April 2012, Vol. 67 No. 4
Equipment Spotlight
Reduced/Zero Tail Swing Excavators: Equipment Spotlight
Excavators from John Deere, Hitachi, Volvo, Case, Caterpillar, New Holland Construction, Bobcat, Kobelco, Ditch Witch, Kubota, Doosan and Komatsu America.
John Deere Construction & Forestry
Equipped with an EPA Tier 3 emissions certified 93-hp engine, the John Deere 135D delivers impressive swing torque, drawbar pull and lift capacity, with low emissions and noise. The reduced-tail-swing design allows the 135D to rotate freely within a small radius, so the unit is more productive around obstacles or in confined spaces. More efficient cooling systems and a beefier undercarriage delivers long-lasting durability. A quieter, more spacious cab offers ample legroom and noticeably more glass for unsurpassed comfort and visibility. 800.503.3373, deere.com
Hitachi
The Zaxis 225USLC-3 ultra-short is the largest of the reduced tail-swing excavators that Hitachi sells in North America. It has a high-performance, fuel-efficient, four-cylinder Tier-3-certified Isuzu engine. E, P and H/P engine modes can be selected to suit job needs. Engine performance and hydraulic flow are perfectly balanced for fast, smooth, and precise operations. The cab comes with a wider seatback, more legroom, and lots of glass on the right-hand side for improved visibility. It is prepped for auxiliary hydraulics. The multilingual color LCD monitor provides maintenance, attachment and operational information. 800.675.8459, hitachiconstruction.com
Volvo
The 34.8-ton Volvo ECR305CL short swing radius excavator features a precisely-engineered weight distribution and increased swing torque for optimal swing performance when working on slopes. Maximum digging depth is 22.8 feet with up to 38,810 pounds of breakout force. The rounded cab features a color LCD monitor, providing a built-in service display and selectable hydraulic control options. 825.650.2000, volvo.com
Case
The CX B Series compact excavators from Case offer zero tail swing and a center-swing boom for maximum productivity in even the tightest working spaces. The Case CX17B, CX27B, CX31B, CX36B and CX50B can reach job sites and work in confined spaces where other machines cannot tread. Yet they possess large excavator features, such as an undercarriage with heavy-duty travel motors that provide excellent speed and traction, and heavy plate guards that prevent damage to the hydraulic motor piping. CX B Series compact excavators also are equipped with a hydraulically controlled backfill blade for stability and light dozing work. 262.636.6011, casece.com
Caterpillar
The five new compact-radius Cat E Series Mini Hydraulic Excavators—303.5E CR, 304E CR, 305E CR, 305.5E CR and 308E CR SB—all use new engines that meet Stage IIIA/Tier 4 Interim emissions regulations and incorporate new features such as the COMPASS control panel, standard high-ambient cooling package, more efficient auxiliary hydraulics and redesigned control layout. All the E Series models are equipped with a new digital control panel called COMPASS (Complete Operation, Maintenance, Performance And Security System). Built into the COMPASS monitor are an anti-theft system which requires a five-digit alphanumeric password to start the machine, and an Economy Mode feature (3.5- to 5.5-ton machines), which potentially can lower fuel use up to 20 percent by adjusting engine speed. An automatic engine-idle system drops engine rpm to idle after 4 seconds of inactivity. All new E Series machines use an end-damping system in both the boom and stick cylinders to reduce shock loads and to reduce material spillage. E Series sticks are thumb-ready, with brackets welded in place and relief valves already built into the main valve. catrequests.com
New Holland Construction
The E18B zero tail swing, compact excavator delivers more digging performance and an adjustable track gauge for easy maneuverability in tight spaces. A “Smart Hydraulic System” provides three pumps that ensure maximum power and smoothness for simultaneous lifting, swinging and travel operations. With the New Holland E18B you can expect fast cycle times, high productivity and low fuel consumption. Key E18B features: 58.1 cubic inch Mitsubishi diesel engine, 3-Post Canopy ROPS/FOPS, foldable dozer blade matches width of undercarriage in extended or retracted positions. 262.636.6011, newhollandconstruction.com
Bobcat
The newest compact excavator in Bobcat Company’s lineup, the E26 has an operating weight of 5,690 pounds and an overall width of 59 inches. The excavator is powered by a 27-hp diesel engine that is Interim Tier 4 compliant. The unit’s minimal 0.8 inches of tail overhang allows the machine to fit in tight surroundings, and it leaves a lighter footprint than the 325 and 425 models it replaces. Ideal for landscapers and municipal projects, this excavator is a complement to larger machines when space is constricted, as well as perfectly capable of completing entire jobs on its own. 866.823.7898, bobcatadvantage.com
Kobelco
Kobelco Short Radius ACERA excavators use the new Integrated Noise Dust Reduction system. INDR works with incoming and outgoing air to attain low noise levels, superior system cooling efficiency and maximum particulate filtration. INDR makes the Short Radius models the ultimate choice for urban construction sites where tight areas require high performance, low noise and low engine emissions. An integrated counter weight design blends into the overall upper-body structure. The Short Radius models include the 140SR, 215SR and 235SR with operating weights from 32040 to 56,865 and maximum dig depths of 19 feet 7 inches to 21 feet 8 inches. 888.562.5201, kobelcoamerica.com
Ditch Witch
With the versatile XT855 excavator-tool carrier, you can dig around corners, offset dig along fences and buildings, and deposit spoils anywhere within its unbeatable 260-degree swing arc. Turn it around and it’s ready to trench, lift, break, move or restore just about anything on your jobsite with any of its 70 quick-attach compact utility attachments. Choose from turf-friendly or aggressive tracks. Optional extension legs provide additional leveling support, improving productivity. With a turbocharged, 30-hp engine and 18 hp to the attachment, the XT855 has the power to get the job done. 800.654.6481, ditchwitch.com
Kubota
The Kubota U55 five-ton tight tail swing compact excavator is equipped with a medium-length arm and enhanced arm crowd force, a wide doorway and plenty of operator space. Built with a 47.6 gross hp direct-injection Kubota diesel engine, the U55 provides plenty of power for any compact excavator job. The U55 has a tail swing overhang of only 2.5 inches. A load-sensing hydraulic system employs a combination of closed- and open-center controls to ensure strong digging forces and minimize “slow down” during travel when using attachments. Auto-downshift travel motors smooth transitions through turns, and the optional hydraulic angle blade improves backfilling efficiency. Float is standard equipment on all blades and combines with high traction force to speed the operator on to the next job. 888.458.2682, x900, kubota.com
Doosan
The reduced tail swing radius on the 14-ton DX140LCR is just 4 feet 10 inches, and the 12-foot, 4-inch track length provides exceptional stability for digging and lifting operations. An optional dozer blade increases the machine’s outstanding lifting capacity even further. The DX140LCR is powered by a 108-hp, Tier 3 compliant Cummins diesel engine. It has an operating weight of 32,408 pounds with standard boom, arm and 0.51 cubic yard bucket. Bucket breakout force is 23,149 pounds with the standard 9-foot, 10-inch arm. Arm breakout force is 12,566 pounds. Lifting capacity over front at a 15-foot radius is 11,140 pounds and drawbar pull is 27,558 pounds. The DX140LCR boasts a maximum digging depth of 19 feet 8 inches. Maximum digging reach at ground level is 28 feet and dump height is 23 feet 2 inches. Maximum travel speed is 3.1 mph in high range while swing speed is 10.8 rpm. doosanequipment.com
Komatsu America
Komatsu America’s PC228USLC-8 hydraulic excavator features a reduced swing radius and rounded cab to effectively operate in confined areas. With an operating weight of 54,405 pounds, it remains extremely fuel efficient while delivering superior power and productivity. A heavier counterweight design increases the lift capacity above most conventional excavators in the same size class. The large cab provides a comfortable environment and the standard rear view camera improves visibility behind the machine. komatsuamerica.com
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