T
hese machines may be compact, but their
features are anything but lacking.
With several compact excavators being
released at the 2014 GIE+EXPO in October and
others earlier this year at ConExpo-Con/Agg, a few
trends have emerged.
In addition to a continued focus on reducing
emissions, manufacturers have also started includ-
ing more electronic features.
Caterpillar's E2 Series includes a digital control
panel called COMPASS, which stands for complete
operation, maintenance, performance and security
system. This panel includes an anti-theft system,
which requires a five-digit alphanumeric password
to start the machine, and an automatic engine-idle
selection, which drops engine rpm to idle after 4
seconds of inactivity.
Takeuchi's TB230 compact excavator also has
electrical features such as a multi-information
display. It includes digital gauges for the cool-
ant temperature, fuel/water sensor, high engine
coolant temperature, engine air filter restriction,
fuel filter restriction, low fuel level, automatic idle,
engine preheat, travel speed indicator and work
light indicator.
Read more about these and other new compact
excavators, plus maintenance tips to keep these
machines up and running.
N O V E M B E R 2 014 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m 3 3
equipment matters
Compact
Excavators
New models, features and
maintenance tips
BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Unveiled at ConExpo-
Con/Agg, the JCB 8029
CTS compact excavator
has a 25-horsepower
engine and a tail swing
just 18 1/2 inches
longer than the 8025
zero-tail swing machine.
