The latest development within the scope of the small excavator market category is hinged on major heavy equipment manufacturers hinging on upgraded “next-generation” models that feature a motley list of advanced capabilities. These features include electrification, advanced tech, operator comfort, safety and efficiency among others.
Most manufacturers are focusing their hardware on the small excavator hire rental category basing on the fact that most contractors are leaning towards renting equipment as opposed to buying. The lean towards this business model by construction companies is a growing trend due to the numerous benefits brought to the table when taking small excavators for hire which includes higher return on assets reading on the balance sheet, better management of logistics, healthier cash flow standings, lower operational costs and access to the best equipment in the market which leads to higher productivity.
Manufacturers such as Case, Komatsu, Volvo and Takeuchi have introduced a number of battery powered small excavators into the market such as the CX25EV (CASE), PC20E-6 (Komatsu), EC18 Electric mini-excavator (VOLVO) and the TB20e (Takeuchi). These models offer numerous benefits which among others include zero emissions, reduced noise for projects that are within closed proximity to noise sensitive environments (schools, hospitals and residential areas) and also are cost effective from an operational perspective which off-sets the higher purchase price of these machines.
The competition within the scope of electrified heavy machines amongst these leading manufacturers has gained momentum exponentially resulting better machines at lower prices. Apart from electrification, manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Hyundai, Bobcat, John Deere, Kubota and Develon compete on a technological front for their small excavator category. For instance, Caterpillar’s 4-tonne Cat 304 and 5-tonne Cat 305 Next Gen excavators are capable of delivering more power than most other excavators within the same class which offers as 20% increase in performance. These two models also feature E-Fence and ‘Indicate features’ that allows automated digging that naturally prevents instances of overcutting.
Similarly, Hyundai’s A-Series excavators that range between 1.7 and 5.5 T have been fitted with EU compliant Stage V engines and also load sensors for the hydraulics. The A series additionally has the Hi-MATE remote management feature that allows fleet management to obtain real-time data. Bobcat on the other hand only recently launched the R2-Series 1-2 tonne excavators that boast an all-new Smart-Flow hydraulic system that offers smooth function and enhanced performance comparative to other excavators of the same class.
The price for small excavator hire is highly competitive, and is attributed to the increase in demand for home improvement projects, landscaping projects and utility installation and restoration project flanked by numerous infrastructure related projects.
Most of these projects require smaller excavators with features such as low vibration, low noise and high power and performance as larger standard sized excavators are being deemed as impractical and cost ineffective.
According to industry observers the small excavator market sphere will expand for the next few years before levelling out.
