tight turning radius for added versatility in confined worksites. The two SV machines bookend the Yanmar lineup as the smallest and largest models, the SV08-1B with 10.3 horsepower and the SV100-2A at 74 horsepower. Both are diesel. The ViO 80 and SV100 come standard with second auxiliary hydraulics to the end of the arm. In addition, “SmartAssist Remote Service, Yanmar’s comprehensive telematics package, is also free for the first five years on all the ViO25 and larger excavators,” says Joey Queen, Yanmar construction equipment attachments engineer.

 

Electric surge

Electric equipment is coming on strong, and compact excavators are ideal candidates. Their duty cycles, utilization rates and physical design make them well suited for electrification.

In addition to going all-in on electric, Beainy says, Volvo is also looking at hybrid and battery-enhanced designs. “Our research has shown that electrification is possible for many machine types and sizes, but diesel engines will remain appropriate for certain sizes, applications and markets for some time yet, so we’ll continue meeting that demand as well.”

JCB’s 19C-1E, introduced at the ARA Show in February, is the first of several planned electric excavator models. “The 19C-1E meets growing customer demands for a machine with zero emissions and reduced noise pollution,” says Chris Lucas, JCB North America product manager for compact excavators. “This eliminates the need for costl

y exhaust monitoring and extraction when working indoors, underground or in sensitive urban locations.” He notes the electric machine is five times quieter than a comparably sized diesel machine, an important consideration when working outside of normal hours or in noise-sensitive environments such as schools and hospitals. The 19C-1E is tether-free and powered by a three- or four-cell lithium ion battery pack. The battery can power the machine through a typical day without recharging.

JCB has not neglected traditional diesel-powered compact excavators and recently launched their next generation of 8- to 10-ton models. Technology features include a Lift Overload System, which provides the operator with terrain information and indicates lifting limits based on the position of the machine. Other features include a twin-lock hydraulic coupler with an LED indicator, and a “below-idle” option that drops engine idle speed to 950 rpm for improved fuel consumption.

Wacker Neuson debuted their first electric compact excavator at Bauma, the 1.7-ton EZ17e. This is the frontrunner of a range of electric models the company has planned. Wacker Neuson also offers the 803 dual-power machine, which runs on its diesel engine for typical applications but can also be powered by the company’s electrically driven hydraulic power unit (HPU). This allows one machine to work in traditional environments as well as those where emissions and noise are special considerations.

Other features on some Wacker Neuson models include an ad

vanced color display and jog dial, allowing operators to easily set and store flow rates to match attachments. “Maintaining the optimal system settings appropriate to the application makes work more productive and saves time when switching attachments,” says Wacker Neuson market product manager John Dotto. The EZ36 allows the operator to program the sensitivity and speed of the dozer blade. Combined with the model’s float feature, this makes cleanup work and backfilling faster and easier. VDS, or Vertical Digging System, allows the h

ouse of the excavator to be leveled on slopes up to 15 degrees. This enhances operator comfort and allows the operator to dig flat-bottom trenches on uneven surfaces without overdigging.

Hyundai and Cummins have announced a collaboration on electrified compact excavator designs. While that effort is being developed, new diesel models are coming above and below the current models, as well as second models within key size classes. Chad Parker, senior product specialist, notes that the compact excavator line is Hyundai’s largest and fastest-growing in terms of units sold and new models being prepped for introduction. “This reflects the strong economy, especially new home and utility construction and landscaping.” The 9A series models feature four-way angle blades, thumb brackets, proportional hydraulics and pin-grabber-style dual-locking quick couplers. Buckets have lifting eyes and two-piece teeth for easier replacement. Dozer blades have replaceable cutting edges and an improved curve profile for better grade and cutting ability.

 

Business as usual

There’s been a flurry of joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions recently, as OEMs expand their offerings. And while some companies cozy up to others, others prefer to go it alone on the path to growth.

By the end of 2019, Caterpillar will have 31 models of compact excavators worldwide and 21 models in North America. “We know some of these are niche products,” says Worley, “but we want to provide solutions.” One example is the 306 XTC, which swaps out the blade for a skid steer bucket. Variable-angle booms are available, as are niche products targeted at demolition, bridge work and other specialty applications. Lifting, craning and placing are high-demand applications. A 3- to 4-ton compact excavator can place pipe and hold it in place for welding or sealing. A 1-ton model can be used while still on the trailer for moving buckets, trees and similar loads on and off trailers and flatbeds.

Worley says compact excavators are one of the few products that show up in every market in the world, which is part of what drives this diverse range of models. They are also the smallest machines in the Cat catalog that require operators. When developing this extensive lineup, Cat spent two years conducting field surveys of owners of both Cat and competitors’ machines.

Some 80 percent of the tools Cat offers are their own. The rest are the result of branding or collaboration and are mostly low-volume specialty products requiring specific design and construction expertise.

As a result of a relationship dating back to the 1960s, Hitachi Construction Machinery and Deere & Company signed a supply agreement in 1983 to manufacture construction excavators, including compact excavators. says Spendlove.

In 2019, Doosan expanded its lineup with three new compact excavators, the DX35-5, DX42-5 and DX50-5. They joined the larger DX63-3 and DX85R-3, which are built in Doosan’s factory in South Korea. The three new machines are manufactured by another division of Doosan.

The relationship between Kubota and Land Pride has evolved over time. Land Pride launched in 1986 as a division of Great Plains Manufacturing Inc., making tools and implements for tractors. It formed an alliance with Kubota in 2007 to build attachments specifically for Kubota tractors. Kubota-branded construction attachments built by Land Pride appeared in 2015, and in July 2016, Kubota acquired Land Pride. Customers can now purchase Land Pride attachments separately or as part of the purchase of Kubota equipment.