Mini and compact excavators: variety of options and selection problems

Device Description

Before purchasing a mounted excavator from MTZ, it is advisable to familiarize yourself in more detail with its characteristic features, advantages, and operating principle. This device allows you to significantly expand the scope of application of tractor equipment, turning it into a full-fledged earthmoving machine.

This allows the device, equipped with an excavator, to be used in agriculture, utilities, as well as in construction and other activities, which makes it a universal solution. This type of attachment is equipped with a high-performance hydraulic system, which allows you to successfully carry out work even in difficult conditions.

A mounted excavator allows you to increase the capabilities of the tractor

One of the key elements of such a device is a bucket with replaceable teeth, through which you can adjust the digging depth. The device is equipped with retractable supports, which allows you to quickly and efficiently dig trenches and holes in the immediate vicinity of buildings and other objects.

The equipment can be installed on all popular models of tractor equipment, for example, Uralets, Zubr, MTZ, products from Japanese, Chinese and other manufacturers. Among the characteristic advantages of a mounted excavator, it is worth noting:

• high degree of reliability;
• wide functionality;
• small dimensions and weight;
• superior power to handle even complex tasks;
• ease of operation and maintenance.

It is important to note that the use of a mounted excavator is an excellent opportunity for the owner of a mini tractor to significantly save on the purchase of a separate type of special equipment.

Specifications

An excavator installation on a mini tractor may have different technical parameters depending on the model and type of device. The running gear of such products can consist of 2 or 4 links, and the working supports can be extended by manual force or a hydraulic mechanism.

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The design of the product can also differ significantly and directly depends on its manufacturer. Most often, most models are equipped with buckets, the width of which varies from 22 to 60 cm. The most common among consumers are mounted excavators based on the MTZ 80, and therefore it is advisable to familiarize yourself with their performance indicators in more detail:

• front/excavator bucket volume - 0.5/0.25 m3;
• maximum bucket load capacity - 750 kg;
• power - 80 hp;
• Tank volume/fuel consumption - 130 l/5-7 l per hour of operation.

A characteristic feature of models based on MTZ is the presence of a rigid load-bearing frame, which allows you to effectively stabilize the operation of a mounted excavator.

The device is installed as additional equipment

Catalog of trailed and self-propelled mini-excavators

offers its customers to purchase a trailed excavator directly from the manufacturers. The absence of commission fees for the services of intermediaries is made possible thanks to the company’s direct cooperation with leading manufacturers of small-class special equipment.

The basis of the online catalog "TsTO" consists of self-propelled and trailed mini excavators from global manufacturers - Bobcat and MF Strong. Despite their small dimensions, machines of this class are distinguished by high maneuverability, stability, ease of transportation and are ready to perform large volumes of earthmoving work. At the same time, the cost of mini-bucket excavators on tracks is much lower than for models of the middle and heavy class.

Trailed modifications of excavators from the Strong brand on a wheelbase are also available for order in the TsTO online store. All models are distinguished by ease of transportation, high performance, ease of operation and reliability. This equipment is perfect for use in private households due to its affordable price and ease of operation.

Types of mounted excavators

Having figured out what characteristics a mounted mini-tractor excavator may have, you should familiarize yourself in more detail with the existing varieties of this type of equipment. The models on sale differ in the type of design, as well as the volume of the bucket.

The choice of equipment manufacturer is of great importance, since its compatibility, as well as service life, directly depends on this. The most popular products are the following brands:

• JW;
• BHSM;
• LW;
• CanginiBenne.

The products of each of these concerns have their own characteristics and advantages. JW products have a universal purpose and can be used in conjunction with tractor equipment with a power of 25-40 hp. The digging depth of excavators from this manufacturer can reach 2 m, and the radius is 3.1.

BHSM produces a wide range of mounted excavators that are capable of working with equipment whose power starts from 25 hp. The digging depth when using the product is 2.3 meters.

The LW concern produces attachments capable of digging holes up to 2.8 meters deep. They can be mounted on mini-tractor equipment whose power exceeds 24 hp. The products have a wide price range, allowing you to choose the best option for any budget.

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Another popular manufacturer of excavator devices for mini tractors is the CanginiBenne brand. A characteristic feature of the devices is their wide functionality. Excavators with a fixed or movable boom are available to consumers.

Domestic units designed for installation on mini tractors of the Belarus series have become widespread. An example is the TTD-036 , which is equipped with a bucket with a capacity of 0.36 m3, as well as a digging depth of up to 1.8 m. Another domestic model, BL-21, whose bucket capacity does not exceed 0.1 seems to be more powerful, but less capacious , but the depth increases to 2.2 m.

Models produced in the Russian Federation and CIS countries are low in cost compared to products from global brands, but are somewhat inferior to them in quality and performance parameters, which should be taken into account when choosing.

In order to minimize the cost of purchasing such equipment, many farmers decide to assemble a homemade excavator for a mini tractor from scrap materials.

Performance characteristics of mini excavator

The choice of boom consists not only and not so much in choosing the type of its design, but in choosing the operating characteristics of the backhoe loader. Some consumers choose a mini-excavator only based on its weight, having a very rough idea of ​​its performance characteristics: digging depth, boom reach, bucket unloading height and load capacity. This approach is completely wrong.

Digging depth. You should calculate in advance what digging depth the mini-excavator should have. It should be taken into account that a mini-excavator can achieve its greatest productivity when digging to a depth of up to 2/3 of the maximum for this model. Therefore, you need to choose a machine “with a reserve”, the digging depth of which is approximately 1/3 greater than that required for work. Many manufacturers offer the option of an extended bucket handle if the digging depth is insufficient with a standard handle.

Doosan mini and compact excavators of the DX series (weight 3587–8900 kg, engines 25–44 kW) are equipped with a standard or extended bucket handle. For example, for mod. DX35-5 (weight 3587–4024 kg) available with handle lengths of 1330 or 1630 mm. Due to the extended handle, the digging depth increases from 3117 to 3417 mm, and the bucket lifting height from 4106 to 4286 mm. The standard handle provides maximum breaking and lifting forces.

The machines are controlled using joysticks. The electronic control system includes on-board diagnostics and a feature that automatically turns the engine to idle if the car is not running for a few seconds. When the operator moves the controls, the engine's operating mode is reactivated. If the resistance to the movement of the machine increases, the system automatically reduces its speed; when the resistance decreases, the speed automatically increases again. An optional rotating blade (25° in both directions) is more convenient for backfilling trenches and leveling. The DX series includes a wheeled model, the DX55W, weighing 5.55 tonnes and powered by a 40.8 kW engine.

Doosan's product line also includes a line of Solar series mini-excavators.

Maximum digging effort. If the main work of a mini-excavator will be digging dense soil, you should take into account the maximum force that it creates when digging. Serious manufacturers indicate the maximum digging force for their models. Approximately, we can assume that a mini-excavator has a digging force approximately equal to its weight or less. Therefore, to dig dense soils, you need to select a heavier machine.

Boom reach and lifting capacity. When performing some work, when it is necessary to move relatively small loads over fairly long distances, for example, a concrete ring for a well, the most important characteristics when choosing a mini-excavator will be the boom reach (working radius) and the load capacity at this reach. Moreover, we must not forget that the load capacity with the lateral position of the boom is less than with the longitudinal position (which is indicated in the specification). An optimally selected ratio of reach and load capacity will ensure high performance of the mini-excavator.

Maximum unloading height. If the list of main jobs that a mini-excavator will perform includes loading soil and other materials onto vehicles, you should carefully check the maximum bucket unloading height of the selected mini-excavator.

Helpful advice: if you suddenly need to load material to a height slightly higher than the capabilities of a mini-excavator, a reliable platform with a hard surface can be made from which the machine can load dump trucks with too high sides.

Please note that by increasing the length of the bucket arm (replacing the standard arm with an extended arm), you will not necessarily be able to increase the bucket dump height and digging depth by the same amount. Thus, mini-excavators from the IHI Group (Japan, headquartered in Italy) for each model from 30V4 to 60V4 (weight from 3 to 6 tons) have an extended handle, which is 300 or 250 mm longer than the standard one. When replacing the standard handle with an extended one, the maximum unloading height of the models increases by 100, 110, 140 and 150 mm, and the maximum digging depth increases by 240, 250 and 300 mm for different models.

IHI produces 11 models of mini-excavators weighing from 0.9 to 6 tons with diesel engines. The machines are equipped with canopies and some models are also equipped with cabins on damper supports. The volume of the new cabins is 25% greater than that of the previous generation cabins. Some models have zero or reduced rear reach. In order for the boom, arm and turret rotation mechanism to operate independently, the hydraulic system uses three hydraulic pumps. The track and blade track widths are adjustable.

IHI also produces two models of mini-excavators weighing 910 and 1600 kg with electric drive, which can be powered from the mains or a generator, to which they are connected using a long wire.

Selection options

In order for the purchase to meet all the expectations of the mini tractor owner, it is necessary to take into account several important parameters when choosing a suitable mounted excavator. It is necessary to calculate the expected load that it must withstand during operation.

Another important indicator is productivity - bucket volume, hydraulic system power. If it is necessary to perform various types of work in cramped conditions or hard-to-reach places, preference should be given to models equipped with a movable boom.

There are many varieties of such equipment on sale in new and used condition. A new device purchased from an official dealer will be the best option for long-term, intensive use. For one-time work or occasional use, it is better to give preference to used devices, which will allow you to save significantly.

Advantages of purchasing mini excavators from an official dealer

Self-propelled and trailed mini-excavators are indispensable equipment for working in confined spaces. A large arsenal of attachments - buckets, augers, forks, rippers, etc. - significantly expand the functionality of the machine. It is readily used not only in public utilities and on small construction sites, but is purchased for private use by small farmers, owners of personal plots, and even search teams for excavating military artifacts.

As an official dealer, it offers to purchase trailed and self-propelled models of mini earth-moving equipment and guarantees consumers the following advantages:

• quick shipment of ordered special equipment with individual selection of attachments for the specifics of the work;
• delivery throughout Russia and the CIS by a transport company convenient for the client;
• online consulting support;
• service and supply of necessary spare parts.

Installation procedure

In order for the device to work correctly, you must follow all the rules and recommendations of the manufacturer regarding installation and connection of the tractor. As a rule, they are contained in the user manual that comes with the purchased product, which allows you to avoid errors that could lead to damage.

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If the device is homemade, then it will need to be connected to the tractor’s hydraulic system, as well as to other components in full accordance with the drawing of the selected model, which will ensure its normal operation.