Ground Breakers and Earth Movers

The following is an overview of loaders, trenchers, graders, excavators and other ground-breaking and earth-moving equipment.

ASV RT-65 compact track loader

The ASV radial-lift RT-65 Posi-Track compact track loader boasts industry-leading serviceability features, including a swing-out radiator, top hood and side doors that allow access to all sides of the engine compartment. The RT-65’s turbocharged 67-hp. Deutz 2.2-liter diesel engine produces 184 foot-pounds of torque. The Tier 4 Final engine requires no regeneration, exhaust sensors or diesel exhaust fluid. ASV built the RT-65’s auxiliary hydraulic system with 3,300 psi of auxiliary pressure and 22.2-gpm standard flow. An optional 27.4-gpm high-flow system offers even greater performance. The RT-65 features a ROC of 1,925 pounds and a tipping load of 5,500 pounds. It is 66 inches wide and has a 116.5-inch lift height. It includes a self-leveling system and standard joystick controls. The machine features speeds as fast as 11 mph, a ground pressure of 4.3 psi, 12.9-inch ground clearance and a 37-degree departure angle.

Avant Tecno 800 series

The 800 series is the largest and most powerful loader series from the Finnish manufacturer Avant Tecno. It pushes the limits of compact loader’s performance with 1.900-kg lift capacity and 3,5 m lift height. Still, its dimensions – width 1,5 m, length 3,4 m, height 2,2 m and weight starting from 2.500 kg – and articulated design make the 800 series a very versatile and powerful compact loader. The Avant 860i features a Kohler KDI 1903 TCR 42 kW/57 hp. common rail turbocharged diesel engine, EU Stage V and US Tier 4 final compliant. The Avant 850, with Kubota V2403 36 kW/49 hp diesel engine, is for markets outside the scope of EU Stage V and US Tier 4 final emission standards. Hydrostatic transmission with a hydraulic drive motor on each wheel together with two drive speed areas is a familiar feature of Avant compact loaders. Maximum drive speed of the 800 series is 30 km/h and auxiliary hydraulics oil flow for attachments is as high as 80 l/min. The 800 series is equipped with Avant quick attach system for attachments. The comprehensive Avant attachment range – more than 200 attachments – is available for 800 series.

Bobcat Company grading and trenching buckets for compact excavators

Bobcat Company offers trenching buckets and grading buckets for Bobcat E26 through E85 compact excavators. Both buckets greatly benefit compact excavator operators, offering them increased durability and reliability, maximum digging capabilities and easier clean-out when cleaning ditches, backfilling, leveling or grading. The grading buckets – available in 36-, 48- and 60-inch widths – share the same profile as Bobcat’s trenching buckets and do not have internal center gussets. The design gives a larger capacity than previous grading buckets, and allows for more material to be moved in one cycle of the excavator work group. Grading buckets are also equipped with waffle plates to add extra strength and rigidity to the bottom of the bucket for longer life. Trenching buckets – available in 12-, 16-, 18-, 20-, 24-, 30- and 36-inch widths – feature a replaceable cutting edge, leaving a smooth work area when the job is completed. A toothed version is also available, which uses the same teeth as the previous bucket model so customers and dealers do not have to stock two types of teeth. Additionally, a scalloped cast side cutter has been added for improved durability and functionality.

Cat Skeleton Buckets

Used primarily to separate rocks and large debris from soil and sand, Cat Skeleton Buckets are designed for use with skid-steer loaders, multi-terrain loaders, compact track loaders, and compact wheel loaders. Cat Skeleton Buckets use heavy steel rods, 1.25 inches in diameter on 3.75-inch centers, to form the floor and back of the bucket. Thick plates with rectangular openings form the sides of the bucket, and a rectangular frame, fabricated of heavy-duty steel and incorporating two steel plate rock dams, strengthens the back of the bucket. The rock dams serve to retain material, reducing spillage and increasing production. For added durability, steel gussets are welded between the outermost rods in the bucket floor and the sides of the bucket. The forward ends of the rods in the bucket floor are secured in a heavy-duty support beam positioned between (and welded to) the bucket sides. This beam not only provides support, but allows the bucket to also be used for grading.  Welded to the forward tips of the rods and support beam are heavy steel tines that enhance breakout force by initially separating rock and debris from soil more effectively than could a solid cutting edge.

Ditch Witch C12X walk-behind trencher

The Ditch Witch C12X walk-behind trencher is equipped with a compact frame, a 12-hp. engine and digging depths up to 24 inches. Designed with an exclusive, patented CX track system with a longer right-side track, the unit increases jobsite traction and production. The tighter design also improves versatility, allowing the machines to maneuver in confined spaces.

Doosan announces three new mini excavators

Doosan Infracore North America, LLC, bolstered its mini excavator lineup with the addition of three new models in the 3.5-, 4- and 5-ton classes: the Doosan DX35-5, DX42-5 and DX50-5. The mini excavators will each be available with an enclosed cab, including heat and air conditioning, or an open canopy configuration. A standard suspension seat provides all-day comfort, while a deluxe instrument panel provides valuable machine information. A standard keyless start system helps to reduce unauthorized machine use and theft. Customers can choose a standard-arm or a long-arm option. The long-arm option gives operators more dig depth and reach and reduces the amount of machine repositioning. A blade comes standard with all three new models, and an angle blade is available as a factory option. All three new Doosan mini excavators can be equipped with a quick coupler, bucket and thumb attachment package. Quick couplers allow mini excavator operators to easily change attachments to match the trenching task to the desired bucket width, minimizing over-digging. A thumb is a popular attachment to use with a bucket to effectively grab, lift and place items, such as debris in site preparation or hardscape materials for a landscaping project.

Earthquake Victory rear tine tiller

Earthquake Victory rear tine tiller delivers the power of larger tillers in a more compact and controllable size. New for 2019, the Victory is now available to distributors and retailers with a Kohler 196cc engine. With no compromise in comparison to bigger, more cumbersome machines, the Victory has a full 16-inch tilling width and a tilling depth of up to 10 inches. The 196cc Kohler engine delivers exceptional power to the Victory’s rear-mounted, counter-rotating tines.

The Victory features:

• Full-sized power in a compact frame
• Optimal weight distribution and balance, a low center of gravity, and wide tire footprint for ground-hugging stability
• Maneuverability, plus instant reverse for greater control even in tight spots
• Non-pneumatic wheels that never go flat and give the Victory greater traction and flotation in tilled soil
• Forged steel tines, cast-iron transmission with bronze gears

Gyru-Star screening bucket

Ransome Attachments has finalized a deal to distribute the U.K.-based Gyru-Star compact screening bucket in the United States. The Gyru-Star screens soils, aggregates, sand and compost without the need for shredding or crushing. The screenings can be used for backfilling, stockpiling or pipe bedding, retaining oversized materials that can be dumped elsewhere. The Gyru-Star is designed specifically for compact excavators ranging from 2,000 to 50,000 pounds, in addition to compact wheel loaders, skid-steers, and agricultural tractors. The key to the Gyru-Star’s design is its rows of rotating polyurethane stars that separate rocks and vegetation from the material to be screened. The shape, flexibility, and spacing of the stars also eliminates the potential for clogging. The Gyru-Star, although engineered for durability with high-grade and Hardox steel, is best suited for landscaping and smaller scale contracting applications. The higher the quality of the source material, the greater the productivity. Even a 6,000-pound excavator or skid-steer can produce hundreds of cubic yards per day using the smallest models in the Gyru-Star line, while the larger buckets are capable of churning out more than 1,000 to 2,000 cubic yards per day.

John Deere adds backhoes to its attachments lineup

John Deere unveiled three new backhoe attachments to complement its full lineup of attachments. The BH9B, BH10B and BH11B were designed for operators handling light construction, agricultural, landscaping or utility work. Similar to other John Deere attachments, these backhoes are ideal for use on John Deere G-Series skid-steers and compact track loaders. The new backhoe attachments offer swing speed control and 180-degree capabilities to help maximize efficiency and improve machine stability. Workspace visibility is optimized with the attachments’ sleek, low-profile design. Cushioned cylinders allow for smooth operations and limit shock loads during use. A two-lever control of boom or swing (left lever) and dipperstick or bucket (right lever) allow for precise control and movement. Each new backhoe model includes a 9 to 12 gallons-per-minute hydraulic flow range for smooth operation. The new backhoes provide different levels of maximum dig depths: 110 inches on the BH9B, 116 inches on the BH10B, and 133 inches on the BH11B. The BH model bucket widths range from 18 inches to 36 inches; the new and improved heavy-duty buckets feature an easy-cleanout design for the toughest jobs. BH10B and BH11B buckets offer three linkage positions to maximize curl, reach or breakout force.

Kioti Tractor CK10SE Series

Kioti Tractor’s CK10SE Series – the CK3510SE, CK4010SE, CK3510SE HST, CK4010SE HST, CK3510SE HC and CK4010SE HC – are ready to tackle the toughest tasks efficiently. The CK10SE Series lineup boast engine gross horsepower options (34.9 hp. or 39.6 hp.), PTO options (28 hp. to 34.9 hp.) and synchronized shuttle or hydrostatic ROPS or hydrostatic cab models. Three-cylinder, in-line vertical, water-cooled, fuel-efficient Daedong diesel engines power all six models. A wide range of features, including hydrostatic power steering, telescopic lower link and stabilizers, rear independent PTO, rear differential lock, mechanically actuated 4WD and rear dual remote valves with four ports are standard on all models. The CK10SE Series also features high ground clearance and three options for tires, helping tackle the toughest terrain. For ease-of-use and efficiency, the HST models come with cruise control and linked pedal that reduce fuel consumption over long periods of use. Optional equipment includes a mid PTO kit rated at 2,000 rpm capable of attaching the Kioti SB66 front mount snow blower, the Kioti KL4030 front end loader designed to be easily attached and detached, and the Kioti KB2475L backhoe with exceptional feathering characteristics.

Little Beaver Kwik-Trench

Little Beaver’s Kwik-Trench mini-trencher is offered in two models – the KT 200B and KT 2400B – both able to trench up to 30 feet per minute. A compact design paired with durable construction and components allows the Kwik-Trench to tackle a multitude of projects, including landscape edging, root pruning, as well as installations of plumbing and drainage lines, low-voltage wiring, silt fences and sprinkler systems. Featuring a triple V-belt drive system, the Kwik-Trench achieves rotation speed up to 800 rpm. Precise cutting depth is achieved with a manual crank, while each trencher’s locking swivel wheel guides the unit, ensuring straight trenches. In addition to producing clean, precise results, the Kwik-Trench is designed to minimize backfill and cleanup time by depositing soil beside the trench. Powered by a 5.5-horsepower Honda engine, the KT 200B is capable of achieving depths up to 8 inches. The unit features four carbide-tipped teeth and produces trenches from 1 to 3 inches wide. The KT 2400B unleashes 8 horsepower through its Honda engine and achieves depths up to 12 inches. Equipped with eight carbide-tipped cutting teeth, the mini-trencher produces trenches from 1 to 4 inches wide.

MTW Power Box Rake

The MTW Power Box Rake from Merrill Specialty Products is ideal for breaking up, raking and leveling hard-packed soil, gravel, sod and other terrain. MTW’s strong steel frames help commercial operators and do-it-yourselfers refine more material in less time while minimizing downtime due to breakage and repairs. Three models are available for both skid-steer and tractor applications and can be ordered with weld-on teeth, replaceable teeth or carbide teeth and come standard with solid rubber, airless tires. Sizes range from 4 foot to 10 foot, rotors are available in 6-inch and 8-inch diameter, and frame construction is available from .18 to .375 inches of wall thickness.

New Holland C245 Super Boom

The C245 Super Boom compact track loader offers the highest level of performance in a New Holland Construction vertical lift machine. With a rated operating capacity of 4,500 pounds, industry-leading breakout force of 9,188 pounds, and powerful high-flow hydraulics, it’s the largest, most powerful New Holland compact track loader model yet. The auxiliary hydraulic system of the C245 dramatically increases productivity when powering high-flow, high-performance attachments like heavy-duty forestry cutters and mulchers, manhole cutters, high-flow trenchers and augers, and concrete and pavement saws. New Holland’s patented, vertical-lift Super Boom design provides long forward dump reach and fast cycle times. It reaches up and out to dump cleanly into the center of high-sided trucks and hoppers.

Operators can empty the bucket faster and easier, which in turn increases cycle times. The C245 is outfitted with one of the industry’s widest, most comfortable cabs with plenty of head and foot room for easy access in and out of the machine. The cab’s outstanding visibility gives operators a clear view of the job site with lots of cab glass and the thinnest side screens. New steel front work lights with sidelamps deliver extra visibility during nighttime operations.

Steiner trencher attachment

The Steiner trencher attachment helps users dig precise trenches quickly. It can cut as deep as 28 inches, and it features an easy-to-see depth indicator gauge, so users are always in control, right in the operator seat. Attached to the powerful and versatile Steiner 450 tractor, the Steiner trencher has a standard cutting width of 5-½ inches, but can also dig as narrow as 4-¾ inches. Its precise width and depth make it perfect for installing lighting, irrigation, pet fences, or aiding in other landscape renovation projects. And with its 550 ft./min. chain speed, it can power through tough terrain with ease.

Turf Teq Model 1305PR1Power Rake

The Turf Teq Model 1305PR1 Power Rake is the perfect tool for all types of seedbed preparation and turf renovation. The Power Rake has 36-inch-wide drum with welded teeth, and is designed to dig and scuff up the soil. It can be angled left or right from the operator position. The unit features a 13-hp. Honda engine, fully hydrostatic forward/reverse transmission, differential lock and multi-use attachment interchangeability.