What's happening in the compact class?

What's happening in the compact class?

Komatsu/ Kuhn Compact Wheel Loaders: Designed for optimal stability

The recently launched compact wheel loaders on tires and tracks are supposed to be reliable and long-lasting Komatsu. “Komatsu is bringing a completely newly developed compact loader on tires and one on tracks onto the market,” says Alex Visentin, product manager for the new models. “The machines offer one of the highest performance in their machine class, combined with outstanding lifting, breakaway and pulling power to meet the growing needs of our customers.”
The skid steer loaders offer a variety of functions and advantages for drivers, and the engine is also equipped with an output of 53.7 kW and a diesel particulate filter in accordance with EU Stage V. The payload of over 1.6 tonnes for both models is achieved through a “perfectly symmetrical design” that ensures optimal weight distribution and stability in all conditions. In addition, there is high tensile and breakaway force, large bucket pin height and the highest lifting force compared to competitor models, as Visentin emphasizes.
A standard high-flow setting with a variable pump provides attachments with high performance. The driving settings can be adjusted easily and precisely using EPC control levers. Because no SCR module is required for selective catalytic reduction, operating costs are also low, promises the product manager. A reversible fan also prevents contaminants from accumulating in the engine compartment. A pull-up front door also ensures maximum comfort when getting in, regardless of the attachment and the external conditions. There is also an air-suspended driver's seat and a control console that is also suspended. Since this is a pressurized cabin, dust is prevented from entering. By adjusting the seat twice, drivers can find the optimal position between the EPC monitor and the safety bar.

Huppenkothen Takeuchi TB395W V: Drive yourself to the site

Whether on cramped construction sites in urban areas, in traffic route construction or for house connections - the “Takeuchi TB395W V” mobile excavator with adjustable boom (available from Huppenkothen ) can be used flexibly anywhere, as the manufacturer promises. With the compact excavator, users do not have to wait for a transport vehicle, but can simply drive themselves directly to the next location, saving time and money. Four-wheel steering makes the eleven-ton wheeled excavator even more compact and maneuverable and at the same time reduces the turning circle.

Zeppelin/Caterpillar ZL25/ZL35/ZL45/ZL60T: Agile construction machines

Today, compact wheel loaders are used on almost all construction sites and take on important transport tasks. It is not for nothing that they are in high demand in road and civil engineering, especially fiberglass construction, in cladding, in material handling in storage areas or in recycling, in agriculture and by municipalities. Many landlords therefore also rely on the agile and roadworthy construction machines. Because they have a variety of attachments, they are universally applicable carrier devices. In order to expand the product range below the 5.5 tonne class, Zeppelin Austria recently added three wheel loaders with 2.5 to 4.9 tons and a telescopic wheel loader with an operating weight of 6 tons to its delivery program. The four new models are special Zeppelin configurations, which were developed in cooperation with Atlas Weyhausen Zeppelin Layout can be made. "Compact construction machines are in increasing demand. Zeppelin Austria is pleased that powerful compact wheel loaders are available with this cooperation. Atlas Weyhausen delivers first-class products and customers can optimally benefit from our usual high-performance service and thus rely on perfect synergies," emphasized Stephan Bothen, CEO of Zeppelin Österreich GmbH, at the market launch. With an operating weight of 2.5 t and an engine power of 18.5 kW (25 hp), the “ZL25” is the smallest wheel loader in the Weycor portfolio, closely followed by the “ZL35” with an operating weight of 3.5 tons and an engine power of 37 kW (50.3 hp). The third wheel loader in the group is the “ZL45” with an operating weight of 4.5 to 4.9 tons and an engine output of 46 kW (62.5 hp). The “ZL60T” is again equipped with a telescopic arm. With a shovel, the arm can be extended up to 4.8 meters, and with a pallet fork it can reach a height of up to 4.6 meters.

Ascendum /Volvo CE ECR25/L20: Lightweight all-rounders

Volvo CE recently updated its in-house compact electric machines and added numerous features and options. The focus was, among other things, on greater versatility and longer running times of the “ECR25” electric excavator and “L20” electric wheel loader. By upgrading from a 20 to a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery, the latest version of the ECR25 electric excavator now offers twice as long a running time as before, the manufacturer promises. For typical operations, the range is now up to eight hours, for example. What is noteworthy is that despite the larger battery, the charging time remained the same and the developers were even able to reduce the weight of the machine. Thanks to its compact size, the excavator can be easily transported on a trailer. It is also quiet, emission-free and has a short swivel radius. This makes the excavator perfect for tight spaces, indoor applications such as basement excavation work, building demolition and areas with emissions or noise restrictions.
There are various charging options to choose from, including the “PU40” mobile energy storage device, two on-board chargers also support charging with three-phase alternating current from ten to 100 percent in five hours, while a DC fast charger can reach 80 percent in just 1.5 hours. Simplified charging and colored LED displays are intended to further improve user-friendliness.
The L20 electric wheel loader, in turn, benefits from a 21 percent increase in standard battery capacity, which now matches the 40 kWh battery of the larger L25 Electric. A 56 kWh battery is also available as an option, offering another 40 percent more capacity than before. In addition, both the L20 Electric and the L25 Electric benefit from simplified charging processes, the manufacturer promises. In addition, the wheel loaders have additional attachments such as hydraulically adjustable loading forks with tine adjustment and side shift as well as a large high-tip bucket and a recycling grab bucket for special applications.

Wacker Neuson EZ10e: “Zero emissions” in the one-ton class

The compact excavator “EZ10e” from Wacker Neuson is intended to enable work without local exhaust emissions and, with an operating weight of only 1.2 tonnes, is particularly suitable for applications with limited ceiling loads, for example in interior demolition. A 14 kWh lithium-ion battery allows operating times of up to eight hours, as the manufacturer explains. Minimum charging times and parallel operation at the socket should enable continuous operation. Joystick control, an integrated jog dial operating system and multi-adjustable armrests as well as a clear display would offer comparable comfort to larger machines. In addition, the green active working signal increases safety on indoor and night construction sites. The zero tail design of the EZ10e ensures safe work in confined spaces, which is also supported by a telescopic chassis that can be tapered from 1100 millimeters to 790 millimeters and a folding dozer blade extension.
The recently released “ET08” tracked excavator, with an operating weight of 800 kilograms and a width of just 700 millimeters, is also designed specifically for work in confined spaces. The ET08 is based on the 803 mini crawler excavator from Wacker Neuson and impresses users with its fresh design and familiar high performance.

Liebherr LBR 19/A 911 Compact/L 506 Compact: Maneuver in the tightest of spaces

Compactness can be an important factor, especially in the earthmoving segment; cramped conditions are often a challenge. With the compact wheeled excavator “A 911 Compact” and the wheel loader “L 506 Compact”. Liebherr Models in the portfolio that can score points in such scenarios. In addition, the “LRB 19” with high vibrator “LV 23” is intended to provide a solution as a compact all-rounder in specialist foundation engineering. According to the manufacturer, the piling and drilling rig combines precision with efficiency. A 450 kW motor and the “BAT 180.1” drill drive provide the necessary power when drilling with Kelly equipment, double drill head, full displacement tool or soil mixing.
The LRB 19 has a self-assembly system for the ballast. This can easily be raised using the leader of the LRB 19. This means that no additional crane is required for construction. The Liebherr assistance systems for specialist foundation engineering applications increase safety and efficiency. The work area restriction helps drivers monitor the rotation range, the radius or the device height (height adjustment). As soon as the device is about to move into the previously set blocked area, it stops automatically, thus preventing possible collisions. The “LIPOS” positioning system assists in the exact alignment of the attachment tools during drilling or ramming processes. The drilling assistant automates the concreting process during continuous auger drilling. The vibratory tamping process is also automated thanks to the Vibro-Assistant.
The strengths of the A 911 Compact really come into their own, particularly in the tightest of spaces. Thanks to a small rear swing radius (1.60 meters) and front swing radius (2.10 meters), the mobile excavator is extremely maneuverable. The powerful engine has an output of either 55 kW or 80 kW and, depending on the version, is equipped with an SCR system and intercooling. The hydraulics and controls should ensure high precision and enormous digging power. According to Liebherr, this enables high handling performance and high productivity on construction sites in inner-city areas with limited space and in horticulture.
A robust undercarriage construction with integrated travel drive offers enormous acceleration thanks to the high pulling force. High travel speeds reduce transport time, increasing productivity and saving costs. The “Speeder” version allows speeds of up to 37 km/h. Liebherr standard tires, which are available in several versions, such as twin tires, ensure maximum stability.
The maneuverable L 506 Compact is ideal for applications in road construction and gardening, in building construction, civil engineering and civil engineering, as well as in municipal services and for rental fleets. The compact and low design results in a particularly low center of gravity, which allows for high payloads and increases stability and tipping safety. As Liebherr emphasizes, the hydrostatic Liebherr travel drive is extremely robust and powerful and also enables continuous acceleration without noticeable switching processes and without interruption in tractive power.