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KUBOTA

Compact Excavators

Power in a smaller package machines show their value

Compact excavators have been consistently gaining ground as the go-to machine for application versatility. After seeing several new models introduced in conjunction with Tier 4 final requirements, we asked some manufacturers to provide information on design changes, improvements of value to their rental market customers, application versatility, and trends they’ve noticed in sales and in rental.

-- Tim Boulds, Kubota Compact Equipment Product Operating Manager
Kubota’s compact excavators combine maneuverability, power and reliability with economy. We offer two lines; the zero- and tight-swing U Series, and the conventional-swing KX Series, delivering a total of 11 models. Technologies, such as our Advanced Load-Sensing Hydraulic System, increase efficiency by providing optimum oil flow to each cylinder. We also place a high priority on fuel economy; Kubota’s ECO PLUS feature allows operators to increase fuel savings just by hitting a switch, and our Auto Idling System significantly reduces fuel consumption and noise. In addition, focus was placed on creating a larger, more comfortable operator’s space, while keeping Tier 4 final emissions in mind.

Kubota’s Advanced Load-Sensing Hydraulic System maximizes efficiency by providing optimum oil flow to each cylinder. Our dual auxiliary hydraulic ports are convenient to operate and expand attachment use for greater versatility. The auxiliary hydraulics provides versatility to maximize the machine potential. Starting with the U35-4 and going all the way up to our KX080-4, using our new digital control panels, our auxiliary hydraulic system can be programmed for up to five different flow rates for specific attachments. No tools or manual adjustment required. Simply set the required flow amounts for up to five different attachments and with a couple pushes of a button, hydraulic control of the attachment is set.This can make it easier for a rental customer to use a variety of attachments on a job site, with no need to adjust flow with each attachment change.
Kubota’s ECO PLUS feature prioritizes fuel economy, making operation more efficient than previous models, while supporting the environment. For tough digging applications, when using the KX040-4, KX057-4, U55-4 and KX080-4, operators can use Standard Mode and enjoy a 3 percent productivity improvement over prior models and use up to 12 percent less fuel when Eco Mode is activated.

Our most popular rental compact excavator is the U35, tight tail swing machine. Tight tail swing or zero tail swing is what most rental companies desire, because the machine is less likely to be damaged with very little or none of its tail moving outside of its footprint. Less damage means less repair time and more rental time which correlates to increased profits for the rental companies. The U35 is typically one of the largest 3- to 4-ton excavators that can be trailered without a CDL license (depending on weight of the trailer and what other items may be on the trailer with it).

Without sacrificing efficiency, Kubota also decided to go with a slightly smaller engine horsepower to avoid the extra cost of a higher horsepower engine that would require a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).

Kubota’s Hydraulic Thumb Kit continues to be a popular option because it enhances excavator versatility. Our Hydraulic Thumb Kit is also custom-designed to match bucket tip radius and is retractable for trenching. Our Quick Coupler remains a popular choice because it makes it easy to switch attachments.

All of our excavators offer auxiliary hydraulics to the end of the dipper stick, some of which allows for a second set of auxiliary hydraulics. Attachments such as augers, hydraulic hammers and hydraulic tilt grading buckets can be used on these machines.

Rental is going to continue to be a strong and important segment, though total rental did shrink from nearly 40 percent of all sales in 2014 to 36 percent of all sales in 2015. Still, this is a large and important segment for Kubota.

Kubota is a global leader in compact excavators. In fact, we’re No. 1 in the world 12 years running. This has paved the way for us to introduce new product lines and we continue to develop and improve our current line for performance and comfort.

-- Rohan Chougule, Terex Products Manager
Terex Construction Americas recently introduced four new Tier 4 final, rental-ready compact excavator models for North America, the Terex TC16-2, TC22-2, TC35-2 and TC35R-2. All four units incorporate the Schaeff heritage, conventional design, Knickmatik cylinder and top-mounted cylinder. These models were developed with the company’s new platform strategy, which emphasizes cost-savings to customers. A variety of different models and equipment lines for various applications and target markets are built on uniform base modules, with technical innovations usable throughout the entire model series. New exterior design, operator-focused workstation and modern excavator controls are highlights of these new excavators. The results are in these machines’ digging performance, workstation features and productive operation.

The new machines are equipped with LUDV hydraulics (load-independent flow distribution), technology offered in very few models in this size class. LUDV enables power to be transferred to the attachment as needed. Terex’s performance tests show that the new models offer up to 20 percent more work performance on average (faster trench digging times) compared to other models.

Terex knows the rental market needs reliable compact excavators that are cost-effective to maintain, with a low acquisition cost, easy to operate and deliver a superior return on invested capital. The company focused its development of these new machines to be competitively priced without sacrificing quality and features. The new models are configured to give rental business owners a more immediate return on investment by enhancing job site productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while allowing operators to work with precision and power.

Enhanced ergonomics help keep operators productive. The new models have pilot-operated controls that provide easy operation and changeable control patterns to suit the operator’s preference. The blade lever offers an integrated travel speed controller, making it easy to level and dig. The Terex Fingertip Control provides additional control for attachments, including buckets, grabs, hydraulic hammers, cutting wheels and augers.
TC16-2 and TC22-2 models offer a cabin with a second door on the right for additional entry/exit, an advantage for road construction and good for direct communication and visibility. For quick entry, the console can be raised for more space to get in the cab. The large foot pedal offers additional space for larger shoe sizes. The large glass surface offers an excellent view of the attachment and working environment; the track below, on the right, is particularly easy to see.

To save time for technicians, the engine hood opens wide, the daily inspections are directly accessible and fluid level can be monitored through gauge glasses. Direct fueling from canisters is carried out quickly, with the filling port conveniently accessible.
TC35-2R is a short tail machine, easy to use in narrow spaces, and offers class matching digging performance. TC16-2 offers versatility of a basic machine and as a specialist. Both machines offer outstanding ground penetration when working with hard soils. For precise control of attachments such as hammers or cutters, the second auxiliary circuit is operated with electrically proportional control. TC16-2’s low acquisition cost makes it economical for short rentals on basic digging and trenching jobs.

We definitely see growth in rental. Contractors are more value-conscious and rental has become a more popular option because it allows them to only pay for the equipment they need, when they need it most. This has required that we focus on offering equipment that provides a more immediate return on investment without sacrificing performance and quality.

Over the past few years, we have seen a dramatic shift in our customer base from owner/operators and more traditional distribution to the rental market. Indicators point to this trend continuing for at least the next few years and we have positioned our products for it. A focus on providing ‘rental ready’ equipment has required us to be more customer-focused and agile. Because rental rates are driven by acquisition costs and utilization, we worked to design and develop competitively priced equipment without sacrificing quality and features that customers expect. We see this trend continuing and have more efforts underway to continue to incorporate what we have learned into our products.

-- Jordan Dey, JCB North America Compact Product Specialist
Though Tier 4 Final was a catalyst to redesign, it was JCB’s vision to provide a stronger, ‘next generation’ range of compact excavators. The opportunity to embrace Tier 4 Final and create a machine that could work harmoniously and efficiently with the emission changes allowed us to evolve our machines in an exciting new direction.

Our new design allowed for a larger operator station, improved dig-end geometry with 500-hour greasing intervals and new 45mm bucket pin geometry. We provided a new easy-clean undercarriage with H frame design and auto-kick-down track motors, a new Bosch-Rexroth hydraulic system with ORFS and programmable auxiliary flows with electro-proportional thumb-controlled high-flow auxiliary as standard. Because serviceability and durability are crucial, we ensured all daily checks and fuel fill can be done at ground level underneath two large-opening, pressed steel hoods. New options such as an angled dozer blade, dozer float, thumb-ready dipper, hydraulic quick hitch, telematics, refueling pump, rear camera, external mirrors, LED lights, heated air suspension seat and ECO buckets allowed us to provide the market with a robust, versatile machine.

The new Bosch-Rexroth hydraulic system with ORFS and programmable auxiliary flows is a premium, closed-center hydraulic system that provides improved flow sharing for smooth, precise and balanced operation during multi-functioning. The programmable twin auxiliary lines provide high and optional low hydraulic flows to operate attachments, increasing the machine’s versatility. The ability to adjust flow adds precision and effectiveness. Both auxiliary lines are electrically proportional controlled and fully adjustable for optimum attachment control.

The end-user can expect a low upkeep, high performing machine. They have been designed to be a self-maintaining, reliable unit to get the required job completed in the most efficient way possible. The new selection of standard features will prove beneficial to every end user, especially for those renting the equipment. These include selectable Auto Idle to reduce revs and, in turn, fuel consumption when the machine is not in operation, various digging modes to reflect the task requirements, a 2-Go safety isolation system providing assurance of safe operation and Dual Pattern Control Changeover (ISO/SAE) to allow the operator to work in a mode most comfortable to them.

The 500-hour digging grease intervals and a no-DPF Tier 4 final engine means that both downtime and time spent on maintenance are reduced on all New Generation models. This provides faster turn-around for rentals and a better return on investment. The larger models come with a 30-degree cab tilt, providing excellent service access to componentry under the machine. A pressed steel body gives a strong, solid upper structure reducing the likelihood that the expected wear and tear in rental applications would cause substantial damage which, in turn, protects the componentry underneath the hoods. For a rental center, this combination provides a low-maintenance, structurally-sound machine with higher residual values.

JCB’s 11-machine compact excavator line-up provides a variety of sizes and tailswing models. With both conventional and zero-turn machines within each weight category, customers can find a machine to suit the application and environment. As mentioned previously, the ability to program auxiliary flows enables precise and versatile attachment operation, whether it be the need to run a simple auger or operate a thumb and four-way angle blade. The pin geometry and our hydraulic ‘quick coupler’ can pick up a range of bucket pin centers, making it compatible with a rental center’s existing fleet of attachments from most excavator manufacturers in this weight class.

The compact excavator market size has grown significantly within the past five years. We have seen an increase in sales directly in proportion to this growth. We as a company have certainly seen greater penetration into rental houses in the past couple of years compared to a few years ago. Last year alone saw JCB sell more into rental sectors than non-rental applications, and of the entire market, 35 percent of compact excavator sales were to rental centers. We have continually seen growth of our 3.5T machine, the 8035, with the largest portion of the market falling within this weight class. Sales are increasing year on year, and market growth continues to trend in compact equipment.

--Matthew McClean, Volvo Construction Equipment Product Manager
The introduction of the Tier 4 final engine that requires no regen coincided with a major overhaul of the hydraulics on our new EC35D/ECR40D models. The new main control valve includes boom and arm regeneration circuits that reduce losses in the hydraulic system, which improves the power and fuel economy of these models.
ECO mode sets the engine at the most fuel efficient setting, with around 10 percent fuel savings. Auto engine idle and auto shut down can be adjusted to suit job regulations, and this also reduces maintenance costs.

Three response modes allow the operator to customize the machine to their driving style. A new control panel and monitor offers more standard features, electric control pattern selector, adjustable flow on auxiliary hydraulic circuit, optional grapple circuit, and on the offset boom all enhance operator performance.

Between changes to the engine and the hydraulic system, our new EC60E design is able to deliver 10 percent more lifting capacity, 10 percent more swing torque, 5 percent more bucket breakout, and 20 percent more tractive force.

The newly released EC60E includes a number of features that give the customer control over their work. The joystick pattern can be switched in the cab with the touch of a button. The response mode of the machine can be modified in the main display. Units with an enclosed cab come outfitted with an automotive style climate control system, where the operator selects a temperature, and the HVAC system will hold it all day long.

The EC35/ECR40D Tier 4 final engine does not require any additional maintenance, no DCOC no DPF. The ease of maintenance of the E-series is greatly improved from past generations. The main control valve has been relocated to a dedicated compartment at the front of the machine, with its own hood for extremely good access. All the new models offer side by side coolers for engine and hydraulics, making cleaning an easy task. Additionally, the onboard computer tracks service intervals and will provide maintenance reminders on the main screen. The durability of our compact excavators carries over from the design of our large excavators, which includes our robotically welded components and our X-frame undercarriage.

With each new generation, Volvo makes their compact excavators more attachment-friendly, so renters can get a wider range of options for the job site. Besides offering quick couplers and auxiliary piping straight from the factory, the newest generation of compact excavators offers 10 percent more hydraulic power through flow and pressure increases. However, the most interesting update is the ability to customize the hydraulic flows from the cab. Boom offset speed, shear cutting speed, rotator spinning speed, and dozer blade lift are all fully customizable to the application and can be adjusted via the keypad.
The total market for backhoe loaders has been diminishing while the total market for compact excavators has been increasing. In the past five years, the total market for compact excavators has been increasing year over year an average 15 to 20 percent. At the same time, the increase in demand has not been confined to a particular size class of compact excavators. Rental and government customers have been the primary drivers of the increase in compact excavators in the previous few years.

-- Juston Thompson, Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas Product Specialist
Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas focuses on achieving a balance of three major characteristics in designing compact excavators: productivity, maneuverability in tight spaces and fuel efficiency.

Each Hyundai 9A series compact excavator is matched with the right engine – all Tier 4 final – to deliver the maximum hydraulic system capacity, breakout force and travel speed. Innovative hydraulic system technologies make the Hyundai 9A series compact excavators fast, smooth and easy to control. The hydraulic system in each model is tuned for optimum precision, performance and productivity. All Hyundai compact excavators have double acting hydraulic piping that accommodates the use of multiple hydraulic attachments, and we include a thumb bracket for connecting a hydraulic thumb.

Compact excavators rotate at the house, which is on the center line of rotation. They have counter rotation within the tracks and also have the swing boom, which allows the boom to have a working range of almost 90 degrees – 45 in each direction. Zero-tail swing on the three smallest 9A series models, including the 3.5-metric-ton Hyundai R35Z-9A, allows operators to work near buildings, in tight alleys or in other confined settings.

Based on market demand and recent trends, we recognize the 3.5-metric-ton machine class as an important market segment. This size machine is small enough to transport easily without a special truck or trailer, yet powerful enough for a variety of applications. Our entry in this category, the Hyundai R35Z-9A, has an operating weight of 8,140 lbs., net engine power of 23.7 hp, maximum dig depth of 10 feet 3 inches, bucket breakout force of 6,900 lb, maximum reach at ground level of 17 feet 1 inch, and standard bucket size of 0.14 cubic yard.

Operator comfort is important; the enclosed cab version of the R35Z-9A features air-conditioning and a mechanically adjustable, heated suspension seat. A standard lever-pattern-change valve, positioned for easy access, changes joystick control from SAE to ISO pattern. This is a great feature for machines used in rental fleets, where a new operator may be in the cab every day.

The R35Z-9A is equipped with standard rubber tracks which can be used safely on multiple surfaces without damage. Steel tracks are an available option on the three largest 9A series compact excavator models.

The North American market for compact excavators had year-over-year growth of 25 percent in 2015. We attribute much of this growth to continued activity in the housing and residential construction markets and related industries.

We also see a continuing trend with contractors using compact excavators supplementing with skid steers, instead of loader-backhoes. This offers several advantages,
including:

• simplicity of operation
• the ability to have two machines doing two jobs simultaneously instead of a dual-purpose machine doing one job at a time
• the ease of trailering a compact excavator and skid steer, which weigh less together than a loader-backhoe.

With features such as large dozer blades, auxiliary hydraulic piping and available quick-couplers for attachments, the Hyundai 9A series machine offers versatility for a range of needs.

-- Tom Connor, Bobcat Company Excavator Product Specialst
Bobcat Company introduced two compact excavators — the E32i and E35i — in 2014 to serve customers, including rental stores, with new conventional tail (E32i) and zero tail swing (E35i) models in the popular 3-ton size class. The E32i and E35i compact excavators are powered by a 24.8-hp, non-DPF diesel engine that provides exceptional fuel economy while maintaining excellent digging performance. An Eco-Mode setting, available for these two models as well as other Bobcat excavators, reduces fuel consumption by up to 8 percent to help reduce operating costs.

One of the recent changes to the M-Series compact excavator line from Bobcat Company is a forward-mount instrumentation for improved visibility for the operator. The new forward location allows the excavator operator to maintain awareness of machine vitals without losing focus on the task at hand. The new position also improves ergonomics when the operator is interacting with the panel.

Hydraulic horsepower is one of the best ways to measure a compact excavator’s performance under pressure. Bobcat compact excavators generate more hydraulic horsepower than other compact excavator brands to increase machine productivity
and provide faster cycle times. A high-efficiency, torque-limited piston pump hydraulic system matches force to demand, continuously responding to loads and delivering more usable power. One of the reasons for more hydraulic horsepower is the use of fewer 90-degree fittings, resulting in more efficient hydraulic fluid transfer. This gives operators more available hydraulic horsepower and better utilization of engine horsepower.

We continue to refine our compact excavators with improvements in operator comfort, ease of maintenance, versatility and fuel efficiency. For example, an Eco Mode can save customers who rent a Bobcat excavator as much as 8 percent in fuel. If the excavator is equipped with an optional deluxe instrument panel, the operator has access to Eco-Mode settings, such as fuel consumption data, as well as multi-lingual functionality, keyless start system, and detailed engine and hydraulic systems information.

If your customers need additional dig depth, reach and dump height without moving up to a bigger excavator, the extendable-arm option is a smart choice. Bobcat offers a hydraulic clamp-ready extendable-arm option.

Durability is important and Bobcat excavators are designed for heavy-duty projects, featuring a robust boom and arm design, offering superior digging and lifting performance. For ease of maintenance, rear and side access hoods provide quick access to the engine and pump package, valve bank, cooling system, filters, fluid checks, air cleaner and battery. With the large opening, it is easy to reach the well-protected grease cylinder fitting and complete necessary track tensioning.

Bobcat Company offers rental centers three tail-swing types — conventional, minimal and zero — to help best match the job site conditions. A conventional tail swing provides a balance of tail swing and rotation to optimize lifting stability. A minimal tail swing offers a tight tail swing with impressive lifting capabilities. Zero-tail-swing excavators offer unrestricted rotation and ultimate flexibility working close to walls. For further versatility, the excavators are designed with an in-track swing frame to allow for digging flush against an obstacle for precise movements and reduced machine repositioning.

Attachments have played an important role in the growing use of compact excavators. Rental centers may choose from 17 attachments. Customers can easily change attachments with the X-Change attachment mounting system. For even faster changes, a Hydraulic X-Change mounting system is available as an option for select models.
For more precise control of select Bobcat attachments, we offer selectable auxiliary hydraulic flow. Operators can choose from three auxiliary hydraulic flow settings on the instrument panel to best match the application. Low flow is best for use with excavator attachment swing accessories for more accurate angles in trenches. Medium flow is well suited for use with hydraulic clamps and grapples when placing boulders or handling other material. Maximum flow is ideal for use with hydraulic breakers or augers for peak attachment performance.

One of the newest attachments for Bobcat excavators is the Pro Clamp system. It is adjustable to allow operators to grab larger, more irregular-shaped material than a standard hydraulic clamp. It can also be used as a grading tool for efficient grading of trench bottoms.

Another new attachment that may be of interest to rental centers is the flail mower. Available in three sizes, the flail mower attachment for excavators is ideal for clearing ditches, hillsides, utility right-of-ways and riverbanks.

Following a dip during the Great Recession, there has been a gradual increase in domestic compact excavator sales. Rental is an efficient way for contractors to add to their existing fleet and help them to grow their business without having to worry about licensing, insurance and maintenance for another piece of equipment, yet still answer an immediate equipment need.

We offer 13 excavator models to help rental centers acquire the machine that best fits customers’ needs. Answering these six questions can help guide the equipment selection process:
1. What size machine do you need to serve your customers?
2. What are your customer’s normal digging conditions?
3. How deep will they dig?
4. What material will they lift?
5. Do they often work in confined areas?
6. What key attachments are needed for an excavator in your rental fleet?

-- Kendall Aldridge, IHI/Compact Excavator Sales LLC Vice President of Sales and Operations
At IHI Excavator Sales we offer 12 different models of compact excavators. All of our machines, except for one model, are now Tier 4 final. The remaining model will be Tier 4 final by the beginning of 2017. Three models – the 45, 55 and 60 – now use Kubota engines, the other models continue to use Yanmar engines.

By design, our machines don’t have a lot of ‘extras.’ We’ve found that our customers, particularly in the rental market, want a simple, easy-to-use compact excavator that can handle a variety of applications.

With our newest models, based on customer input, we have increased the size of the operator’s station. It’s now about 10 to 15 percent larger, offering more foot space for operators. On older models, the hydraulic pedal and the two-speed travel pedal were in the floor. In designing the new models, we eliminated the floor pedals and now use switches on the joystick and on the dash, giving the operator a bit more comfort.
With our models, we continue to use our proven four-pump hydraulic system, which enables the operator to run multiple function at once. That was a feature we retained.
With the Tier 4 engines, on our higher horsepower machines, we’re using a diesel particulate filter to achieve emissions standards. Customers won’t have to worry about adding diesel exhaust fluid. We have always used the ‘keep it simple’ approach with our machines. We believe not having to add DEF is part of that. On a broader basis, the ‘keep it simple’ approach also helps us maintain competitive pricing – a lower acquisition cost for our rental center customers. The only options we offer are steel tracks, enclosed cab with heat and air on some models, and quick couplers.

Other than that, all of our machines come similarly equipped. We try to keep it easy for the customer to select the model they want without having to worry about a lot of options. We have operated that way for years and find it to be a benefit to our customers.
The availability of a variety of attachments helps make these machines more versatile. We’re seeing a strong increase in hydraulic thumbs sold with our machines. It’s a great attachment for picking up boulders for landscapers, for site clearing and for debris clean-up. Mounted on the machine, it does help a rental center get a higher rate. If the thumb isn’t needed, ours is designed so the rental center can pin it up where it cannot be used. It stays on the machine, you don’t need to take if off if the customer doesn’t need it, so there’s less labor involved. The thumb is placed up against the stick, the hoses are plugged into ‘dummy’ couplers, and everything stays in place. If the next customer wants to use the thumb, it only takes a few seconds to unpin it and hook it to the live hydraulic lines.

As far as trends, most of our excavator sales are east of the Mississippi. We see a general trend in excavators replacing backhoes and increased rental use of 12,000 to 18,000 pound machines. From our customers, we’re also hearing that instead of one- and two-week rentals, the machines are out on month-long rentals.

We also have two electric mini-excavator models. They continue to be in demand for use on job sites that require limited or no emissions. Because of their quiet, no-emissions operation, both models are seeing use in confined areas for demolition and excavation.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2016 issue of Pro Contractor Rentals magazine. Copyright 2016, Direct Business Media.