Mini excavator demand continues to grow exponentially (more than 400% overall growth since 2011) thanks to strong demand in sectors like landscaping and underground utilities. To address that need, CASE Construction Equipment is developing a diverse and comprehensive mini excavator lineup ranging from 1.5 to 6 metric tons. This includes diesel-powered units, and the launch of two all-new electrified mini excavators.
The CX15EV is a 3,186-lb mini excavator powered by a 21 hp electric motor; and the CX25EV, available later in 2023, weighs 4,828 lbs with a 27 hp motor. The lithium-ion battery featured in both machines is charged either by the 110V/220V on-board charger, or via an external rapid charger that can recharge a machine within 90 minutes. Depending on the application, both reportedly provide enough power to work through a full eight-hour day — all while delivering the core benefits of electrified construction equipment: no emissions, reduced noise, and less lifetime maintenance thanks to the elimination of the diesel engine.
“Mini excavators are ideal for electrification because they go through varied work cycles throughout the day,” said Brad Mace, product manager, CASE CE. “Between access to power and the fast-charging capabilities of the machine with both on-board and external technologies, these machines deliver excellent runtimes and are sure to be ready to take on any task.”
The operator’s standard color LCD monitor provides battery information and machine settings, as well as customizable hydraulic proportional controls and auxiliary hydraulics to tailor performance to a specific job.
A load-sensing hydraulic system with a “flow sharing” control valve reportedly delivers smooth and powerful performance across a range of applications. On the CX15EV, a low-noise helical gear pump provides 7.4 gpm (28 lpm) flow with an operating pressure of 2,600 psi (180 bar). The swing motor is a hydraulic axial-piston drive unit, and the travel motor is a variable-displacement hydraulic orbital gear motor with an auto-shift two-speed transmission, along with a hydraulic released parking brake. Specs for the CX25EV have not yet been announced.
Both machines feature standard 1-way/2-way hydraulics with an electronic detent hold to reduce operator fatigue, and an optional second auxiliary circuit (2-way only) adds more hydraulic options. The monitor can set and store flow settings for up to five attachments when switching between tools.
Each excavator features three work modes — Power, Standard and Economy — that match electric motor speed to the task, as well as the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the controls. This can be done through one of three pre-sets (Precision, Normal or Productivity), or an “Individual” setting that allows the operator to select specific responsiveness for six different bucket and boom actions, as well as swing, travel and blade functions.
CASE is also focusing on connectivity, making SiteWatch telematics standard on each unit for optimal visibility into machine performance and greater collaborative fleet management. And each model can be outfitted with precision construction technologies to further improve productivity and digging quality.
CASE Construction Equipment
www.CaseCE.com
