When the first compact excavators began appearing at construction trade shows in the United States in the mid '70s, most American equipment buyers regarded them as curiosities, unaware of how widely used they were in Japan and Europe.

Cute, but more like toys than real machines, was an often-expressed opinion. And what could anyone actually do with one? Quite a lot, it turns out.

Today compact excavators--usually classified as units weighing less than 6 metric tons--seem almost as common on construction sites as loader-backhoes. Compact excavators can work in spaces where larger equipment can't even go; rubber tracks are well suited for most surface conditions, their hydraulics operate smoothly and cycle fast, the machines are surprisingly powerful for their size; and they can offset trench next to buildings, fences and other obstacles--something no backhoe can do.

Many models have zero tail swing. With no part of the cab extending outside the width or length of the machine's tracks, cabs can rotate a full 360 degrees, even in areas where there are obstructions. A zero tail swing model can dig in any area around the machine and deposit spoils wherever necessary within the boom's reach, all without the need to reposition the machine.

The rental market recognized the potential value of the product line and today few general rental centers would be without two or three machines, and equipment rental specialists carry models in several sizes.

With the market firmly established by imports, major American manufacturers began adding mini excavators to their product lines in the latter half of the '90s.

Tool carrier

With a broad range of attachments available, a compact excavator is a multi-purpose tool carrier. This versatility makes the machines useful for a wide range of construction applications, including utility construction.

For utility work, smaller machines--4 metric tons or less--appear to be most popular. Attachments well suited for utility construction include a variety of bucket sizes and types, breakers, plate compactors and augers. Some brands offer trencher attachments. Regardless of project needs, most users like quick-couple attachments to facilitate changing the attachments they use.

With the array of models and selection of attachments, selecting equipment best suited to an organization's needs can be a complex task. How well suited are these machines for utility work? What about attachments? Can a compact excavator with attachments sometimes eliminate the need for stand-alone machines? Other than size, what specifications are most important?

Attachments and needs

Representatives of leading companies offering compact excavators share their thoughts on these versatile construction machines.:

Bobcat, Tom Connor, compact excavator specialist: Bobcat has 11 compact excavator models from .76 to 5.28 metric tons. The smallest model is made outside the United States, the remaining 10 are the only compact excavators manufactured in the United States.

Utility contractors in some instances are replacing larger, dedicated or stand-alone machines with compact excavators and compact loaders (skid-steer...



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