have a small footprint and cause less
damage to work surfaces, and when
fitted with rubber tracks, they can
even work in a warehouse. With low
operating noise levels, they are often
used on residential job sites.
Specially designed attachments,
like trenchers, augers and forks, add
to their versatility. By selecting the
appropriate attachments, agile mini
excavators cope efficiently with tasks
that would otherwise be performed
with great difficulty. Typical applications
include digging holes, creating trenches,
demolishing small structures, repairing
sewer lines, landscaping and general
maintenance work.
Advancements in modern mini
excavators include high power
ratings, fuel-efficient engines with
low emissions and the latest hydraulic
technologies for smooth performance
and precise control. Robust operator
cabs are designed for enhanced comfort
and low noise levels, with excellent
visibility for improved safety on site.
PRODUCT FOCUS
Mini excavators mean lower investment and operating costs.
Maintenance
The HPE Africa team recommends the
implementation of a strict maintenance
programme to ensure minimal downtime,
optimum efficiency and extended service
life of each machine.
These procedures include checking
and changing the gear oil, greasing pins
and bushings, which should be done
daily, changing out the hydraulic fluid and
regular cleaning out the undercarriage.
Safety is critical when operating
construction equipment, which is why
operator training is essential. Although
mini excavators are small compared to
other construction equipment, they can
be dangerous if not used correctly.
There’s no doubt; mini excavators are
likely to lower investment and operating
costs, ensure quicker completion of tasks,
reduce top ground damage and enable
easy transportation between locations.
VOLVO’S COMMITMENT TO FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is delivering on its commitment of ‘Building Tomorrow’ with
the unveiling of its first commercial zero-emissions electric compact excavator and wheel loader.
The machines, which were the first to be
shown from a new electric range of Volvo
branded compact excavators and compact
wheel loaders (unveiled at bauma
Munich), deliver
zero exhaust emissions, significantly
lower noise levels, reduced energy
costs, improved efficiency and less
maintenance requirements, compared
to their conventional counterparts. From
mid-2020, Volvo CE will begin to launch
its range of electric compact excavators
(EC15 to EC27) and wheel loaders (L20 to
L28), stopping new diesel engine-based
development of these models.
Electric operation
To make the ECR25 and L25 electric, the combustion engines have been replaced with
lithium-ion batteries. The ECR25 is fitted with lithium-ion batteries and one electric motor
which powers the hydraulics in order to move the machine and the
attachment.
The machine’s batteries store enough electric
energy to power the ECR25 for eight hours in its
most common applications, such as utility work.
The L25 incorporates lithium-ion batteries
which allow for eight hours of operation in the
machine’s regular applications, including light
infrastructure work, gardening, landscaping
and agriculture. The L25 also incorporates
20
JUNE 2019
www.plantonline.co.za