There’s a direct connection between the air you need to run a standard paving breaker and the air flow of most small air compressors. Most paving breakers (and many other common pneumatic tools) require 90 cu ft of air per minute (cfm) to operate. Because of this, all leading manufacturers offer a portable air compressor that produces air at 185 cfm. The cfm of air is usually right in the product name. For example, my company, Doosan Portable Power, offers 185-cfm air compressors named the C185, P185 and XP185. With 185 cfm, you can run two tools that require 90 cfm. This brings me to my first tip when operating air compressors.
Know Where You’ll Park the Compressor
You need to have an idea of where your compressor will be stationed while you work and how far away you’ll be when operating your pneumatic tool. Determine the approximate distance. When you rent the compressor, this will be important information to know. You’ll lose pressure the further your tool is from the compressor. If it is too far, you may need to move up to a larger size class of air compressor. For example, if you’re operating two 90-cfm paving breakers 150 ft from a 185-cfm air compressor, you’re likely not getting air to the tools at the optimal pressure. The diameter of the hoses you’re using also affects air pressure. Your dealer or rental house can help you determine the size of compressor you’ll need based on the requirements of the tools you’re using and the length and diameter of your hoses. It’s better to use one longer hose than two shorter hoses because every fitting and connection can also reduce air pressure.
First Steps Before Operation
When you pick up the compressor, give it a quick look to make sure everything is in good condition, including the running gear. Check that your filters are present and fluids are filled up. Inspect the hoses for leaks. Gather all the personal protective equipment you need for the job. Air hose safety cables, commonly called whip checks, are another kind of safety equipment that you will need for operating an air compressor by OSHA guidelines. Whip checks secure hoses, so that if a hose were to become detached, it would not whip around and potentially hurt someone. Attach a whip check at each hose connection, including the connections from the air compressor to the hose and the hose to the tool.
How to Operate a Portable Air Compressor
Before starting the air compressor, make sure all the hatches are securely shut. After that, check connecting hoses, the tool and whip checks. Then, it’s time to start the compressor. The startup procedures for the air compressor are generally listed near the control panel. Follow the instructions for starting the engine. After the engine starts, your pressure gauge will indicate the machine is producing 50 to 70 psi of air pressure. Ideally, let the compressor warm up before putting a full load on the engine.
Then use the control panel to load the compressor. Check your air psi to make sure it is right for your application. Then, slowly open the discharge valve to pressurize the hoses and your tool. Doing this slowly helps prevent unnecessary wear to your hoses and your tool. At the end of the day, fill the air compressor with diesel fuel to help prevent condensation buildup that can lead to water droplets forming in the fuel line. In addition to refilling the fuel tank, empty the water trap daily.
Tips for Pneumatic Tools
All the standard safety measures apply when operating pneumatic tools, such as wearing protective gear and performing regular maintenance and visual inspections, but it’s also very important to consider the safety guidelines specific to each tool and the manufacturer recommendations for properly operating the air compressor that powers it.
Breaker/Chipper
Whether using a 60-lb breaker or a 30-lb chipper, it’s important to use an air compressor that delivers the proper pressure. Using incorrect pressure can damage equipment — both the air tool and the air compressor. And although an incorrect airflow setting may not damage an air tool, it will prevent the tool from operating correctly. Breakers and chippers are common on construction sites where multiple tools may be connected to the same air compressor. It’s important to properly size the air compressor to the needs of the tools being powered. A 185-cfm air compressor can typically operate two pneumatic tools, such as a breaker and clay spade, but larger air tools may require a higher volume of air or greater pressure to perform correctly.
While painting systems come in a variety of styles and sizes, one thing they have in common is the need for quality air. When moisture, oil and dirt accumulate in the lines of an air compressor, these contaminants can lead to a poor-quality finish and spoiled paint surfaces — not to mention decrease the lifespan of the air tools. Using an air compressor with specialized features that eliminate contaminants is an important consideration for painting applications.
Directional Boring Tool
Directional boring tools are frequently used in heavily traveled areas, so an air compressor model with curbside controls and service valves keeps operators from entering the roadway and increases safety. Air compressors should always be parked on a level surface and operated with closed doors and chocked wheels. Not only does this ensure all internal moving parts of the machine are secured from access, but also it’s important for machine cooling. Many people falsely think opening the doors will cool the machine down on a hot day, but open doors actually disrupt the machine’s designed airflow.
Air Drill
Air hammer drilling, sometimes referred to as wellbore or down hole drilling, consists of a pneumatic hammer positioned at the end of a drill stem. Compressed air operates a piston that repeatedly strikes the top of the bit at a rapid rate. Safe air drilling operations can be achieved only with extensive operator and safety training. This training needs to include environmental regulations regarding air compressor operation, such as 110 percent fluid containment requirements. Air compressors used for air drilling operations should be capable of delivering optimal performance despite harsh jobsite conditions — preventing disruptions and distractions that increase safety risks and lower productivity.
If you’re in the market for towable air, a 185-cfm unit is likely near the top of your list. One of the most popular sizes of portable air compressors, these flexible models are a go-to for running multiple pneumatic tools, irrigation blowouts, media blasting and much more.
How to decide on a 185-cfm air compressor? There are a few questions to keep in mind. First, what tools will the compressor primarily be used to operate; how much cfm and what working pressure are required for the tools and application; and how many tools will be used at the same time? Only then will you move on to considerations such as features, service and support.
When you’ve targeted the 185-cfm as the size that best fits the needs of your applications, there’s still a lot to take into account. “It’s a sweet spot in that size class,” says Cody Blythe, product manager for Doosan Portable Power. “When purchasing a small air machine, a big consideration is the total cost of ownership, and another is the resale value.”
Attention to these customer concerns, Blythe says, is often part of the design process. For example, many manufacturers now try to make oil change intervals and consumable items last as long as possible to reduce cost. They’ve improved ease of service and access prompted by increased labor rates at dealerships. Machine makers have even focused on boosting resale value by looking at the construction of the machine. For example, choosing a brand that has designed longevity into the unit by using materials such as galvannealed steel that inhibits rust increases resale value over time.
Fundamental Features
Regardless of resale value, robustness should be a key feature, as these units are often used in demolition work, and with a variety of air tools for concrete and asphalt removal.
“Ruggedness and durability reign supreme, due to the often punishing conditions these machines endure,” says Chance Chartters, national sales manager for Mobilair products, made by Kaeser Compressors. “Compactness, maneuverability and roadworthiness are also valued.”
Chartters says end-users also find fuel efficiency and low noise particularly valuable, and points to Mobilair’s polyethylene doors, which are lightweight, but durable against damage and corrosion, and feature a double wall design to suppress noise.
Why 185?
With a range of options available, how has the 185-cfm air compressor retained its popularity over the years? For many contractors, size matters. “It’s easily towable, so there will be less logistics cost,” says Clayton Jones, product marketing manager of portable air at Atlas Copco Power Technique. “It tackles a range of applications when other size compressors will be too big.”
It could be because it’s still the best compressor for running two larger pneumatic tools, such as 90-lb breakers or mid-size rock drills, says Eric Massinon, business development manager at Chicago Pneumatic Power Technique.
“In the late 1980s, the rental industry for compressors was much different,” Massinon says. “Rental companies used more compressors, and the fleets consisted of the 100-cfm single tool compressors and the 185-cfm two tool compressors. The change occurred when the price of the single tool compressors was only $1,000 less than the two tool compressors. At this point, the larger rental companies started standardizing on purchasing only the 185-cfm two tool diesel compressors.” Massinon notes that, with an increased price on 185-cfm units since that time, rental companies should start looking at adding the single tool diesel compressors — which offer many advantages — back into their rental fleets.
Chance Chartters, national sales manager, Kaeser Compressors, says the 185-cfm unit’s versatility is a key consideration. “It’s been the go-to size for many years,” he says. “While many users do not necessarily need to operate two breakers simultaneously, having that option was important. This size has dominated the portable compressor market because of its versatility in general construction needs.”
Massinon says that contractors became accustomed to asking for 185-cfm compressors. “We trained the industry for over 30 years to ask for a 185-cfm compressor even if they were only running one tool,” he adds. “This is why the 185 is the most popular size.”
Noise suppression is a critical feature, particularly when working in neighborhoods or near other sound-sensitive areas. Eric Massinon, business development manager at Chicago Pneumatic Power Technique, recommends paying careful attention to the sound suppression features on the compressor you choose. He says to look for a quality enclosure with real sound suppression and suitably protected surfaces. “When looking at a compressor, you can see on the hoods, end panels and side doors if the manufacturer is using properly designed louvers for sound suppression or stamped-out holes in the panels for the air flow,” he says. “The stamped-out holes offer no sound suppression.”
Massinon also places importance on the oil-flooded rotary screws used in the compressors, noting that there is a difference between using tapered roller bearings in the construction of the airends and true roller and ball bearings that are properly sized for the load.
Although useful as a multi-purpose bearing such as on a wheel, taper bearings are not the best choice for this application. Massinon says roller and ball bearings sized for the loads create less heat, less load and will operate longer than a taper bearing, resulting in fuel savings by decreasing the load on the engine.
Dependability is a theme also echoed by Sullair. Jerel Cole, senior product manager, says their customers focus on performance and reliability. “They seek a dependable workhorse that can get the job done,” Cole says. “Our airend — the most important part of a compressor — is known to be long-lasting and many customers often refer to our airends as bulletproof.”
Rental Run Through
If you have no need for a 185-cfm air compressor on a full-time basis but want to make sure you’re getting the most out of a rental unit, your rental house can definitely help you out, as they are the primary purchasers of these size machines.
“In the past several years there are more and more players with 185-cfm air, and yes, all rental houses will have some kind of a fleet of 185-cfm units,” says Clayton Jones, product marketing manager of portable air with Atlas Copco Power Technique. “Always know the specs of the application and if the 185-cfm will tackle the task.”
In addition to understanding if the compressor will meet the air flow requirement to run the tools for the job, the unit you rent should be easy to operate, and you should know how much fuel it consumes. Whether you’re renting the compressor for the week or for the season, do your homework. “An oversized compressor will be costly to operate and reduce your return on investment,” says Cole. “Too small of a compressor will have a negative impact on productivity.”
Chartters, who says demolition and civil construction contractors are heavy renters of this size compressor, also says rental store staff is generally knowledgeable in air compressor sizing and can help match the compressor to the job. However, selecting the compressor doesn’t end with right-sizing, he says. “You should also do a walk around to make sure the unit is in good working condition and safe to tow, starts easily, has tires fully inflated, the lights work and the canopy is secured. If you have any doubts about its readiness, ask the staff.”
Amy Materson is a freelance writer for Compact Equipment.
Head-to-Head: Towable vs. Vehicle-Mounted
Towable units have been popular for years, based on their proven reliability. However, in recent years, vehicle-mounted compressors have gained some popularity based on constant availability and ease of transport. Even so, tow-behind compressors maintain huge popularity with both buyers and renters due to a range of factors.
“While truck-mounted compressors are gaining ground among those buying to own and operate them, towables will continue to dominate the industry because most are rented,” says Chance Chartters, national sales manager at Kaeser Compressors. Installing the compressor on a truck is not suitable for most rental applications due to the extra time and special equipment needed to place it. Further, the renter’s vehicle would have to be prepared for it.”
Practicality seems to be the primary reason towables will remain popular into the future. “Towable is flexible,” says Clayton Jones, product marketing manager of portable air at Atlas Copco Power Technique. “If there are operational issues, it is much easier to swap than a fixed mounted unit.”
Also, many contractors do not use the compressor on a daily basis and would not want to tie up a truck with a vehicle-mounted unit, says Cody Blythe, product manager at Doosan Portable Power. “Most compressor manufacturers offer the small towable units in a truck mountable configuration from the factory or have aftermarket kits available to convert them to a truck mountable unit,” he says.
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but sometimes you can’t have it all… unless you rent. With rental, contractors can add to their fleet with limited investment and no long-term responsibility. Click here for tons of rental news and feature stories.
Excavators are cool. My three-year-old son has confirmed this. He screams every time he sees one, and he screams a lot. Small attachment-taking excavators specifically are one of the hottest markets in off-highway construction machinery right now (sales in the United States are somewhere between 45,000 and 50,000 units), which is why we see them on every corner, which is why my days are filled with audible excavator alerts.
“It seems like everybody wants a mini hydraulic excavator these days, which is driving growth in all segments. It’s become the go-to tool,” confirms Greg Worley, product application specialist with Caterpillar. “I do not see any segments declining anytime soon.” A lot of manufacturers agree. Compact excavators are so popular that around 20 major brands are selling them in America, from Bobcat and John Deere to Takeuchi and Sany, offering a crazy array of models. Consider Cat’s mini hydraulic excavator range alone has 15 units, and you’ll begin to wonder where to start. Continue reading.
This feature will be one of the most comprehensive overviews of the U.S. mini excavator market in 2021: detailing size and tech trends; describing the manufacturers, popular machines and product differentiators; outlining options and attachments; and dispensing buying and renting advice from eight experts in the industry (including myself). It should be a great refresher for old pros and the perfect primer for new kids on the block.
30,000-ft View
Defined as excavators under 6 metric tons of operating weight (some brands go as high as 10 tons), compact excavators look just like their big dig counterparts — undercarriage, tracks, cab, boom, bucket, attachment, engine, onward. For some basic definers, compact excavators have dig depths between 5 and 20 ft, cabs or ROPS operating stations, various tail swing configs, the ability to use attachments and diesel engines ranging from 13 to 70+ hp. Most capitalize on rubber track undercarriages that are great for navigating terrain with high flotation and a light footprint, fitting into cramped worksites to A) give precise and powerful dig performance, B) wield attachments like thumbs, grapples and brush cutters or C) all of the above and more.
“As mini excavator popularity has soared during the past 30 years, the machine’s versatility has also increased,” explains Aaron Kleingartner, product and dealer marketing manager at Doosan Infracore North America LLC. “Customers today often purchase more than one attachment to increase the machine’s utilization. Owners can add a hydraulic thumb to a bucket and easily grab and lift objects. Other popular hydraulic attachments include augers, breakers and grapples.”
One of the best parts of small equipment is the variety of attachments. From buckets and breakers to mowers and plows, click here to see what’s out there.
Attachments have made these units increasingly attractive, especially on rental lots, appealing to a variety of different contractors. Applications range from digging basements and trenching service lines to augering holes for trees and grappling obscenely big rocks. The competition is fierce on the OEM side with many players in the market — Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, Doosan, Hitachi, Hyundai, IHI, JCB, John Deere, Kobelco, Komatsu, Kubota, Liugong, New Holland, Sany, Takeuchi, Volvo, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar and very likely other brands that have failed to get my attention. Which units are the most popular?
“Anything between 3 and 4 tons is the hotspot,” explains Brad Mace, product manager for compact excavators and forklifts at Case Construction Equipment. “Machines in that size class offer a manageable operating weight and footprint, while providing lifting and digging capacities that are comparable to larger excavators. That’s also the size class where you’ll really start to see cabs with heat and AC, Bluetooth radios and all the adjustable seats and ergonomic joysticks with proportional controls.”
The 5- to 6-metric-ton class is also growing quickly (attractive because of their step up in volume and capability to run bigger and more varied attachments). “Our Next Gen 306CR is very popular at the moment, and until this past year we had never had a true 6-ton model,” said Worley. Unit sales overall continue to grow. As noted in previous features, U.S. compact excavator sales in 2019 were about 46,000 units compared to 42,800 units in 2018.
“It’s hard to forecast the year ahead, but we predict that in the industry there could be more than 50,000 units in North America alone,” says Justin Steger, solutions marketing manager of site development and underground at John Deere. One of the major drivers of this increase is the volume of mini units heading right into national, regional and local rental fleets. Homebuilding is also aggressively pushing sales of excavators for varying trades.
“I believe the 2021 compact excavator market will see continued growth in residential construction, landscaping, rental and utility applications,” says Patrick Baker, Kubota product manager for construction equipment. “I do not foresee any market decline but possibly watching trends level out. 2020 was a record year and 2021 may see some of those spikes come back to earth.”
Know Your Numbers
Specs and project figures are important steps in narrowing down a search. Most applications for compact excavators are project-based, so what will the dig depth of the job be and what are the installation specs of the product (drainage pipe, tree transplants, coffins)? Also: “Determine the amount of material you are going to be moving and the time frame you need to move it in,” advises Keith Kramlich, national product and training manager with Takeuchi-US. “Then, match those measurements to a machine by determining the capability of the machine.”
If a crew is utilizing an attachment (say, breaker or grapple), properly match the size and hydraulic power of the implement to the job and the host unit and prepare that host unit for that specific attachment work (say, proper guarding for hammering or a tiltrotator coupler for a grapple app). Consider that the attachment is sometimes chosen before the machine.
“If you’re breaking up concrete, you need to determine what size breaker you need before determining what size machine you will need,” says Kramlich. “You will need a machine that is spec’d for that size breaker. Mulching trees or cutting brush, you will need an excavator with high-flow auxiliary circuits. To move rocks or concrete, you will need an excavator with an auxiliary circuit so you can operate a grapple or thumb.”
Popular mini ex specs include operating weight, dig depth, bucket breakout/digging force and maximum reach. To give some perspective: Bobcat’s micro E10 excavator, engineered with a retractable undercarriage to operate in backyards and indoors, has an operating weight of 2,593 lbs, max dig depth of 6 ft and bucket digging force of 1,865 lbf. Bobcat’s large but still compact E85, ideal for dirt work with precision automation, sports an operating weight of 18,977 lbs, max dig depth of 15.5 ft and bucket digging force of 16,269 lbf. That is quite a range.
“Breakout force, dig depth and auxiliary flow are the important features when matching a compact excavator to an application,” says Erik Coyle, product specialist with Yanmar. “Remember to also match attachments with the auxiliary performance of the machine. Never match an attachment based on machine weight. Additionally, if a customer is concerned about obtaining a commercial driver’s license [CDL], which is required for pulling loads of more than 10,000 lbs, they could choose a lighter model that would exempt the CDL requirement. Yanmar provides five excavators under 10,000 lbs.”
Customers will need to know the weight of the machine for applications and towing purposes. Machine dimensions are another factor. If you’re a contractor working in backyards with tight access points, height, width, reach and swing will need to be calculated and perhaps a zero tail swing model will be required (more on that later). If you’re planning on using attachments, oil flow should be another point of consideration. Auxiliary hydraulic power to the implement is measured in gallons per minute (gpm) and pressure (psi), and each excavator will have max gpm and psi. On the high end, a unit like Cat’s 309.CR boasts high-flow hydraulics to the attachment up to 37 gpm at 4,134 psi to run serious implements like brush cutters and hammers.
“Attachments create versatility for the machine and can allow for the opportunity to get more done quicker, using hydraulic couplers, tilt couplers, thumbs, mowers and mulchers,” explains Worley. “Mainly customers require the most powerful mini excavator possible, in the smallest package possible, that meets their requirements for reach, dig depth, weight, width and transportation”
Cab and Tech
The operator station of a compact excavator has come a long way, and today they are especially customizable — for long days, short rents and specific applications. Do you want an enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning or is an open-air roll over protection system (ROPS) just fine? “Newer mini excavators are designed with larger cabs and offer deluxe adjustable seats to improve comfort for all day work,” says Kleingartner.
First, that seat. A vinyl or cloth suspension seat with lumbar support and limitless adaptability will immediately enhance comfort and probably production. You can get that seat heated too. The overall size of the cab is important, including the door opening, shoulder room and foot and floor space. Check for ample storage. Work the ergonomic controls, adjustable wrist rests, adjustable windows, windshields and automotive-style climate controls. Ensure that switching from pilot controls to traditional backhoe configurations (ISO to SAE) is simple. This writer is old and prefers backhoe pattern. Also, a radio with Bluetooth technology can enhance an operator’s groove.
From the cab, explore how the machine sounds and travels. Does the unit have a solid construction that absorbs vibration? How loud is it? Does it have an auto idle or eco mode feature to automatically rev down, lower noise and save fuel costs? How does it travel? Mini excavators can move pretty slowly, so some manufacturers offer innovative travel tech. Case boasts its Auto-Shift travel system for varying terrain.
“Cat’s No. 1 differentiator in our Next Gen range is Stick Steer,” explains Worley. “This cruise control feature will allow you to operate the excavator like a skid steer with travel in the right joystick and the blade functions in the left hand.”
LCD touchscreen digital displays are now the command centers for the most high-tech excavators. Through these sophisticated control panels, operators and mechanics can access machine maintenance vitals, service manuals and security and language protocols. Operators can access the pattern changer or hydraulic quick-coupler with the push of a digital button. Attachment automation features are also available, often via these digital displays. Adjustable auxiliary attachment flow or continuous flow can be dialed in precisely from the command center. Dual-direction detent provides more functionality for using different attachments.
“Kubota even offers new technology features like keyless start and a backup camera on the -5 excavators,” says Baker.
Grade control automation systems are more widely available on small excavators in 2021, installed at the factory or through aftermarket OEMs like Trimble and Topcon. Grade control systems help operators dig precisely, measuring the position of the bucket and boom and controlling certain parameters set by the operator (depth, slope, elevation control) or even using a 3D model to dig and sculpt. Applications such as trenching for footings, grading ditches or digging out basements might require a consistent grade, sustained slope or precise design.
“1D and 2D grade control solutions are becoming very popular with mini excavators,” says Mace. “These solutions have become more and more readily available to business owners, and the lower price-point on these systems has also significantly lowered any perceived barrier to entry for machine control technologies. These systems are very easy to use and require less manpower on the jobsite. It’s as simple as setting the laser, setting the sensor and the operator is hitting grade every time — without the need for another guy down in a trench taking measurements.”
Not exactly in the cab, but telematics is another feature that excavator owners are adding for a monthly fee or often getting for free for the first couple of years of ownership. Telematics is an umbrella term for a variety of technologies and services that monitor a unit, collecting and sharing digital data on everything from systems analysis (think maintenance) to location (think theft). A telematics monitoring device would be installed on the unit or multiple units, and vested parties would be able to monitor those machines via smart devices like a computer, phone or tablet.
“Telematics is another technology definitely pushing manufacturers to evolve,” says Coyle. “Owners want better visibility of their machines in the field. This technology offers them the ability to monitor productivity, maintenance and location through geofencing. Yanmar is proud to offer our SmartAssist Remote telematics solution free for the first five years of ownership for the VIO25-6A through the SV100-2A.”
What Are Some Popular Mini Ex Units?
Yanmar’s VIO35-6A is a favorite among customers. The true zero tail swing, eco-mode and auto-decel features make it ideal for residential work. It also comes standard with Yanmar’s patented quick-coupler and best-in-class, four-year/4,000-hour warranty.
John Deere’s 30G and the 35G offers customers a variety of machine options to suit their needs. Dig depth, operating weight, easy of transport and options from long arms to suspension seats are some of the key factors customers consider when choosing the 30G and 35G.
Doosan’s DX35-5 is a zero tail swing model that’s ideal for construction and landscaping projects that require a compact machine that has a dig depth up to 10 ft, 2 in. The 33.5-hp mini is available with an optional long arm, adding dig depth, reach and less repositioning.
Case’s CX37C is its best-selling model. With bucket digging forces of 6,900 lbf, a dig depth of over 10 ft and an operating weight of 8,300 lbs, it delivers the greatest power and performance of any Case mini that can still be towed behind a 1/2-ton pickup truck without a CDL.
Cat’s Next Gen 306CR is a popular model at the moment. Featuring a fuel-efficient engine, heavy-duty structures, load-sensing hydraulics and exclusive Cat Stick Steer system, the 306CR elevates performance with its leading lift of up to 7,839 lbs at a 9.8-ft radius.
Takeuchi’s ultra-popular TB240 comes in both canopy and cab versions. This model is popular for rental due to its lightweight but powerful design which allows for easy transportation while maintaining maximum productivity. It’s easy to use, service and maintain.
Kubota’s KX040-4 is its most popular digger, combing exceptional strength with premium comfort. Available in a canopy or cab, the KX040-4 has a 6-in-1 dozer blade offering. Operators will also find easy one-sided maintenance, a spacious cab and proven hydraulic performance.
Tail Swing, Counterweights and Backfill Blades
Compact excavators are designed to work in tight quarters — next to a house or busy lane of traffic. With this in mind, manufacturers offer three main tail swing configurations. Zero tail swing means that the counterweight does not extend past the outside of the crawler track pads when the machine is swung over the side. Minimal tail swing usually means, under the same condition, the counterweight might extend a few inches outside the width of the lower track pads. Third, there are conventional tail swing machines where the rear of the machine extends over the track width.
“Kubota’s excavator lineup features both a reduced tail swing and conventional tail swing model offering from the 2-ton weight category up to the 6-ton weight category,” says Baker. “The availability of both reduced and conventional tail swing models gives owners and operators a unique flexibility to find the perfect excavator for the job.”
Attached to the undercarriage frame, a backfill blade is an important part of the compact excavator’s arsenal. The blade is used to backfill spoils into a trench, grade material, add stability while digging and help prop up a unit for undercarriage work. There are some unique backfill blade options out there. Blades can come in simple push configurations or angle versions. Blades on the smallest micro units will have the ability to fold in with a retractable undercarriage. There are also four-way and six-way angle backfill blades on bigger, higher-end units.
“An angle blade option is available for the DX35-5, DX42-5K and DX50-5K,” notes Kleingartner. “This popular option allows the mini excavator operator to backfill trenches with more accuracy than a standard dozer blade. Operators can angle the backfill blade 25 degrees left or right. They can push spoil from one side of the blade to the other without forming windrows on both sides of the dozer blade.”
Varying counterweights can also be added to the rear of a mini excavator, adding stability for lifting and digging.
Rental Rules!
“Yanmar projects continued growth in the rental market. Cost of ownership, which includes initial purchase, routine maintenance and concerns of depreciation, lead some customers to prefer rental, long-term rental and leasing options. The rise of do-it-yourselfers in the mini excavator market means that many users only need the equipment for a limited time which doesn’t always justify a machine purchase. Contractors with occasional equipment needs also appreciate rental options.”
— Erik Coyle, Yanmar product specialist.
Hydraulics and Attachments
Compact excavators are made powerful from the gallons of fluid coursing through their hydraulic veins. Using up to four pumps, mini excavators use pressurized oil to propel tracks, swing the house, move the boom, run attachments and basically move the machine. Hydraulic efficiency has been a big concentration point for manufacturers. Efficiency is a result of improved system designs that are capable of higher pressure, increased cooling and optimized use of the available oil flow. An example of the latter…
“Over the last few years, we have seen selector valves for auxiliary hydraulics become popular in the industry,” says Steger. “John Deere offers these selector valves, which are mounted to the arm of the machine, as a standard feature on our equipment. This allows a machine with a hydraulic thumb to also use other auxiliary hydraulic-powered attachments without the need to connect and disconnect auxiliary hydraulic hoses. All the operator needs to do is simply turn the valve to select where to route the hydraulic fluid, attachment or thumb, and that’s all, getting them back to work sooner.”
“On our larger C Series models you’ll find easy-to-use settings that allow the operator to set presets for hydraulic flow rates to match with certain attachments, and you can switch them with the push of a button,” explains Mace. “So, one preset could be configured to match with a hydraulic hammer, and another could be set for a lower flow rate to match with a plate compactor.”
As mentioned, a mini excavator’s auxilary hydraulic system specifications — gpm and psi — will help determine the size and power of attachments available. Depending on the excavator model, attachments range from buckets and rock wheels to augers and thumbs. In order to run attachments like augers and grapples, excavators can be plumbed with two-way hydraulics and/or equipped with a diverter or selector valve. Inside the cab, operators can control flow exactly.
Buckets are obviously enormously popular, ranging from general-purpose and heavy-duty to ditching and rock buckets. Thumbs and grapples are ultra-popular for picking up loose materials such as scrap, waste and brush. Quick-couplers and tiltrotators have been growing in acceptance — the former for quickly and safely changing attachments from the cab and the latter for the ability to spin the attachment (like a bucket or grapple) for precise, angled applications.
“Another growing market for excavators is land and vegetation management,” says Kramlich. “Excavators are fitted with mulchers and mowers that are used to control dead vegetation, overgrowth and right of ways to reduce the risk of fire and to keep right of ways open and accessible for utilities.”
Long Arms or Extendable Booms
Reach is ever important for compact excavators that also take attachments like grapples and thumbs to move and place objects. There are specific compact excavators that can come with a long arm option or extendable or telescoping boom option to give extra reach. Long or extendable arm excavators are ideal for contractors in applications where space constraints on site require a very compact machine footprint coupled with increased bucket reach and dig depth, commonly found on larger class machines. Utilizing a long arm reduces the operator’s need to reposition the undercarriage, minimizing disruption to established turf and landscape. Long and extendable arms often get matched with a heavier counterweight on the back.
Engines and Electric Variants
For the most part, off-highway diesel engines power compact excavators, ranging from around 13 to 70+ hp. All newly sold excavator engines will meet EPA’s newest standards for off-highway diesel engines known as Tier 4 Final. These diesel power plants are smarter, more complex and cleaner-burning and may include new technologies, maintenance and fluids (but also more advanced features, better fuel efficiency and greater eco-friendliness).
One of the best parts of small equipment is the variety of attachments. From buckets and breakers to mowers and plows, click here to see what’s out there.
Many small excavator units rely on emissions-reducing exhaust filters in aftertreatment systems, also known as diesel particulate filters or DPFs, which require periodic cleaning called regeneration. Bigger units require SCR technology, which stands for selective catalytic reduction. It’s a Tier 4 Final system aimed at cleaning up emissions too, and it requires the use of an extra liquid (diesel exhaust fluid or DEF) at about 2 percent the ratio of fuel. NOTE: Most compact excavators won’t require DEF. In fact, most manufacturers have a mission to stay below a 25-hp threshold on popular units like those 3- to 4-tonners, which allows them to bypass EPA regulations. It’s all about downsizing.
“Improved engine technology is creating engines that are smaller but more powerful and efficient than ever before, making it possible for smaller machines to do a wider range of tasks,” says Kramlich.
Electric-powered variants are starting to creep into the American market, boasting big upfront price tags but also zero fuel costs (or at least reduced). Bobcat just announced a partnership with Green Machine (an equipment electrification expert) to make electric mini excavators. Takeuchi has worked with Green Machine for years. JCB just announced its electric-powered 19C-1E will be the first e-unit available with a cab. Volvo Construction Equipment has teased an electric mini ex for a couple of years. Of note: There are fully electric mini excavators on the market, utilizing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power units for a full eight hours, while others are hybrids. A hybrid would include Cat’s 300.9D VPS (Versatile Power System) unit, which in conjunction with a separate hydraulic power unit can work either with its diesel engine or from a remote electrical power source.
Undercarriages, Tracks and Wheels
The compact excavator undercarriage can be broken down into many components and systems. A sprocket is a profiled wheel with teeth that meshes with the compact excavator’s tracks. Idler wheels are at the front of the track frame that guides the rubber track. Rollers are metal wheels that are mounted to the top and bottom of the track frame, which support and guide the rubber track between the sprocket and the front idler. There is also a variety of tracks. Owners and operators can choose between aftermarket tracks or OEM tracks, the latter coming from the mini excavator manufacturer. There is usually a budget-friendly alternative aimed at less abrasive applications, and there are always higher-grade options.
Discussion points might include rubber quality, resistance to punctures, cable corrosion, detracking, tread life, vibration, correct sizing and the “carcass.” There are also pattern choices, which vary by name and design, but popular patterns include: turf (light footprint); slick surface (traction on snow/wet surfaces); zig-zag (mud); all-terrain (from rocks to mud to lawns); and the C-pattern (a standard OEM tread). There will also be straight rubber tracks (most popular), steel tracks (for bigger diggers in aggressive applications) and hybrids which are a mix of steel and rubber usually with detachable pads.
The smallest units often come with retractable undercarriages, enabling models to shrink and expand their footprint to fit through doors or tight jobsite challenges.
Instead of tracks, wheeled models are also becoming available in America, but they are usually on the larger end of the compact realm, aimed at applications that require roading (competing with backhoe).
Buy or Rent
To complement all of this great information, demos will be required. A great way to experience multiple units is to rent machines from local lots, but remember, rental units are usually barebones and often do not have a lot of the high-end features mentioned in this article. Dealers are always happy to let potential buyers run a unit through its paces as well, so take the opportunity. Demo multiple brands and models.
“It all comes down to applications and workload,” says Mace. “If a business owner has jobs lined up and can keep the machine busy year-round, then it makes financial sense for them to purchase a machine with the most versatile capabilities that will meet their needs. If they need a mini ex for a one-off trenching or landscaping job, then it makes more sense to rent. You have to consider total cost of ownership, resale value and lots more.”
Kubota excavators feature the world’s No. 1 selling compact equipment Kubota engine. The new -5 excavators (U48-5, U55-5 and KX057-5) feature a 7-in. LCD color display, larger cab, optional keyless start, backup camera and air ride suspension seat.
Takeuchi’s patented side-to-side shift boom on two model classes (TB257FR/TB280FR) allows full offset digging on both the left and right sides. Also, three full sets of hydraulic auxiliary circuits plumbed to the arm come standard on exs 6 metric tons and up.
Caterpillar’s Stick Steer and Cruise Control feature allow operators to move like a skid steer with travel in the right joystick and the blade functions in the left. Also, the Next Gen LCD Monitor is packed with features.
All six of John Deere’s G-Series models come standard with mechanical-wear compensating couplers for buckets and attachments, interchangeable with its D-Series buckets. John Deere also uses oil-impregnated bushings in the front joints of the boom, arm and bucket.
Doosan mini excavators come standard with an enclosed cab and air conditioning and heat, which are often an option on other mini excavators. Operators who spend long days in mini excavators are typically less fatigued when they’re not exposed.
Case’s smallest model (the CX17C) has a retractable undercarriage, variable-width blade, low-profile canopy and bucket digging forces of 3,490 lbf. The CX57C sports best-in-class horsepower for a 6-ton machine.
Yanmar offers its SmartAssist Remote telematics solution free for the first five years of ownership for the VIO25-6A through the SV100-2A. Yanmar offers a standard factory warranty with coverage of four years or 4,000 hours.
Compact trenchers have been a flagship machine in the underground industry since Ed Malzahn engineered the DWP Service Line trencher in 1949. In the 70 years since, trenchers have developed into some of the most efficient machines in the market and can be used in a variety of applications. Ride-on machines, in particular, are an efficient option for underground professionals facing more extensive trenching projects like those deeper than 2 ft and/or longer than 20 ft.
While less invasive trenchless options like horizontal directional drilling (HDD) are attractive to many contractors, ride-on trenchers are still the quickest, simplest and most affordable solution if there are no issues with creating a trench. There are no certifications required to rent and use a trencher (though we do recommend that operators make use of a certified training option to ensure they understand machine best practices), and there are fewer machines required on-site than with an HDD project.
One of the top reasons ride-on trenchers continue to be a valuable asset to underground construction crews is the variety of attachments that offer the ability to meet different construction needs with one machine. From the standard trencher attachment to a more specialized microtrencher, here are some of the attachments that can improve the ROI of any ride-on trencher.
Standard Trencher
The standard trencher attachment is the bread and butter of any ride-on trencher machine. It generally comes pre-installed on a ride-on trencher. The standard trencher attachment will dig approximately 4 to 5 ft into the ground and create a trench 6 to 12 in. wide, although different manufacturers will offer varying size options. With standard trencher attachments, contractors can efficiently create trenches to install irrigation lines, fiber or cable. The most popular trencher attachments will come equipped with a combination chain that is fitted with both shark tooth and cup tooth chains to cut through a variety of soil conditions.
When using a standard trencher attachment, it’s important to always let the trencher work at its own pace. Forcing a trencher to cut faster can lead to broken chains and downtime for repairs. It’s also advised to inspect the chain at the start of every job to ensure that the chain has the proper tension. A good rule of thumb for determining this is to follow the two-finger rule — when inspecting chain tension, two fingers should fit between the chain and the lowest part of the boom when the boom is parallel to the ground.
Contractors should also check to ensure there are no broken teeth on the trencher attachment. Both poor chain tension and broken teeth can reduce its effectiveness.
Microtrencher
A rapidly growing technology in the trenching world is microtrenching. Most commonly used for fiber installation, microtrenching attachments allow for a narrower trench to be created than with a standard trenching attachment. For instance, a microtrencher will cut a trench 1/2 to 3 in. wide. This narrower trench saves contractors backfilling time and cost since less backfill will be needed.
Microtrenching is typically done in the gutter pan that parallels the road where the asphalt meets the concrete of the curb. By cutting a narrower trench when cross cutting and trenching on the side of the road, contractors don’t need to stop traffic, saving on traffic redirection headaches and associated costs. There are two typical blades that most microtrenching attachments will use. The first is a conical style bit that rotates in a holder and functions like a traditional rock saw. The second is a PDC blade which is composed of diamond with carbide. The conical bits are generally the more affordable option between the two, but diamond PDC blades are growing in popularity due to their cleaner cut and longer lifespan. While a conical bit will be effective through around 4,000 ft — meaning that contractors will likely need to replace bits daily — a diamond PDC blade will last around 20,000 ft before it needs to be replaced.
Backhoe
Unlike most other ride-on trencher attachments, a trencher-backhoe attachment is most often stationed at the front of a machine so that it can operate in conjunction with another attachment. The primary function of a backhoe attachment is to start and finish a trench, similar to an entry pit and an exit pit in HDD. A backhoe attachment is beneficial, especially on jobsites in which the start and end of a trench are in close proximity to urban hazards like fencing or existing landscape structures. A backhoe attachment is also used in rehabilitation and repair projects because it allows for more precise digging than a standard trencher attachment. The typical backhoe attachment starts with a 6-ft digging depth and has a bucket width of 12 in. As machine size increases, so does the backhoe size.
Saw
A saw attachment — also known as a rock saw — is a circular blade that is similar in appearance to a microtrencher. This attachment is used to cut through difficult and rocky terrain. The most common saw attachments will dig down to a depth of 16 to 48 in. and typically use a conical bit blade with carbide. As a result, it’s important to consistently check the blade for wear. As saws are constantly used in rocky conditions, their bits will wear down faster than standard trencher teeth.
Vibratory Plow
A plow attachment is most commonly used to bury flexible pipe, conduit and cable. The plow is an attractive option in these applications as it offers the ability to install the application as the machine drives. Plows also create less ground disturbance than a standard trencher because they do not create an open trench. However, plows may be difficult to operate in hard or rocky ground conditions. There are two different styles of plow blades: a pull blade and a feed blade. A pull blade does what its name implies and will pull a cable, conduit or fiber behind the blade to install it underground. A feed blade will have a feeding chute on the attachment to allow conduit to be fed down through the attachment and into the ground.
We love awards! (Who doesn’t?) Anyway, click here to see articles from our award-winning June 2018 issue where we visited manufacturers and test drove all sorts of equipment.
Safety Notes
It’s important to remember that anytime crews are digging into the ground, they should always call 811 to get a jobsite located. Understanding where existing utilities are located is one of the most important steps in mitigating damage and reducing the chance of costly strikes. Additionally, it’s important to take precautions when installing attachments. While attachments are built to have the ability to be changed out, we always recommended that users contact a local equipment dealer when looking to remove or install attachments. Personnel at a dealership have been trained and have access to the proper equipment to ensure a safe attachment exchange.
Get Digging
Ride-on trenchers have long been one of the most efficient pieces of equipment for any underground construction project. But with the growing ability to customize machines with attachments to meet almost any jobsite need, their benefit is growing too.
5 Tips for Choosing a Trencher Attachment for a Skid Steer or Track Loader
1. Depth and Width
Determining the depth and width of the trench required is the first step in sizing a trencher attachment. Most manufacturers offer chain widths from approximately 6 to 14 in.
2. Ground Conditions
Matching the right trencher to the ground conditions in question is essential too, preventing technical problems and guaranteeing maximum productivity.
3. Teeth
Ground conditions help determine the type of teeth best suited to your application. Multiple options in teeth range from tungsten for tougher conditions and earth teeth for softer ground.
4. Host Machine
It is fundamental to match the auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure of the skid steer or track loader to the trencher attachment.
5. Motor
The trencher motor needs to be configured correctly, balancing the speed and the torque. If too much speed is allowed, the chain will flail. Too much torque, the chain will not move quickly enough.
Fellow Machine Heads, welcome back to the sixth episode of our new video series. This is Keith Gribbins, publisher and resident guinea pig at Compact Equipment, hosting this new video series curiously called Machine Heads. What’s in store today? Sullair’s Mid-Range Series portable compressors featuring electronic spiral valve technology. What’s that exactly? Well…
The Backstory
Sullair has been offering innovative air compressor solutions for more than 50 years. Let’s remember that the brand was one of the first to engineer rotary screw technology into its air compressors, rotary tech being today’s preferred choice for users requiring constant pressure for extended periods of time. Over the last few years, Sullair has continued to push the compressor market into new dimensions via inventive offerings — from its enhanced Sullube air compressor lubricant produced with Dow Chemical to its line of diesel-driven oil-free portables to its uber popular Sullair 185 workhorse available with a variety of engine options. Next up: Electronic spiral valve technology. Wait, what is that exactly again?
We ask Ken Cannella, director of portable sales in North America at Sullair, in the video above. Gotta watch!
The compressor experts at Sullair are introducing electronic spiral valve technology to its new Mid-Range Series portable compressors. The company has significant expertise in spiral valve tech, including 30 years in the demanding industrial market. The new Mid-Range Series includes the 800HH/900H model delivering 800 to 900 cfm at 150 to 200 psi and the 920H/1100 model delivering 920 to 1,100 cfm at 100 to 150 psi. As mentioned, spiral valve tech helps maximize fuel efficiency and extend runtimes by precisely matching air supply to demand. Operators can quickly input the exact pressure they want, anywhere between 100 or 200 psi, and the machine calibrates to give the maximum flow at that pressure. Offering both high- and low-pressure offerings and nearly infinite combos means this one compressor covers the job of nine.
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but sometimes you can’t have it all… unless you rent. With rental, contractors can add to their fleet with limited investment and no long-term responsibility. Click here for tons of rental news and feature stories.
The Mid-Range Series is the first portable product to offer the proven Sullair 23-Series variable capacity air end. Considering power, we’ve got some great engine options here. The Mid-Range Series offers two Tier 4 Final diesel power plants: a Caterpillar 7.1-liter and Perkins 1206J. The Cat 7.1-liter diesel engine replaces the previous generation’s 9-liter engine, so there’s also some quality downsizing going on. The 7.1-liter engine delivers the same performance but in a smaller package, providing best-in-class fuel efficiency, according to Sullair. The smaller sized engine reduces the compressor’s overall weight, making towing and maneuverability easier and minimizing impacts to the environment.
The Mid-Range Series is designed for ease of use and serviceability. Mechanics and operators will love that state-of-the-art 7-in. Sullair Touch Screen Controller allowing for easy control at the touch of a finger, even if that finger is covered in a glove. Robust push-to-close latches complement multiple service doors, providing easy access to all service components to maximize uptime and help increase worker safety. Plus, users have the option of adding Airlinx, Sullair’s telematics and remote monitoring capabilities.
Of course, the Mid-Range Series is just the latest addition to the broad range of Sullair portable air compressors. Sullair offers small, medium and large portable air compressors, ranging from 185 to 1,600 cfm, with multiple engines to give customers choices. Considering that, will electronic spiral valve technology end up on smaller portable air compressors? Learn in the video above.
Clearly, digital has been a hyper focus of Compact Equipment for over a decade now, and we’ll be expanding that greatly in 2021. First up is our new website. The structure and style are pretty close to the old site (we strive for simplicity), but it has been streamlined and tweaked with a special focus on mobile friendliness. As you well know, observant reader, machine news is a daily business. It doesn’t just happen once a month. That’s why we post five plus times a day through our main portal at compactequip.com — now newly revamped.
The overarching goal of the CE crew in 2021 is to produce more fresh online-only content daily, so be sure to favorite our homepage and keep checking back for a mix of outstanding in-house features, contributed tech articles, in-depth Q&As, cool videos and no-where-else-on-the-internet think pieces by the minds behind the print magazine. We’re also investing heavily in social media to ensure our readers have access to important content no matter their interface (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube or Instagram).
Our online headquarters has been overhauled, and now our online presence is equally powerful on desktop and mobile. This new makeover will be home to our awesome our new video series called Machine Heads and our microsite dedicated to Covid-19 preparedness and safety (19.compactequip.com). We are also in the process of migrating our sister publication focused on kids and construction, called Jobsite Juniors, under the CE brand umbrella. We hope to have that finished by the end of the year with daily and weekly content for machine dads and moms and their children.
So, take your time, tool around the site and let us know what you think. This week we’ll be fixing the small bugs that come with an enormous revamp like this, so thanks for your patience upfront. Now, back to work.
