Attachments can make your compact equipment more versatile and extend your list of services when used correctly. Here’s advice from Tom Connor, Bobcat excavator product specialist, on how to choose the right hydraulic breaker for your compact excavator.
How much breaker is too much?
First, make sure the equipment’s auxiliary flow being used is within an acceptable range for the breaker attachment being used. These should always match up. You don’t want to over-speed or under-speed the attachment. Also, pay attention to the weight of the breaker. Do not exceed the rated operating capacities for attachments.
What are some maintenance tips?
It is critical to use a machine with the appropriate hydraulic flow. You can complete all of the daily greasing and preventative checks, but if you aren’t matching the flow to the breaker, it will not matter. Also, match the breaker attachment to the job being completed. The bigger the machine needed, the more likely you will need a bigger breaker to match it up with. Last, adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the operation of the equipment with attachments, as well as guidelines for daily greasing and maintenance.
THUMB READY
Delivering 11,240 pounds-force of bucket digging force, the Case CX55B compact excavator digs up to 12 feet, 10 inches. It’s powered by a 39.3-horsepower engine and an operating weight of 12,295 pounds. The CX55B is “thumb ready” with factory-installed hydraulics and an attachment bracket.
Sealed cab
The John Deere 318D and 320D skid steers are powered by John Deere PowerTech 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engines. The cab is sealed and pressurized to keep out dust and noise. Features include suspension seats, a cup holder, 12-volt power port and optional AM/FM/weatherband radio. Contractors can also opt for two-speed and increased travel speeds up to 11 mph.
Turbocharged engine
The Takeuchi TB285 mid-size hydraulic excavator features an Interim Tier 4 turbocharged Yanmar engine that delivers 66.5 net horsepower. With an operating weight just less than 20,000 pounds, the excavator digs 15 feet deep. It has a bucket breakout force of 16,568 pounds and a traction force of 19,783 pounds.
Side-entry cab
Volvo Construction Equipment’s C-Series skid steer loaders have gross engine power from 84 to 92 horsepower. Featuring a single-loader arm design, the wheeled and tracked skid steer loaders have a wide-opening side cab door. This eliminates the need to climb onto and over the bucket or attachment.
Independent pumps
Available in both narrow- and wide-track models, the Toro Dingo TX 427 compact utility loader has a tip capacity of 1,530 pounds. The loaders feature a 27-horsepower Kohler engine and come standard with a heavy-duty, two-stage air cleaner. With four independent hydraulic pumps, the TX 427 delivers 16.9 gallons per minute of flow to each track.
Light footprint
Complement larger machines when space is constricted with Bobcat’s E26 compact excavator. The excavator is powered by a 27-horsepower diesel engine that is Interim Tier 4 compliant. It has a 4/5-inch tail overhang and leaves a lighter footprint than the 325 and 425 models, which it replaces.
