In 2020, we started an ongoing feature focusing on collectors of antique equipment and their favorite finds.

Little did we know that the stories would become so popular.

Readers seem to appreciate the historical significance of the old equipment and the personal stories behind them. And the collectors we’ve spoken with love to show their vintage machines, many of which underwent painstaking restorations. Along with being fans of antique equipment, they hope to reach a new generation and help preserve a bit of our country’s construction past.

So here are the top five antique construction equipment stories on equipmentworld.com for 2021, with links in case you want to read more:

Mike Oberloier1. 95 Years Under Water: Rare, Long-Lost Steam Shovel Rescued to be Restored

An old steam shovel at the bottom of a Michigan lake since 1925 couldn’t be rescued. Then a dam break in 2020 changed everything. Because of it, Mike Oberloier was able to resurrect a dream his father had back in 1975, when he led an unsuccessful diving expedition to find the lost steam shovel of Wixom Lake. A Herculean group effort has recovered the old shovel, and Mike has been working to restore it. The early-1900s Thew Type-O shovel is believed to be one of only two left in the world.

A shot of Erik Christenbury’s antique Cat with the original operator he bought it from.Erik Christenbury2. Almost Famous: This “Like New” 1956 Cat D6 Dozer Gets a Shot at the Movies

As founder and president of Chapter 12 of the Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club, Erik Christenbury often gets calls from people wanting to display antique Caterpillar construction equipment. But one that stands out in his mind came about seven years ago from a coordinator on a major motion picture. Erik agreed to let them use his 1956 Cat D6 9U dozer. He had bought the machine about a year earlier – a rare find as it had less than 900 operating hours on it and all original parts. But he didn’t realize until later that they expected him to bring it to New Orleans, more than 800 miles from his home in South Carolina, and get filmed operating it. It turned into a long, strange, yet memorable experience.

A proud Casey Havemann with his restored 1958 Case Terratrac 320.Casey Havemann3. Casey’s Rare Case: Teen Restores 1958 Terratrac 320 Dozer

Casey Havemann is the youngest collector we’ve interviewed. But Casey showed he has the heart of a true aficionado of antique construction equipment when he found a rare 1958 Case Terratrac 320 dozer. He then spent 600 hours restoring it while he was in high school. His restoration work involved a lengthy parts search, parts fabrication, and taking the crawler tractor apart piece by piece and putting it back together again – twice.

The Holt Caterpillar 10-Ton back on the Vouk property in St. Stephen, Minnesota.Scott Vouk4. “Impossible” Quest Brings Home Family’s Century-Old Holt Caterpillar 10-Ton Tractor

Scott Vouk was 6 years old in 2001 when the Holt Caterpillar 10-Ton tractor was auctioned off. It was sold along with all the other equipment at the Vouk family’s antique steam show after his great uncle passed away. William Vouk Sr. had bought the Holt in 1938 for the family threshing and sawmill business. After the auction, the family thought it was gone for good, but 25-year-old Scott Vouk didn’t give up. In 2021, he managed to do what many of his relatives didn’t believe possible. He brought the century-old tractor home.

Nancy McDonnell with her 1956 Cat D4Nancy McConnell5. A Dozer of Her Own: It Was Nancy’s Turn To Restore a 1956 Cat D4

Nancy McDonnell had been watching her husband and others operating vintage construction equipment at antique machine shows, and she decided it was time she had a turn. After a local search in the late 1990s, the Germantown, Ohio, couple found a hidden treasure in two beat-up 1956 Cat D4 dozers. Neither dozer was good enough on its own, but by combining the good parts, they were able to put together one excellent restored dozer to operate at antique shows and give Nancy her first piece of construction equipment.

Josh Burkholder grew up on his family farm and times were tough. Searching for ways to bring in family income, he started mowing lawns and then turned to construction. It’s a move that came out of necessity and he now says it “grew beyond anything I ever imagined.”

This growth shouldn’t be a surprise when you look at his background. “My dad always drilled customer service into us,” Burkholder says. “We’re here to serve the customer. That’s where our bread and butter come from.”

Along the way, several people have given his company a hand up, Burkholder says.

There was the small community bank that loaned him the money for his first piece of equipment: a zero-turn lawnmower. “We still use them, “ Burkholder says, “even though we’ve outgrown them to some extent.”

He also credits an engineering team with a local mining company with seeing Oak Hill’s potential in doing the mine’s reclamation work. In 2010, the mining company hired Oak Hill to move 170,000 yards of dirt, a job that they bid at around $500,000. “That was monstrous for us at the time,” Burkholder says.

“They really went out on a limb for us,” Burkholder adds. “They were instrumental in taking us from a couple of boys with a dozer to a company that could actually compete and perform major jobs.”

Oak Hill used a combination of owned and rented excavators, dozers and articulated trucks along with tractors and pull-behind scrapers to complete that first mining job. “A lot of the earthmoving involved short moves so we could do things efficiently,” Burkholder says.

Family first

Jon (left) and Josh Burkholder along with “assistants” (left to right) Alex, Kaden and Karson Burkholder.Equipment World

Family is a central theme at the company, part of the Burkholder’s deep Mennonite faith. Burkholder’s brother Jon manages the fleet, shop operations and projects. “He’s a lot more detail oriented,” Burkholder says. “It’s a good partnership. There’s a lot give and take, and it’s worked out really well.”

The family also had a narrow escape. While visiting an accounting firm in Pennsylvania, their plane crashed on takeoff. Burkholder, Jon and their dad Eugene all sustained serious injuries.

“We essentially flew into the side of a hill,” Burkholder says. “It’s a miracle we survived because the plane was structurally destroyed even though there was not a lot of visual damage.”

The accident happened in late 2015. “In 2016, our company basically ran on autopilot after coming off a good year,” Burkholder says. “I would go into the office and look at the stacks of paper, and I just couldn’t concentrate.”

The company rebounded in 2017 after another large mining project came through, but that also marked the last year that mining reclamation projects were the company’s primary income source.

Tandem excavators at work on a $4 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineer job along the Ohio River.Equipment WorldThree years ago, Oak Hill was almost 100% devoted to coal mine reclamation jobs. Those projects are now down to 30% of the company’s work as it has expanded into landfill cell construction and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer work. Corps work has stretched Oak Hill beyond it’s normal 150-mile geographical footprint; it’s now performing levee work on the Texas-Louisiana border, something Burkholder sees the company doing only on a limited basis.

Oak Hill crews are currently working a job alongside the Ohio River that involves both earthmoving and marine construction. “When bidding it, there was a question of which approach you would take – working from the land or from the water,” Burkholder explains. “We saw very little work that we couldn’t do from land, and it’s been an awesome contract.”

Oak Hill bid the project with crawler carriers but found that its tractors and 21-yard pull-behind scrapers were a better fit for the soft underfoot conditions. “The difference was in the volume of dirt they could move, but we’re still pulling one instead of two. There’s a lot of rolling resistance.”

Growth ahead?

Oak Hill contractors serves several markets including coal mine reclamation, landfill cell construction and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects.

Oak Hill’s annual revenues are now in the $14 million to $15 million range. “I see a huge variable in the bottom line if we can go from there to $18 million, because we have the infrastructure in place,” Burkholder says. “A lot of the overhead costs are taken care of.”

With growth in mind, Burkholder is considering adding a salesperson and a controller. “We’re trying to get better prepared for the long haul,” he says. “I’m trying to transition out of thinking I have to do everything to training other people so that I’m not so tied down with the nitty-gritty.”

The “long haul,” as Burkholder puts it, is also present as he sees the children – now still quite young – grow up in his family.

“Those who are going to survive in this industry are going to stay in the harness and figure out ways to adapt and get it done,” he says.

“We have finite resources and a finite amount of people. Good technicians are hard to find, so I now look at what investment can we make that makes us flow better and be more profitable each season.”

For example, this year Oak Hill had tractors and pull-behind scrapers available for jobs, but no artics, which prompted him to rent six trucks for a job near St. Louis. “But it’s going to be painful for me to write that rental check,” he admits. “I like to own the equipment we’re using.”

The company built its current office and shop in 2017. “I can’t imagine what we’d do without that shop and its overhead crane,” Burkholder says. “We do a high percentage of our own work.” The company also has an equipment division that manages buying and selling used fleet and trucking services.

“When you’re getting the operator from them, you’re actually getting an operator and not just getting somebody that is sitting in a seat,” says client Chris Russell with Hamilton County Coal. “They are great communicators and that makes a big difference.”

“Josh and Jon are people of their word,” says Kevin Gore with client JennMar Services. “I couldn’t have higher praise for anybody that I work with.”

For an overview of Oak Hill Contractors’ operations, check out this video:

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Available in two- and three-axle designs, XL Specialized Trailers’ says its new XL Side Dump is built to handle the toughest materials the aggregate industry can throw at it.

The two-axle XL 60 SD2-37 has an overall length of 39 feet 8 inches, while the three-axle XL 60 SD3-37 comes in at 41 feet 9 inches. Both trailers measure 102 inches wide and feature a capacity of 60,000 pounds.

“The aggregate industry works with tough materials — and needs a tough product to handle them,” says Tom Hiatt, director of sales at XL. “Our team invested significant research and development efforts into designing the new XL Side Dump. The result is a durable product that incorporates no-nonsense safety measures to ensure productivity on the job site.”

The XL Side Dump’s tub – made from ¼ inch AR450 steel – is designed to be crack resistant. It offers a capacity of 23 cubic yards water level and 33 cubic yards strike-off. Easy-to-use tub hooks are located on each side of the trailer.

When one side is disengaged, the other side automatically engages, ensuring the tub is always secure. The electric mesh tarp system also prevents the tub from dumping when it is covered.

The trailer has six lights per side, rubber mounted LED lights and dual intensity center cluster lights.

Color options include black, International Harvester red or Caterpillar yellow. 

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https://constructionosa.org/?p=1260

GMC continues its march to truck electrification with a sneak peek at its all-electric Sierra pickup.

While the front shot of the truck doesn’t reveal much, it does show an eye-catching lighting sequence across the grille.

The electric Sierra, which will launch only in the Denali trim, will be the third all-electric vehicle in GMC’s portfolio after the GMC Hummer EV Pickup and GMC Hummer EV SUV.

“Sierra Denali holds tremendous equity for GMC and our customers,” said Duncan Aldred, GMC vice president. “We now have an opportunity to evolve Sierra’s capabilities and technologies, as afforded by transitioning to an all-electric propulsion while also elevating the luxurious design and comfort associated with Denali.”

Like the GMC Hummer EV, the electric Sierra will be purposefully built on the Ultium Platform with the premium materials and capability customers have come to expect from GMC trucks, the company says.

The truck will be revealed next year and will be assembled in General Motors’ Factory ZERO Assembly Plant in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan.  

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https://constructionosa.org/?p=1257

JLG analyzer capabilities now available for phones, tablets

The same functionality you find on JLG’s Handheld Analyzer is now available on customers’ mobile devices. The new JLG BluetoothAnalyzer and Bluetooth Analyzer Reader feature in the JLG Mobile Control App allows users to troubleshoot, calibrate or customize their JLG mobile control equipped scissors with a smartphone or tablet, says Ara Eckel, director of product management for JLG connected solutions.

The new Bluetooth Analyzer feature allows users to view and edit machine parameters via their mobile device through an interface that’s similar to the physical analyzer. The Bluetooth Analyzer Reader enables users to view a summary of requested machine analyzer menus, as well as the ability to download and share files through a user’s smart device.

Both new Bluetooth-enabled features are supplemental to the Remote Analyzer tool, which is currently available as an option on JLG CAN-enabled ES and R Series scissor lifts equipped with the JLG Mobile Control module. These new Bluetooth features will be available on JLG RT and ERT rough terrain models in the near future.

Kohler’s KSD engines offer multiple fuel options including diesel, gasoline and propane.KohlerNew Kohler engine family aims for small displacement applications

Today’s sophisticated machines require engines that can integrate with complex control systems, and that’s the need Kohler addressed with the launch of its new KSD series engines.

There are three basic models in the lineup with more to come in the next few years:

KSD 1403NA, naturally aspiratedKSD 1403TC, turbocharged KSD 1403TCA, turbocharged with aftercooler

As to performance, the Kohler KSD engines develop 24 horsepower (18 kW) at 1,800 rpm and peak torque of 88.5 foot-pounds (120 Nm) at 1,400 rpm. At low speed, the KSD series offer 70 foot-pounds (95 Nm) at 1,000 rpm. In this horsepower range, the KSD engines comply with all global emissions standards and fuels. Multi-fuel solutions including diesel, gasoline and propane, are available.

According to the company, the new electronically controlled engines can be easily integrated with the more complex electronic systems of today’s machines without modifying the machine. Electronic controls allow the engine to maintain performance at high altitudes and optimize fuel consumption by matching the hydraulics to the engine load and speed. Engines can be set up for any duty cycle and can exchange data with the machine using minimal physical connections.

Dual side service access and flexibility in fan positioning enables these engines to fit a wide range of OEM machines. Remote monitoring for diagnostics and geo-location help customers stay on top of maintenance requirements. The engines are aimed at applications such as generators ag tractors, excavators, loaders, forklifts, compressors, dumpers, and mowers.

Demarec grapple with Steelwrist SQ coupler.SteelwristDemarec, Steelwrist sign cooperation agreement for quick couplers

Demand for quick couplers that enable operators to change attachments from the convenience of their cabs is growing. Demarec is jumping on the bandwagon with their agreement to use factory-installed Steelwrist automatic quick couplers.

The Steelwrist lineup adheres to the Open-S industry standard and includes the SQ60, SQ65, SQ70, SQ70/55, SQ80 and the recently introduced SQ90 — the biggest model to date. Demarec is one of the leading manufacturers of hydraulic attachments for the demolition and recycling industry with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro in the extended mode.HIABNew super-heavy loader crane from HIAB

Hiab has launched the 110-tonne-meter ™ super heavy loader crane, the Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro with the company’s new control system to deliver new productivity and safety benefits. The new generation of loader cranes is based the SPACEevo system paired with the CombiDrive 4 remote control that is used for the first time on the Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro. Hiab is part of the Finnish company Cargotec, based in Helsinki.

The Hiab iQ.1188 HiPro is the company’s largest crane to date, offering long reach and significant lifting capacity in a lightweight, compact package. It delivers the performance of a 110-tm loader crane but is similar in size to a 90-tm model. This means it can be installed easily on four-axle vehicles, leaving room for payload, and reducing costs and fuel consumption.

The new SPACEevo control system allows the crane to be operated precisely at high speeds. The CombiDrive 4 control system provides more information, with bigger color screens, haptic feedback (vibrations) and increased battery life. Operators can personalize settings like speed and crane reaction. A new Confirm View feature increases safety by identifying the position of the operator compared to the stabilizers, so the stabilizers only open if the operator is positioned to see their movement.

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https://constructionosa.org/?p=1246

An advanced electrohydraulic system for Cat’s new MH3026 material handler gives you a balance of power and efficiency to improve cycle times. The result is more material processed in less time, and that spells better ROI for waste and scrap metal applications.

A Cat C7.1 engine cranks out 128 horsepower and can operate on B20 biodiesel. The maintenance-free exhaust aftertreatment system maximizes uptime and lowers operating costs. Power and economy mode choices mean you only burn the amount of fuel needed to do the job, resulting in 10% lower fuel use compared to previous models, says the company.

Stronger swing torque

A new front linkage on the MH3026 reaches up to 42 feet 8 inches. The swing torque is 20% greater to move material faster. A heavy-lift mode gives you extra capacity when you need it, and Cat’s SmartBoom can travel up and down without using pump flow. This adds additional fuel efficiency and allows the operator to focus on grapple control for smoother operation.

For safety, Cat’s E-fence system comes standard and prevents the machine and attachment from moving outside parameters set by the operator in the cab. This can eliminate the possibility of hitting the cab with the attachment or running into adjacent structures in a tight work envelope. A pin code prevents unauthorized operation of the machine.

Multiple cameras

Large tempered glass windows with small pillars on the re-engineered cab protect the operator and enhance all-around visibility and operating safety. Standard right-side and rearview cameras, upgradable to 360-degree vision, display video feed on the large in-cab touchscreen monitor to further enhance work area visibility. Thicker impact-resistant windshields and roof windows meet EN356, P8B and P5A standards.

Another important safety feature, standard boom and stick lowering check valves, reverse oil flow in the event of an unexpected loss of hydraulic pressure keeping the front linkage secure in place. All daily maintenance points are quickly accessed from ground level, while a new service platform with steps provides safe and quick access to the upper service area. 

Easy access

For creature comforts, Cat is offering a choice between deluxe and premium designs. A joystick option eliminates the steering column and improves forward visibility, legroom and ease of entry. The left-hand console tilts up for exiting.

A 10-inch, high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog dial offers easy navigation of the operator controls. Different machine operators can store their specific joystick and preferred power mode settings, and the machine automatically recalls the settings based on the operator ID. The cab sits tops out at 18 feet 10 inches to improve visibility for loading and material handling.

All engine filters and the new air-intake filter are coordinated to be changed at 1,000 hours. The hydraulic oil-filter change interval has been extended to 3,000 hours, and new anti-drain values keep hydraulic fluid clean during replacement.

Quick specs:

Engine: 128 horsepowerOperating Weight: 55,601-57,651 lbs.Maximum Travel Speed:16 mph
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Manitou launched its tallest articulated boom lift for North America last year, and now the company has rolled out an all-electric version.

The new ATJ60E runs on lead-acid batteries, instead of the 42.9-horsepower diesel engine in its ATJ60 articulated boom work platform.

With far fewer components than a machine powered by an internal combustion engine, the electric-drive ATJ60E substantially reduces maintenance costs, the company says.

Two asynchronous, maintenance-free motors drive the ATJ60E. An integral charger is located on the turret, and the machine recharges on a standard 230-volt plug. Manitou said it chose lead-acid batteries due to their low replacement cost and recyclability. According to the company, the batteries can be cycled and recharged up to 1,500 times.

The ATJ60E offers a basket capacity of 507 pounds, a working height of 65 feet 7 inches and a platform height of 59 feet 7 inches. Up-and-over reach measures 26 feet 3 inches.

It comes with solid, non-marking tires and weighs 15,653 pounds. The axles offer a maximum tilt of 4 degrees longitudinally and laterally. High ground clearance, four-wheel drive and the active oscillating axle enable stability off road and over uneven terrain.

In the front of the basket, a large color monitor displays information. Basket-overload and tilt sensors provide audible and visual warnings when operators push the machine past safe operating parameters. The monitor also gives the operator a reading on how much time is left on the battery. A one-point slinging design without a spreader bar makes loading and transport faster and easier, the company says.

The galvanized finish on the basket resists rust, while the removable mesh floor adds visibility beneath the operator. Easy access to hydraulic cables, hoses and batteries and to centralized fill ports further reduce routine maintenance.

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Given the versatility of attachments, you might say you can never have too many. To meet that need, the engineers at Caterpillar spent a good portion of the past year developing new and improved versions of their work tools. The media got their first look at the new designs in Peoria, Illinois, recently and here’s what we found:

Selectable frequency and power settings on Cat’s new hammers match the attack to the hardness of the material.CaterpillarHigh-performance, low-maintenance hammers

Two new Caterpillar Performance Series hammers, the H190 S and H215 S are designed for high production and low maintenance. The piston and tool mass on these hammers have been closely matched in diameter and weight to pack more punch. Operators have a choice of running in the high-frequency/low-power mode or low-frequency/high power to best suit the hardness of the material being broken.

Cat says a proprietary buffering material dampens vibration feedback. The automatic shut-off that prevents blank firing can be turned off for horizontal and overhead operation, but otherwise instantly stops the hammer motion when the tool breaks through the material, preventing damage to the carrier and hammer. Depending on your preference, these hammers can be configured for joystick or pedal control.

The new H190 S hammer is sized for operation on Cat 349 through 374 excavator models, while the larger H215 S is designed for the 374 and 395 excavators. The dimensions for both hammers are programmed into Cat’s E-Fence technology which will stop the carrier from positioning the tool outside of digital “fences” on the job.

All daily and routine maintenance on these hammers can be performed without removing them from the carrier. A field-serviceable and rotatable lower bushing increases service life and reduces parts costs. Standard auto-lube ensures that these hammers get continual doses of grease during operation. The operating weight of the H190 S is 11,440 to 12,430 pounds. The H215 S weighs 16,280 to 16,830 pounds. The H190 S hits with 13,000 foot-pounds of force and the H215 S pounds out 18,000 foot-pounds.

Six new, fast-cycling pulverizers

Cat has an interesting metric for its new line of pulverizers. With 52% faster cycle times these concrete demolition tools produce more tons of rubble per liter of fuel. And that matters when you have a lot of concrete to reduce.

The new line includes three rotatable primary models—the P318, P324 and P332–with 360- degree rotation, and three new fixed secondary models—P218, P224 and P232. Both series fit 18- to 50-ton machines.  Bidirectional 360-degree rotation for the P300 series models positions the jaw to grab material from any angle for producing material properly sized for further processing.

Wide jaw openings allow operators to grab more material from any angle, increasing processing speed and improving overall material throughput. Bolt-on wear components can be quickly replaced in the field with no hard-face welding required for maintenance. All hydraulic components are protected inside a housing with a bolt-on removable panel that provides complete access for servicing

Cat designed its new pulverizers around the SpeedBooster technology found in the company’s Multi-Processors. The SpeedBooster design quickly closes the jaws when there is no load. As soon as the jaw taps the material the hydraulic valve switches to power mode to crush the concrete. Integral rebar knives chop up pipes, rebar and other embedded metal debris for more efficient processing.

The new pulverizers also have integrated asset tracking to help you quickly locate these attachments and deter theft and unauthorized use when subscribed through Cat VisionLink with Product Link. Cat Next Gen excavators include pulverizer settings in the controls, allowing the excavator to quickly recognize the attachment and automatically establish the proper operating settings.

New tiltrotators from Cat feature an optional grapple module that lets you move debris out of the way before getting back to the main task.CaterpillarTiltrotators attack any job from any angle

American contractors have finally caught on to versatility of tiltrotators (long popular in Europe) and Cat has obliged with a full series of these multi-dimensional work tools. Sized for carrier machines from 11 to 30 metric tons, these tiltrotators have 360-degree bi-directional rotation and 40-degree left and right tilt. This allows you to attack the work from an almost unlimited number of angles without having to reposition your excavator.

The TRS10, 14, 18, and 23 models come with pin-on or S-type coupler top interfaces and S-type coupler bottom interfaces. Using a tiltrotator with a coupler top allows the operator to maximize the versatility of attachments by switching them out for application and task appropriate purposes. An optional grapple module allows the operator to move materials out of the way, such as large rocks or pipe, without switching attachments.

An oil-filled gear box and single point lubrication simplify your tiltrotator’s maintenance. A heavy-duty bolted joint secures the housing, rotator and coupler as a single unit. Wide bearing surfaces distribute excavation force in all directions. Pins, shafts and bushings feature heavy duty construction, and the hydraulic rotator motor is protected inside the cast housing.

Cat tiltrotator safety features include double-acting tilt cylinders that have built-in load holding valves to keep the attachment secure to the unit in the event of a pressure loss. Additionally, operators can remain inside the cab while switching to the optional grapple module to move heavy objects.

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https://constructionosa.org/?p=1230

Last-minute shoppers, have no fear! We’ve compiled a list of 12 gifts sure to wow the construction or trade professional, or equipment-loving little ones, in your life.

From clothing and accessories to tech and tools, there’s something for everyone and at every price point. 

We’ll feature a new gift each day for the next 12 days, so be sure to check back to see what else we’re unwrapping. 

Each day’s gift suggestion will appear in the Gear section of equipmentworld.com. You can also scroll down to the Gear section on the equipmentworld.com home page.

Better yet, subscribe to our Equipment World Daily newsletter to see each day’s new gift idea, as well as keep up with the latest news affecting construction equipment, contractors and the construction industry as a whole.

Here are links to the first two gifts:

1st Day of Construction Gifts: A Cool Watch Made of Bourbon Barrels

2nd Day of Construction Gifts: This Grill Has a Cult-Like Following

Did you miss our previous article…
https://constructionosa.org/?p=1120

Doosan Infracore North America is breaking the final ties with former sister company Doosan Bobcat with a new line of compact excavators for the U.S. in 2022.

Four models, ranging from 2.7 to 5.5 tons, will arrive in the first quarter after being produced in South Korea, where Doosan is based. The models will replace Bobcat-made compact excavators, as well as break new ground in the U.S. for Doosan Infracore. (Videos of the new compact models in action are posted at the end of this story.)

More sizes are planned, including a 4-ton model next fall and 1.7- and 1.9-ton models in 2023. The company’s 6- and 8-ton excavators will be upgraded next year as well. And an electric compact excavator shown last year as a prototype at ConExpo will be hitting the market in mid-2023, according to Aaron Kleingartner, Doosan product and dealer market manager.

Within two years, the entire Doosan-built excavator lineup in the U.S. will extend from 1.7 to 100 tons, Kleingartner said.

Compact excavators unveiled

Doosan rolled out three of its new -7 compact excavators – the DX27Z-7, DX35Z-7 and DX50Z-7 – at a recent media event at the company’s testing grounds in Tucson, Arizona.

The displayed machines were all zero tail swing. A DX55R-7 model is also due out next year that will be reduced tail swing. Conventional tail swing versions will be available as well, the company says.

Features include full glass door and metal frame on the cab exterior for operator visibility, a powerful heating and air system, and Bluetooth radio, Kleingartner said. The excavators are also available with an open, instead of enclosed, cab.

For the first time, DoosanConnect telematics will come standard on the machines. Steve Americano, product manager for mini excavators, said the system includes geofencing that will send an alert if the machine moves outside of the geofence’s radius, which can be set by the owner.

The compact excavators have a new operator platform that insulates the cab from engine heat, Americano said. An auto-shift function automatically shifts engine speed depending on the terrain. All engines are Doosan.

The standard arm for the excavators is 43 inches. An optional 51-inch arm is available.

Hydraulic flow can be adjusted from the cab to handle various attachments. The machines come equipped with connectors needed for a hydraulic quick coupler.

Options include a rearview camera, LED lights and additional counterweight for handling heavier attachments.

These machines come with a one-year, 1,500-hour warranty. There is also a three-year, 5,000-hour powertrain warranty that “covers pumps, motors, all the high dollar components,” Americano said.

Phasing in Doosan-built excavators

Doosan Infracore was sold by parent company Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction to fellow South Korean company Hyundai Construction Equipment earlier this year. Doosan Infracore and Doosan Bobcat have supplied excavators to each other through a dual-brand agreement.

Bobcat provided 3-, 4- and 5-ton excavators that were branded Doosan, and Doosan provided Bobcat with 14- and 17-ton excavators that were branded Bobcat, according to Doosan CEO Edward Song.

Bobcat was not part of the Hyundai purchase and remains under the Doosan Heavy umbrella. Doosan Infracore is now part of the newly created Hyundai Genuine subsidiary along with Hyundai Construction Equipment.

After the new Doosan compact excavators come out, only a 4-ton model will be a Bobcat machine. Song said that the 4-ton model will also be replaced in the third quarter of 2022 with a Doosan-built excavator. Song noted that Doosan has the capability and experience with excavators under 5 tons in Korea and in European markets.

The move toward Doosan-branded compact excavators for the U.S. began in 2018 when Doosan Infracore North America and Doosan Bobcat separated their businesses, Song said. Doosan Infracore plans to capture some of the growing compact excavator market, as well as give its dealers a broader range of equipment.

“We will be bringing those machines in from our design teams in our factories in Korea next year,” said Kleingartner. “They are completely Doosan designed and manufactured.”

closer look

Here are some highlights and specs of each of the three models shown recently at Doosan Infracore North America’s testing grounds and expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2022:

DX27Z-7

Doosan DX27Z-7 compact excavatorDoosan Infracore North AmericaHighlights: At 6,000 pounds, it represents a new size class for Doosan’s North American lineup. A new rearview camera provides a 360-degree view. Other features include a 3-foot 7-inch standard thumb-ready arm and an 11.8-inch rubber track undercarriage. The excavator is 60 inches wide. Standard attachments include a bucket, quick coupler and thumb. Second auxiliary hydraulics are an option.

Horsepower: 24.7Operating weight: 6,168 lbs. Maximum digging depth: 8 ft. 8 in. Maximum digging reach (ground): 14 ft. 10 in. Maximum loading height: 10 ft. 1 in.

DX35Z-7

Doosan DX35Z-7 compact excavatorDoosan Infracore North AmericaHighlights: Zero tail swing design with a rounded shape for tight jobsites. Also includes auxiliary hydraulic flow, wider cabin, LED lamp, enclosed cab with HVAC and 5.7-inch color LCD monitor. Options: rearview camera, cast counterweight, second auxiliary hydraulics and longer arm.

Horsepower: 24.7Operating weight: 8,807 lbs. Maximum digging depth: 11 ft. 4 in. Maximum digging reach (ground): 17 ft. 9 in. Maximum loading height: 12 ft. 2 in.

DX50Z-7

Doosan DX50Z-7 compact excavatorDoosan Infracore North AmericaHighlights: Zero tail swing, standard enclosed cab with HVAC and standard attachments of bucket, quick coupler and thumb. Options include heated, adjustable seat and steel tracks.

Horsepower: 48.8 Operating weight: 12,121 lbs. Maximum digging depth: 11 ft. 5 in. Maximum digging reach (ground): 19 ft. Maximum loading height: 12 ft. 6 in.

Excavators in action

The following two videos are of Doosan’s new DX35Z-7 compact excavators shot during a media event at the company’s testing grounds near Tucson, Arizona. The excavator in the background is the enclosed-cab version.