Get FinancingSmall But Mighty: Case Introduces New Electric & Diesel Mini Excavators
The mini excavator market has been hot, with demand growing 400% overall since 2011 and particularly strong growth in the landscaping and underground utilities sectors. In response to the interest in the compact machines, Case Construction Equipment recently announced the addition of two new electric mini excavators, the CX15EV and the CX25EV, and a new diesel-powered model, the CX42D. These new excavators, along with more models scheduled to be available in the North American market starting in 2024, will give Case a diverse range of mini excavators from 1.65 to 6.6 tons (1.5 to 6 metric tons).
“Electric to diesel, true zero to conventional tailswing, cab to canopy, Case now offers a full range of mini excavators to match any need and operator preference—including the ability to access any construction or landscaping site,” says Case Construction Product Manager Brad Mace. “Each machine is built with premium features and performance that empower the operator to succeed in the types of jobsites and environments they work in—whether that’s utility work indoors that requires a zero-emissions machine, or production-level trenching on a commercial development.”
Electrifying The Market
The CX15EV and the CX25EV mark Case’s first electric mini excavators. The CX15EV, which is currently rolling out to dealers, weighs 3,186 pounds (1,445 kilograms) and is powered by a 16-kilowatt (21-horsepower) electric motor. The CX25EV, available later in 2023, weighs 4,828 lbs (2,190 kg) and is powered by a 20-kW (27-HP) electric motor. Case says the excavators’ lithium-ion battery contains enough power to complete a full eight-hour workday and can be charged using either the onboard 110-/220-volt charger or an external rapid charger that can typically charge it fully within 90 minutes.
For operators, the electric mini excavators have color LCD monitors that provide battery life, machine setting, and work mode information. They are also equipped with an electronic pattern changer to switch between ISO and SAE patterns, as well as customizable hydraulic proportional controls and auxiliary hydraulics. The minis have Power, Standard, and Economy work modes and the ability to adjust the sensitivity of their controls using Precision, Normal, and Productivity presets. There’s even an Individual setting that lets operators select their preferred control settings for six bucket and boom actions, plus swing, travel, and blade functions. SiteWatch telematics are standard on each machine for insights on machine performance and collaborative fleet management with a customer’s local Case dealer. The electric excavators can also be fitted with precision construction technologies for further productivity and digging quality upgrades. With zero emissions and reduced noise, the electric mini excavators can work just about anywhere, even indoors, and offer a reduction in maintenance over the lifetime of the machine due to the elimination of the diesel engine.
“Mini excavators are ideal for electrification because they go through varied work cycles throughout the day,” says Mace. “Between access to power and the fast-charging capabilities of the machine with both on-board and external technologies, these machines deliver excellent runtimes and are sure to be ready to take on any task.”
New Diesel Mini Excavators
Case is also introducing the new CX42D, a diesel-powered, true zero tailswing mini excavator that fills the gap between the 4.4- and 5.5-t (4- and 5-mt) weight class to offer customers more options. The new D Series has an automotive feel with excellent visibility and adjustable controls. The large, 7-inch LCD monitor has a navigation wheel mounted near the joystick for calling up critical machine information and controls without the need to reach for the screen. Like the electric models, operators can select their working mode (Power, Standard, or Economy) and customize hydraulic proportional controls and auxiliary hydraulics.
A two-way blade with float comes standard with an optional six-way blade available. The zero-tailswing design offers access to tight spaces and additional counterweights can be added for balance if needed. The D Series has standard multifunction hydraulics and a second, auxiliary circuit with an option to add a third. Optional features include a mulcher package, a direct drain, a hydraulic quick coupler or a mechanical quick coupler, and a standard pin-on bucket. Case says it will add additional mini excavator models to the D Series in 2024.
“Mini excavators are continuously underrated as attachment platforms, and the new Case D Series models are built to prove they can deliver excellent multipurpose capabilities,” says Mace. “And we give them the ability to set up and save parameters for nine different attachments, and customize the flow based on tool type for optimal performance and operator experience.”
Source: CNH Industrial