Small and Light Excavators Perfect for Delicate Spaces

High-value properties with extensive landscaping call for compact tracked excavators

Small and Light Excavators Perfect for Delicate Spaces

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Any septic system repair or install job that requires traditional excavation in a customer's yard brings up concerns about potential damage to exterior landscaping. You want to provide top-notch service for the customer, and ideally that means minimizing the amount of outdoor amenities you have to disturb.

Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer & Storm, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, has a lot of experience with that. In its work, the company encounters many high-value home sites with tight spaces around pools, tennis courts, decorative plantings and other amenities.

To work on such properties, many with homes worth more than $1 million, Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer & Storm has switched from backhoes to mini-excavators as its go-to digging machines. Partners Dave DiGregorio and T.J. Dell’Arciprete favor Komatsu PC35 models — the company owns 2014 and 2017 models. Both run on ground-friendly rubber tracks.

“We used to run everything with backhoes,” DiGregorio says. “But with the excavators, it’s much easier to work in tighter spaces. We need an opening 6 feet wide to get into the site with them, and they weigh about 8,000 pounds. When we need larger machines, we rent them.”

“We are in a very affluent area where people expect the best service and perfect landscaping after installation and repair work,” Dell’Arciprete says. “They’re looking for top-notch service for the most cost-effective price.”

The PC35s are equipped with a diesel engine that complies with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 emission regulations. The latest-model engines use technologies such as exhaust gas after-treatment system, an electronically controlled and cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, and an optimum fuel injection system using a common rail. These, along with Komatsu’s electronic control system, minimize environmental impact and improve fuel economy.

The engine and hydraulic system are optimally controlled according to operating conditions. Hydraulic loss reductions help limit fuel consumption and environmental impact. A multifunction monitor displays various alerts and machine information in a simple format. This includes data such as operation records, machine settings and maintenance data.

A small swing radius with near-zero rear protrusion from the tracks allows the operator to concentrate on work in confined areas. An enhanced working environment includes a midback, suspension operator seat and an integrated ROPS cab design.

Large service compartment doors and a tilting cab platform simplify daily inspection and maintenance. The operator platform tilts forward to provide unimpeded access to hydraulic and engine components for maintenance or repairs.



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