A mini-excavator performing its routine tasks is commonplace. However, when that machine is a 30-year-plus local veteran still going through its paces, it represents a remarkable achievement, one that embodies the unparalleled quality and reliability that the Wacker Neuson brand is globally renowned for.

In 1984, Wacker Neuson (then known as Neuson Hydraulik GmbH) produced and introduced the very first hydraulic mini excavator, designed specifically to meet customer needs and originally branded in an iconic red livery. Over the past 40 years, these ‘work horses’ have evolved significantly, thanks to Wacker Neuson’s enduring commitment to innovation and enhancing the customer experience.

The comprehensive range of mini and compact excavators are designed and engineered as reliable and versatile ‘multi-tool’ carriers. All machines are specifically tailored to meet the challenging environments of Africa’s construction and agricultural sectors.

Defined by their compact size, exceptional manoeuverability and versatility, Wacker Neuson excavators are indispensable tools on construction sites and farms. These machines are renowned for their exceptional performance and breakout force, delivering best-in-class agility and enhanced productivity. Packed with value-adding features, the excavators also enjoy widespread popularity in the rental sector, making them the go-to choice for any job.

The machines are configurable for specific needs and offer conventional as well as rotational boom, zero-tail, steel or rubber tracks, cab or open station, additional hydraulic flow lines, dipper stick extensions, and mechanical or hydraulic hitches. Furthermore, a wide range of buckets and attachments transform the excavators into multi-tool carriers, ready to take on countless construction and agricultural tasks. “Our excavators are truly the embodiment of our value proposition of ‘all it takes’,” says Stefan le Roux, Managing Director, Wacker Neuson Sub-Saharan Africa. 

With an extensive offering of excavators ranging from 1.6 to 7 tons, Wacker Neuson delivers the versatility needed to tackle the diverse applications within the Sub-Saharan African market. The robust line-up includes the ET16, EZ17, EZ17e (electric) and ET35 mini excavators which are complemented by the compact ET66 (6 tons) and the ET75 (7 tons) machines.

The two compact machines are equipped with conventional booms, while the mini-excavators feature a boom that can rotate independently, by approximately 70 degrees, to one side. This design allows for precise digging by enabling the operator to position the machine right up against obstacles like walls or fences.

The EZ17 and EZ17e excel in agricultural applications owing to their zero-tail swing design. This allows the upper part of the machine to rotate 90 degrees without the back overhanging the tracks, making them ideal for working in tight spaces such as vineyards and orchards where operators can manoeuvre effectively without damaging surrounding vegetation. All machines in the ET range feature a conventional tail swing.

Le Roux encourages customers to consider the Vertical Digging System (VDS) option when investing in their Wacker Neuson excavator. Enabling unlimited variability in the tilting of the machine’s superstructure up to 15 degrees, VDS offers a host of benefits. This exceptionally flexible capability provides immediate full swing power with no preparation required, enabling tasks to be tackled without delay. Furthermore, the user-friendly system enhances visibility and allows for precise maneuvering of the excavator into optimal positions on the job site.

Unpacking several innovations that have driven the digital evolution of Wacker Neuson excavators over the past 40 years, le Roux states: “Our highly efficient power units are designed to achieve maximum efficiency at lower engine revolutions, translating to fuel savings of up to 30% compared to other brands.”

He also highlights their EZ17e 1.7-ton zero emission excavator, an environmentally friendly electric machine featuring a modern lithium-ion battery that delivers ample power for an average workday. The low maintenance EZ17e is ideal for use in environmentally sensitive areas such as trenches, tunnels, and interior spaces.

EquipCare, another digital innovation from Wacker Neuson, is a state-of-the-art tracking system that can be fitted on the complete excavator range. Customers can conveniently track data related to their excavator fleet—including hours of operation, start-up time, running time, idle time, battery voltage, and fault codes—through an app on any smart device.

Wacker Neuson has also simplified on-site work with the introduction of Smart Glasses which enable service technicians to deliver rapid and accurate support by connecting with experts remotely.

Expanding on the versatility of Wacker Neuson excavators, John Ramshaw, Key Accounts Manager - Agriculture and Academy Trainer, highlights the comprehensive range of attachments available. He notes that all Wacker Neuson excavators from 1.6t to 7t come pre-equipped with an auxiliary hydraulic line or system, unlike comparable models where this is an add-on. “Our design facilitates the quick and easy attachment of buckets and accessories. We are an authorized dealer for the Italian machine attachment specialist Cangini Benne, which offers tilting hitches, selector grabs, concrete mixer buckets, sweepers, sweeper buckets, and a unique laser-guided dozer blade. Additionally, we have partnered with Westtech to provide an unparalleled selection of woodcrackers, brush mulchers, augers, hammers, and drills.” Ramshaw adds, “Our various bucket widths and sizes can accommodate both larger tasks and tighter spaces, empowering customers to maximize the use of their Wacker Neuson excavator.” Ramshaw additionally underscores that all machines are offered with push blades as standard.

Operator safety and comfort are fundamental to a machine's performance, placing cab ergonomics at the forefront. Compliant with EU regulations, all Wacker Neuson excavator cabs are user-friendly, featuring well-positioned, well-appointed controls and high visibility. All closed cabs (excluding the ET16) are air-conditioned.

Specialist customer and dealer training at Wacker Neuson is led by Ramshaw, whose extensive experience has garnered him a reputation for providing training of world-class standards. Sales, operator and service training on the full range of excavators is offered at the Training Academy at Wacker Neuson’s Johannesburg headquarters where machines can be put through their paces in the dedicated test area. Additionally, on-site training is available for customers and dealers upon request.

Le Roux notes a significant opportunity for growth in South Africa’s mini- and compact excavator market. “As customers and end-users increasingly prioritize low operational and ownership costs to ensure business sustainability, our objective is to deploy machines in the field where they can demonstrate their world-class performance and efficiency, revealing their true value. With our machines boasting an above average lifespan compared to cheaper alternatives, the quality and reliability of our products speak for themselves. Customers quickly recognize that our excavators deliver the results they need, as they are premium machines. Their low cost of ownership and excellent return on investment soon become evident. We take great pride in the fact that many customers refer to our excavators as 'Smooth Operators!'”