Compact excavators are widely deployed as versatile multitool carriers in South and sub-Saharan Africa’s agriculture, forestry, construction, and mining sectors, and Wacker Neuson notes that its machines integrate the latest technology, energy-efficient solutions, and future-ready features, designed to ensure reliable performance in the toughest conditions.

“Compact excavators are becoming the go-to choice for operators, as a single machine with multiple attachments can handle a wide range of tasks on virtually any job site, even in tight spaces,” says Wacker Neuson MD: sub-Saharan Africa Stefan le Roux.

He emphasises that the compact, sleek design and small footprint of the machines are crucial for limited-space applications: “The growing demand for compact excavators reflects their ability to adapt to Africa’s diverse industries, providing both productivity and sustainability in a rapidly developing region. Their popularity is further driven by increasing demand for efficient, small-scale machinery, particularly in areas with limited access to larger equipment.”

Le Roux notes that regional factors such as population growth, infrastructure development, mechanised agriculture, and sustainable resource extraction, have contributed to a significant rise in demand for these multitool carriers over the past two decades.

In the agricultural sector, the machines are used for simple tasks such as trench digging to more complex tasks such as field preparation, tree planting, and materials handling. Wacker Neuson’s EZ17, EZ17e, and EZ28 are suited for use on small- to medium-sized farms, while the ET66 and ET75 models are applicable for larger tasks and operations.

In forestry operations, these excavators’ small footprint minimises soil disruption, especially important for environmentally sensitive tasks such as land clearing or selective logging. The company says its full range of excavators are suitable for these operations, as they combine high manoeuvrability in dense areas with the power required for tree clearing, logging, and handling large logs with specialised attachments.

“Our 1.6 t to 7 t models excel in confined spaces, offering unmatched versatility that makes them the top choice over larger competitor machines for more expansive operations,” notes Le Roux.

Wacker Neuson highlights its excavator fleet, including ET16, EZ17, EZ17e, EZ28, ET35, ET66, and ET75 models for use in the construction sector, specifically suitable for small- to medium-scale contractors.

In small-scale and artisanal mining, compact excavators are used for tasks such as ore transport and path clearing, with the EZ17e all-electric, zero-emissions excavator said to be particularly suited for underground mining conditions.

Le Roux highlights innovations such as energy efficiency, advanced hydraulic systems, zero-emission technology, intelligent technology integration, and a wide selection of attachments. The hydraulics system is designed to provide precise control and efficient operation, and enables the use of a range of attachments, elevating the machines into multi-functional tool carriers that adapt to evolving project requirements. Attachments include standard, heavy-duty, and tilt buckets, augers, grapples, hydraulic breakers, and winches for the handling of diverse tasks across farms, forests, construction, and mining sites. For precision work, hydraulic augers help ensure accurate drilling, while tilt buckets allow for precise grading and shaping, which is useful in construction. Rippers break through tough surfaces and loosen rocks, while thumbs provide a strong grip for moving debris, both widely used in construction and mining. Brush mulchers are used to clear vegetation and light overgrowth in agriculture and forestry. Quick couplers and other specialty attachments are designed to enable fast, efficient, and safe tool changes.

Alongside electric models, Wacker Neuson says its conventional excavators are designed to be fuel-efficient. In addition, smart technology such as telematics and remote monitoring systems, enables operators to track machine performance, maintenance schedules, and fuel consumption. These features are all aimed at optimising operations, reducing downtime, and improving productivity, says Le Roux.