Defined by their compact size, manoeuvrability and versatility, Wacker Neuson's range of mini and compact excavators are designed for the challenging environments of Africa’s construction and agricultural sectors. The company is celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the introduction of its first hydraulic mini excavator.

The machines are configurable 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. The availability of a variety of buckets and attachments can transform the excavators into multi-tool carriers.

The company’s offering ranges from 1.6 t to 7 t excavators and includes the ET16, EZ17, EZ17e (electric) and ET35 mini excavators, as well as the compact ET66 (6 t) and the ET75 (7 t) machines.

The two compact machines are equipped with conventional booms, while the mini excavators feature a boom that can rotate independently, by an angle of approximately 70° to one side. This design allows for precise digging by enabling the operator to position the machine against obstacles such as walls or fences.

The zero-tail swing design of the EZ17 and EZ17e models makes them particularly suited to agricultural applications as the upper part of the machine can rotate 90° without the back overhanging the tracks. This enables the machines to be used in tight spaces such as vineyards and orchards where operators can manoeuvre without damaging surrounding vegetation. All machines in the ET range feature a conventional tail swing.

Wacker Neuson sub-Saharan Africa MD Stefan le Roux encourages customers to consider the vertical digging system option, asserting that it offers unlimited variability, with tilting of the machine’s superstructure up to 15°. This capability provides immediate full swing power with no preparation required. In addition, the system is user-friendly and designed to enhance visibility, allowing for precise maneuvering of the excavator.

“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,” adds Le Roux. 

The EZ17e 1.7 t zero-emission excavator is an environment-friendly electric machine featuring a lithium-ion battery and is recommended for use in environmentally-sensitive areas such as trenches, tunnels, and interior spaces.

The company’s app-based tracking system, EquipCare, can be fitted to all models and allows for tracking of data such as hours of operation, startup time, running time, idle time, battery voltage, and fault codes.

A range of attachments are available and all excavators from 1.6 t to 7 t are pre-equipped with an auxiliary hydraulic line or system.

 “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,” notes Wacker Neuson key accounts manager: agriculture and academy trainer John Ramshaw.

A range of bucket widths and sizes are available to suit both larger tasks and tighter spaces, and all machines include push blades as standard.

The excavator cabs are designed for ease of use and to advance operator safety and comfort and include air conditioning in all closed cabs, excluding the ET16 cab.