 Terex
Products
Over five generations, Terex’s compact excavator line has evolved. It was first developed and made by Hanix and distributed by Schaeff in Germany, until Terex purchased Schaeff in January 2002. The Terex and Schaeff line today represents eight models, ranging from 18 to 51.5 hp with operating weights from 3,792 to 13,140 lbs, including the TC16, TC20, TC29, TC35/TC35E, TC37, TC48, TC50
and TC60.
All of these compact excavator models are ideal for demanding excavation jobs and space-restrictive trenching work. Landscapers, building contractors, water/sewer crews, electric contractors and municipalities are some of the main users. The Terex TC35 is the most popular model. The TC35 offers an excellent combination of power, portability and versatility to meet the needs of typical utility, landscape and general construction projects, say Terex officials. It’s easily transportable (this machine doesn’t require special permits to move) and it easily fits on a trailer with other jobsite equipment.
Currently, three Terex models have zero tail swing — the TC37, TC50 and TC60. The TC16 and TC20 units have expandable undercarriages; both expand from 39 to 53 in. (a difference of 14 in.). All Terex models have two travel speeds, however, the TC16 has it as an optional feature. Other major optional features include lights, cabs with heat and air conditioning, anti-theft devices and radio and CD players. Owners and operators can also choose between rubber or steel crawlers, an auger attachment and a variety of bucket attachments to customize their excavator for any project. All of the company’s compact excavators come standard with a dozer blade including the TC125, which is the line’s largest model.
Axial piston, variable displacement hydraulic pumps and motors provide load-sensing and load independent flow division (LUDV) hydraulics for smooth simultaneous operation on each model. With the LUDV design, oil flow is distributed to cylinders independent of the load. The main advantage of this system is that the compact excavator can be performing multiple actions at one time, without sacrificing flow. Terex engineers its compact excavators with piston pumps on all units.
Most of the Terex compact excavators come standard with Mitsubishi engines (water-cooled diesel engines, three and four cylinders). The TC50 utilizes a Yanmar diesel engine. These engines will all be conforming to Tier 3 emissions compliance in 2008.
Terex compact excavators were designed to be easily serviced when needed. Ground access to the engine, drive train and hydraulic system allows for quick maintenance work to be done. The engine hood of the machine tilts from the rear and features an expandable hinge height to make way for safe and easy maintenance checks. A boom cylinder located on the back of the boom protects it from the impact of the load and prevents dirt build-up.
What’s Unique and Interesting?
Terex compact excavators are engineered to provide optimal operator comfort, safety and productivity, notes the company. The cab on these machines offer ergonomically designed seats, good visibility and ergonomically designed pilot controls, which ensure that the operator can comfortably sit back and operate. Heat is standard on all Terex compact excavator models, and A/C is optional on larger units.
As for safety, all Terex excavators come standard with a lockout system that includes a main battery disconnect switch and joystick that controls the lockout. A ROPS/FOPS system is standard in the cabs.
Over the years, the company has continued to increase hydraulic horsepower to meet those more strenuous jobsite demands. Other innovations include top-mounted boom cylinders with spherical bearings and a short front dozer blade for increased versatility. Each unit’s OEM engine is extra quiet because of low engine rpm, says Terex, boasting low fuel consumption (making them extremely efficient and cost-effective), large displacement and a longer life. The low noise levels also provide a comfortable drive for the operator and is pleasant to the surrounding public.
The load-sensing and load-independent flow division hydraulic systems are matched to the machine’s size, giving operators a greater power ratio and smooth, simultaneous operation for maximum worksite production. The optional quick-attach coupler system allows for easy bucket and attachment changes, offering contractors versatility for multiple jobsite applications with one machine.
Insights and Advice
“When choosing a compact excavator, make sure the piece of equipment is going to meet your needs. Don’t sacrifice power, breakout force or anything else just to save a dollar,” explains Bill Parker, product manager for Terex Construction. “Also, always buy quality. A compact excavator needs to be durable and reliable because downtime is expensive.
“Zero tail swing compact excavators have been increasing in popularity over the past couple of years. Also, compact excavators are really starting to function as more than just a one-purpose machine; contractors can do much more with one machine because of all the attachment options, like dozer blades, thumbs and breakers. The hydraulic systems have been engineered to handle these attachments and this gives contractors a lot of options because one machine can handle so many different applications. Right now, the most popular attachments contractors are using are augers, compactors and hydraulic thumbs.”
Contact Info
Terex
8800 Rostin Rd.
Southaven, MS 38671
Ph: (662) 393-1800
Fax: (662) 393-1700
www.terex.com
<< BACK TO MINI HEX ARTICLE
|
