Survival of the Fittest Manufacturers of compact and mini-excavators are adapting their machines to meet the needs of contractors.

Construction trends today suggest the need for smaller, more agile and better-performing equipment. These needs are pushing tractor and excavator manufacturers to pioneer new designs for smaller excavators suited to high-performance construction work in restricted conditions.

High engine output and torque are critical for the needs of today's contractors. Models in the mini-excavator range need to offer operators abundant hydraulic power allowing for comfortable working, regardless of the task.

Two-pattern selection systems permitting the operator to choose either a "backhoe" or "excavator" operating mode reduce familiarization time and inefficiency on the job site. Other standard features that increase operator productivity and comfort include hydraulic, "feather-touch" pilot controls; walk-through cab designs; and steel or rubber tracks. Bucket and boom specifications, coupled with hydraulic flow rates and breakout force, are equally important.

Research and development The design of responsive construction equipment doesn't happen by accident. Top manufacturers invest heavily in forward-thinking engineering and measure those trends influencing the market sectors they serve. This is especially true when it comes to excavator design and development. Research and development efforts and marketplace understanding are key in determining the winners and losers in the compact excavator and mini-excavator market.

For example, variable-width track affords the operator seamless, on-the-go track manipulation. Being able to widen or reduce track width without having to alter the machine's position or drop the dozer blade and/or bucket means faster job performance. Increased track length translates to more stable and comfortable operation. The longer track means compact and mini-excavators can handle obstacles and curbs without loss of directional stability.

The quest for design innovation results in upgraded excavator lines, with each of a manufacturer's models having the ability to work efficiently and precisely in restricted areas. These types of design and performance attributes make compact and mini-excavators the logical choice for construction challenges unmet by larger machines.

Market responsive engineering Contributing to demand for and sales of smaller excavators are a strong U.S. economy and a construction boom.

Industry surveys suggest owner-operators prize excavators that have faster speeds, versatility, ease of operation and site-friendliness. Market data indicates that many construction operators now prefer a compact or mini-excavator to a standard trencher, especially when the job calls for operation in obstacle-ridden soil. A reputation as a compact or mini-excavator pioneer contributes to a manufacturer's gaining market share.

One manufacturer found through customer surveys the need for improved operator seating. So it added a suspension seat. Accordingly, the manufacturer offered a high-back, full-featured suspension seat as standard, along with standard retractable seat belts.

For improved service life and less downtime, the manufacturer relocated the bucket hoses. These critical parts are now routed through the boom arm frame. This reduces repair costs, improves operator visibility and enhances overall service life. Hose connections between the rotary joint and the boom cylinder also eliminate the need for inside-the-machine repairs.

Manufacturer improvements Operators also asked that on-machine storage be improved, and the manufacturer responded by designing a generous tool/storage bin perfect for a grease gun, tools, construction plans or a lunch box.

While convenience and comfort items are important upgrades, the primary focus should be on performance for compact and mini-excavators to boost lift capacity, increase stability and enhance on-the-job applications.

High-performance, variable-width track frames translate to improved side-to-side stability when trenching and performing other tasks.

With the switch of a lever the operator can reduce the track width without lifting the machine off the ground or dropping the dozer blade. This greatly improves access to tight areas.

Directional stability can be improved as well by adding to the on-ground track length. This upgrade can improve fore-aft stability and operator comfort.

Narrow track features along with enhanced performance features improve the go-anywhere, lightweight mini-excavators.

Manufacturers that use advanced design techniques to meet the challenge of offering customers smaller, more versatile and performance-matched machines with increased power lead the market in meeting contractor needs.

The smaller the better Some mini-excavators are so small they can fit through a standard door opening, ride in an elevator, dig 5 feet deep and hammer up to 1,600 beats per minute without being hampered by space restrictions.

Fitted with rubber tracks, a mini-excavator is also easy on the operator and the neighbors. Low noise and low vibration are traits of top units. The newest mini-excavators are perfect for jobs too small for compact excavators and are a valuable alternative to manual labor or a work crew using hand-held equipment. With enough breakout force to manage tough excavating jobs, some machines have a breaking force rated at 900-1,600 beats per minute when equipped with a hydraulic hammer.