2019 Mini Excavator Buyers Guide

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    It’s not just new electric models that are rejuvenating the mini excavator market, there’s been a migration of other technology and functionality to the smaller end of the market too. So in no particular order, this is UK Plant Operators guide to what’s out there in the Mini Excavator market.

    1Volvo goes electric on smaller machines

    In what it says is an industry-first move, Volvo Construction Equipment has announced that in 2020 it will start the launch of an electric range of compact excavators and wheel loaders. Volvo CE has announced that by mid-2020 it will begin to launch a range of electric compact excavators (EC15 to EC27) stopping new diesel engine-based development of these models.
    With this move, Volvo CE says it is the first construction equipment manufacturer to commit to an electric future for its compact machine range. The first machines were unveiled at Bauma this month, followed by a staged market-by-market introduction and ramp up in 2020.

    2Bobcat launches ‘industry’s first’ 1t electric mini

    Bobcat is launching the E10e Electric Mini-Excavator at Bauma, which it claims is the industry’s first commercially available fully electric, zero tail swing (ZTS) mini-excavator in the one tonne class.
    With no emissions, a low noise operation and a width of just 72 cm, the new E10e can pass through standard doors and in and out of lifts, making it ideal for indoor applications such as demolition and basement construction. In addition, by coupling the E10e to an optional external Bobcat super-charger while operators are on normal work breaks, the E10e can operate for a full eight hour working day.

    3JCB take the lead in electrification

    JCB has launched its first ever full electric mini excavator, the 19C-1E – an exceptionally quiet, powerful compact model with zero exhaust emissions. Utilising leading-edge automotive battery technology, JCB says the 19C-1E will deliver all of the performance of a conventional diesel-powered 1.9-tonne mini excavator with a reduction of both internal and external noise levels.

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    4Cat Optimizes customer value

    Cat is launching five new mini hydraulic excavators which it says are designed to provide users the best performance, versatility, safety, operator convenience and affordability in the smallest possible packages for 1-to-2-ton class machines. The company says their customer-centred approach to engineering has resulted in the new models incorporating industry-first standard features, such as joystick steering (stick steer) and a tilt-up canopy or cab, as well as new options, including air conditioning and expandable undercarriages across the range.

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