Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) -distributed Huski – famed for its tough and reliable skid steer loaders – is set to launch its first range of Huski mini-excavators, featuring high break-out force and zero tail-swing.
The range consists of seven models including one 1.3-tonne short-radius machine and six Zero TailSwing models ranging from 1.6-tonne through to 6-tonne.
Full supply of the range will be available by third-quarter (Q3) 2020.
Huski Construction Equipment product manager, Matt Meddows, said the addition of excavators to the Huski range will greatly complement its current product offering.
“This has been a long time coming. A lot of customers have been asking about excavator offerings for many years and we are proud to announce we now have a range with powerful break-out force and zero tail-swing in tonnages of 1.6, 2.2, 2.8, 3.8, 5.8 and 6.0.
“We know that operators trust our skid steer loaders because they’ve proven reliable in the field for three decades. Now, if they’re looking for a new excavator, we can bring all the assurance of the Huski brand to them for those needs, as well.
“It was about us finding a machine we were confident would meet the standards that we base our reputation on.
“We now have the right partner to build our Huski excavators – which feature Kubota-engines – to our specifications.
The machines have been made in Italy for the last 25 years by a company founded in the early Sixties. It was certified ISO 9001 in 1999 and has since continually grown and refined its manufacturing processes.
“Fundamental to Huski excavators’ robust construction and functional design is excellent quality-of-materials, high technological content of components and the strict inspection of production and assembly processes.
“All models in the range feature leading performance and high safety standards. They will be competitively priced and backed by the reputation that extends to all our machinery under the TMHA banner.”
To ensure the Huski mini excavators were not only specified for Australian conditions but proven to work here, an extensive testing regime was employed.
“We have seven models in the country already, for testing,” said Mr. Meddows.
“The first one out here was initially just to gain our own practical knowledge of the machine. We went over it thoroughly in order to make modifications to suit our standards and the applications we expect them to be working in.
“We then tested them for over six months by loaning them to customers who already run Toyota Huski skid steer loaders and they’ve been giving us their feedback.
“We have been logging and communicating their feedback in order to relay that to the factory and make running changes.”
Mr. Meddows said the Huski mini excavators distinguish themselves in market with their exceptional break-out force.
“We have tested their break-out force or digging power and it compares quite highly with other machines in-market,” he said.
Another advantage of the Huski mini excavators is that the range from 1.6 - to 6.0 -tonnes features Zero TailSwing, as Mr. Meddows explained.
“Zero tail-swing means the unit can swing 360 degrees within the total width of its chassis. The tail doesn’t protrude past the width of the machine’s undercarriage. The arm, boom and attachment don’t come into consideration when it comes to ZTS, it’s the tail of the machine-body.”
The Huski mini excavators come generously equipped as standard, and many options are also available. “The Huski mini excavators will feature many options when they arrive in Australia. These options will include factory quick-hitch piping, blade-float options on all models (and standard from 2.8-tonnes upwards) and extended counterweight options from 2.8- to 6-tonne machines.
“The 2.8- to 6-tonne machines have the option of counterweights for operators who might want a different style of hitch on the front or just want a bit more stability-for-application.
“The 5.5- and 6-tonners will come standard with boom and arm locking valves.”
An advantage that Huski skid steer loader customers who take on a Huski mini excavator should appreciate is TMHA’s mobile servicing can attend to both types of machines in a single visit.
“Our service techs are also adept in the new excavators and on-site service will be conducted in a way familiar to skid steer customers,” Mr. Meddows said.
“Customers like to use a single point-of-call for servicing and parts. We can look after their needs for both machines, minimising inconvenience to them and helping to streamline their business.
Mr Meddows concluded that many of the trial customers have been impressed with their experiences and expects other existing Huski customers to follow.
“We have confidence and trust in our Huski excavators,” he said. “We hear from our customers that they feel the same about our skid steer loaders, so it shouldn’t be much of a leap to enjoy the same characteristics and performance our new digger range provides.”
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The new Huski mini excavator