Mini machines draw ICUEE crowds

A growing trend among many mobile equipment users is the move to smaller machines, as evidenced by the number of attendees flocking to OEM displays at the ICUEE show in Louisville, Ky.

Caterpillar offered test drives of its upgraded 303E CR mini hydraulic excavator that the company says is built for productive work in confined spaces. It’s powered by a 23.5-hp Cat C1.3 engine, offers zero tail swing, and weighs only around 7,000 lb for easy transport. Hydraulic system capacity is 17.2 gal, and pump flow is 23.1 gpm at 2,400 rpm. Operating pressure is 3,553 psi.

It also has primary (2,734 psi) and secondary (2,524 psi) auxiliary hydraulic circuits. Auxiliary hydraulics for hammer and two-way lines with quick-disconnect fittings are standard, and the connections mount close to the tool to minimize hose length. Hoses are routed for superior protection, and cylinder guards help protect the actuators from damage. Rated digging force for the stick is 3,131 lb and 6,384 lb for the bucket.

The Ditch Witch SK800, part of the company’s newly enhanced line of mini skid steers, reportedly offers construction-grade durability and versatility to handle a variety of complex landscape and irrigation jobs. The unit has a 24. 8-hp diesel engine with a 860-lb operating capacity and 83-in. lift height. The design includes a double gear-pump setup with 6.5 and 5.5 gpm flows, respectively. Operating pressure is 3,000 psi. Dual hydrostatic ground pumps rated at 12.7 gpm and 3,625 psi provide speeds to 4.3 mph.

A two-way, easy-to-use auxiliary control foot pedal lets operators maintain hydraulic flow to the attachment while freeing their hands to control depth and ground speed. An advanced attachment-latching system ensures simple, secure connection of the attachments. The SK800 accepts a variety of hydraulic tools for a wide range of utility, landscaping, plumbing and other underground construction tasks.

The Toro Dingo 323 weighs just 1,567 lb but, powered by a 23-hp Kohler engine, has a 515 lb operating capacity and zero-turn flexibility. According to the company, it’s suited for earthmoving, tilling and trenching to leveling, lifting, hauling and demolishing. Like other Dingo models, it can be equipped with over 35 different attachments—each with a quick-attach system.

Despite the size, it has a two-pump hydraulic system rated at 3,250 psi. One generates 10.8 gpm, the other a lower flow of 4 gpm. This means independent power can be supplied to the attachment or the wheels. This provides better use of power by not relying on one pump for shared power, according to company officials. The unit’s hydraulic-power capability lets operators auger up to 30-in. holes or trench 36 in. deep.

Operators can select low or high speed ground speed. Low speed directs more hydraulic power to the attachment and high speed directs more power to the wheels. The low-speed option also helps new operators shorten their learning curve. And independent 4-wheel drive directs hydraulic flow and pressure to all the wheels, at all times.

Vermeer’s new S925TX mini skid steer has three engine options ranging from 25 to 40 hp and maximum engine torque of 89 ft lb. Rated operating capacity is 925 lb with a tipping capacity of 2,643 lb. Travel speed is 4.5/3.0 mph forward/reverse.

Hydraulic system flow is 15.5 gpm with dual axis, pilot-operated joystick steering and a common bucket lever for lift and curl functions. The S925TX comes standard with a dual-hydraulic auxiliary system with high flow to power demanding attachments and a lower flow for maximum operator control.