CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NOV 2018

COMPACT EXCAVATORS

already clocked over 1 000 working hours. “Like all midi-sized YANMAR excavators, the SV100 features a hydraulic quick hitch coupler, air- conditioned cab, dozer blade, cylinder protection, steel tracks, hydraulic PTO (double acting), swing boom (180 degrees), fuel saving modes and a reduced rear tail swing, close to being zero,” explains Nicoll. Fuel efficiency is a key design focus area for the new YANMAR SV100. Fuel efficiency has improved due to the perfectly-matched hydraulic system, combined with features such as Eco Mode and Auto Deceleration. Switching to Eco Mode controls the engine speed for increased efficiency and greatly reduces fuel consumption. Switching the operating levers to neutral automatically drops the engine rpm and reduces both fuel consumption and noise. Continuous update HPE Africa first imported its Hyundai R60- 9S model in 2013 and has been a major player in the southern African market in this class since then. “We did not recently launch any new mini excavators, however there are constant improvements to the existing models,” explains Alex Ackron, MD of HPE Africa. HPE Africa supplies the Hyundai R35Z- 9, R60-9S and R80-7 mini excavators, which are backed by superior aftermarket support and preferential warranties. Major talking points are the X-leg centre frame and reinforced box section track frame which provide enhanced strength and longer service life to withstand tough working conditions. “In the R80-7 and R35Z-9, the hydraulic system is precision designed for fast operation with fine control capabilities,” explains Ackron. The R60-9S’s advanced hydraulic system includes an arm flow summation system, boom holding system and a swing parking brake for smooth control. The R35Z’s zero-tail swing allows the machine to work in confined areas where space is at a premium. Demand dynamics Speaking about the state of affairs in the compact excavator market, Nicoll says demand is consistently high for the company’s products. “The market is fairly quiet though for a variety of reasons construction is having a really tough ride nationally and currency woes are not

“We have made very good inroads into agriculture and this is now a significant component of our market. Our machines are ultra-compact and well suited to the confines of orchards and vineyards.”

Justin Nicoll, MD of Force 8

“Customers are looking for a more productive machine to replace the conventional TLB. Compact excavators present a good opportunity for plant hire as a versatile, light weight machine that is easily transportable and light on fuel.”

Stephen McNeill, Product Marketing Manager, Bell Equipment

“Mini excavators are ultimate tool carriers. They can work with special attachments such as trenchers, augers and forks, which adds to the versatility of the machines. Typical applications where they excel include digging holes, trenching, demolishing small structures, repairing sewer lines and landscaping,” says Ackron.

Alex Ackron, MD of HPE Africa

“The models feature two digging modes – H mode for heavy duty and higher performance and S mode for normal operations with lower fuel consumption. This promotes the philosophy of more work with less fuel,” says McNeill. “To further save fuel, and reduce emissions, the standard Auto-Idling-Stop feature (AIS) shuts down the engine automatically when the engine is on standby. The hour meter also stops to help retain the machine’s asset value.” The rectangular cabs are ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) compliant and have been designed to offer the operator

a quiet environment with a reclining seat, plenty of room and greater visibility. Large analogue gauges with large print displays and glare-reducing visors are easy to read regardless of working conditions. The machines also offer easy access and ground level maintenance for quick and efficient daily checks and routine servicing. Force 8’s new arrival Force 8 recently brought the very first 10-t YANMAR SV100 into the country. MD Justin Nicoll says the first machine arrived in January this year and has

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS NOVEMBER 2018 10