Choosing An Excavator

LC/DBM HorsePower - July 2010
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Don't let their small size fool you; compact excavators (also known as mini excavators) are powerful digging machines that are anything but mini. With advanced hydraulic systems, compact excavators can often outperform larger tractor loader backhoes, which are limited to only 180 degrees of workgroup movement. This equipment uses less fuel and can be hauled with lighter, more fuel-efficient trucks, keeping your hourly costs down. Take a careful look at the special features and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. For your convenience the compact excavators have been arranged by cost.

Terex Construction Americas
Model No.: TC75
Horsepower: 72 HP
SAE Bucket Force: 11,970 lbs.
SAE Stick Force: 9,585 lbs
Dimensions: 19'9" L x 7'6" W x 8'19" H
Maximum Speed: 3.2 mph
Operating Weight: 17,086 lbs.
Optional Equipment: Mechanical quick coupler system for work tools, dipperstick, quick-change adapter for hydraulic hammer, FOPS skylight guard, independent diesel heating with timer, electrical tank refueling pump, filling with biodegradable hydraulic oil, air-cushioned driver's seat.
Special Features: Larger operator's platform for easy accessibility; zero tailswing along with offset boom with built-in swing provides excellent operator maneuverability and better operation in confined environments and parallel-to-wall operation.
Warranty: Special promotion - 2 years, 2000 hours. Standard warranty is 1 year.
Cost: $87,105

Volvo Construction Equipment
Model No.: EC35C compact excavator
Horsepower: 35 HP
SAE Load Capacity: 1.51 to 5.78 cu. ft.
Dimensions: 15'1'' L x 5'4'' W x 8'2'' H
Maximum Speed: 3 mph
Operating Weight: 7,573 lbs.
Optional Equipment: Factory fitted thumb, quick change attachment bracket, air conditioning.
Special Features: New generation Volvo engine, boom offset, two travel speeds, control pattern selector for excavator or backhoe operation, tilting counterweight, simultaneous digging and high speed operations for faster cycle times.
Warranty: Volvo dealers set warranties
Cost: $52,082

Takeuchi
Model No.: TB235
Horsepower: 29.8 HP
Bucket Digging Force: 8,582 lbs.
Dimensions: 16'6'' L x 5'4'' W x 8' H
Maximum Speed: 3.1 mph
Operating Weight: 7,950 lbs.
Optional Equipment: Enclosed cab with heater, high capacity air conditioning, storage compartments, AM/FM radio with Mp3jack and retractable front window with cylinder assisted lift.
Special Features: Tilt-up operator's platform, automatic fuel bleed system, two speed travel with automatic shiftdown, electrohydraulic push button control of auxiliary hydraulics, simultaneous operation of cab swing and two digging functions with no reduction in working speed.
Warranty: 2 years
Cost: $50,500 base machine, cab

Case Construction
Model No.: CX50B
Horsepower: 39.8 HP
Maximum Digging Force: 5,238 lbs.
Dimensions: 17'1'' L x 6'5'' W x 8'6'' H
Maximum Speed: 2.9 mph
Operating Weight: 10,261 lbs.
Optional Equipment: Proportional auxiliary hydraulic control and swing tower foot pedal control and a 4-way dozer blade.
Special Features: Standard feature control pattern selector valve, rubber tracks, pilot-operated hand controls and one-touch engine deceleration that give them operating smoothness and precision.
Warranty: 1 year/1,000 hours
Cost: $50,000

Gehl Company
Model No.: 383Z
Max. Dig Depth: 11''
Dimensions: 15'9'' L x 5'8'' W x 8'2''
Maximum Speed: Dual - 1.74 mph, 2.85 mph
Operating Weight: Cab 8,002 lbs.
Optional Equipment: Cab with air-conditioning, hydraulic thumb kit, proportional auxiliary hydraulic joystick control, work lights.
Special Features: Machine superstructure rotates entirely within the tracks without overhang for true zero-tail-swing maneuverability. State-of-the-are auxiliary hydraulic system, fitted to the dipper arm, is standard for one- and two-way attachments.
Warranty: 1 year unlimited hours, 2 years/2,000 hours on the engine.
Cost: $49,108

Mustang
Model No.: 2803ZT Compact Excavator
Max. Dig Depth: 9'0''
Dimensions: Height 7'11'' x Width 5'2'' x Length 13'11.5''
Maximum Speed: 2.4 mph
Operating Weight: Cab - 5,886 lbs. Canopy - 5,681 lbs.
Optional Equipment: Cab enclosure with air-conditioning, hydraulic thumb kit, proportional auxiliary hydraulic joystick control kit.
Special Features: Zero-tail-swing design allows for safe operation near obstacles. Heavy-duty reinforced counterweight protects the entirety of the machines components. Extra-large operator station with ergonomic controls and adjustable high-back seat enhances operator comfort.
Warranty: 12 Months, unlimited hours on the machine and 24 months or 2,000 hours on the engine.
Cost: $43,564

Hyundai Construction Equipment
Model No.: R27Z-9
Horsepower: 23.1 HP
SAE Load Capacity: 0.1 cubic yards
Dimensions: 13'9'' L x 5'1'' W x 8'3'' H
Maximum Speed: 2.7 mph
Operating Weight: 6,349 lbs.
Optional Equipment: Multi-function hydraulics, additional work lighting,
air-ride seat.
Special Features: Hi-Mate Remote Management System free for 3 years
Warranty: 3 years/3,000-hour full machine, 5-year/10,000-hour structural
Cost: $41,538

Ditch Witch
Model No.: XT855 Excavator Tool Carrier
Horsepower: 32.8 HP
SAE Load Capacity: 1,080 lbs. (rated operating capacity - 35 percent of tip capacity)
Dimensions: 10'' L x 4'2'' W x 7'5'' H
Maximum Speed: 4.2 mph Operating Weight: 4,520 lbs.
Optional Equipment: Optional extension legs
Attachments: Quick-connect attachment plate accepts more than 70 Ditch Witch compact utility attachments
Special Features: Machine does the work of at least two, which can dramatically reduce monthly maintenance, fuel, labor and transport expenses. Compact but sturdy steel frame provides outstanding maneuverability and durability.
Warranty: Standard 1 year
Cost: $38,500 to $40,000, excluding attachments

IHI Compact Excavator
Model No.: 28N-2
Horsepower: 21.1 HP
SAE Load Capacity: 2.8 cubic feet
Dimensions: L 13'8'' x 5'1'' W x 7'7'' H
Maximum Speed: 2.8 mph
Operating Weight: 6,189 lbs.
Optional Features: Heated Cabin, steel tracks.
Special Features: 2 Piston/2 Gear hydraulic pump system; A-F quick change valve; two-speed travel; hydraulic pilot controls; auxiliary hydraulics all standard.
Warranty: 1 year/1,000 hours
Cost: $36,000

Komatsu America Corp.
Model No.: PC18MR-3
Engine: Komatsu 3D67E-2 Swirl chamber
Horsepower: 15 HP
Dimensions: 12' L x 3'3'' to 4'3'' W x 7'11'' H
Maximum Speed: 2.7 mph
Bucket Digging Force: 3,570 lbs.
Operating Weight: 4,090 lbs.
Optional Equipment: 3' retractable seat belt; additional work light; steel track; wide variety of attachments.
Special Features: Air cleaner, dual element; automatic two-speed travel control; auxiliary hydraulics with selector valve; backfill blade, adjustable width; expandable undercarriage; KOMTRAX.
Warranty: 3 years/3,000 hours
Cost: $33,000

Boxer
Model No.: 532DX with 365 backhoe attachment
Horsepower: 32 HP
SAE Load Capacity: 1,050 lbs. Dimensions: 6'5'' L x 3'7.5'' W x 4'6'' H
Maximum Speed: 3 mph Operating Weight: 3,333 lbs.
Optional Equipment: 50 additional attachments (most designed for landscaping applications)
Special Features: Integrated track system that retracts from a fully extended 43.5-inches to 35-inches wide allowing the unit to maneuver through tight areas with ease. The backhoe has 6.5-foot digging depth, 2,000 lbs. bucket force and 1,200 lbs. dipper force.
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: $31,253

Bobcat
Model No.: 324
Horsepower: 13.9 HP
Rated lift capacity: 1,031 lbs.
Dimensions: 12' 9.7'' L x 3' 3'' W x 7' 1.5'' H
Maximum speed: 2.5 mph
Operating weight: 3,428 lbs.
Optional equipment: Enclosed cab with heat
Special features: Undercarriage expands to 53.7 inches; dozer blade features two self-storing extensions; auxiliary hydraulics feature boom-mounted, flush-face quick couplers.
Warranty: 1 year
Cost: $29,104