and, within two years, the range had expanded to include a smaller 1.0 tonne N10.
With the 3.0-3.5 tonne class of Japanese mini excavator initially proving most popular here, an opportunity was spotted for a smaller, more basic machine. The ICE ’81 exhibition at the NEC revealed the limited (125°) slew Powerfab 125 micro excavator. Developed by the inventive David John, this 450kg two-wheeled unit could be towed to site and then walked around with its bucket. Bolt-on front stabiliser legs and a hydraulically lowered rear anchor provided support. 1981 saw the arrival of Kubota’s replacement for the KH10D in the shape of the 3.2 tonne KH14-2 that came complete with two speed travel and ‘proper’ boom offset (only 50° left or right in those days). The following year Kubota launched its 1.0 tonne KH-5 complete with rubber tracks as an option to steel. Having pioneered the UK mini excavator market, Kubota has continued to be a leading player.
The spring of 1981 revealed a new British challenge to the 360° tracked mini excavators from Japan. West Midlands-based rigid dumptruck hirer Ian Beresford had taken the bold decision to produce his own mini excavator. Designated the B15-X, Ian Beresford’s machine weighed 3.25 tonne. This machine was powered by a 39.8hp Leyland 1.8 litre water-cooled diesel engine (as used in the Sherpa van), and it could be fitted with a Krupp HM110 hydraulic breaker. Twelve months later Manitou (Site Lift) purchased the manufacturing and marketing rights for the Beresford B15-X mini excavator. The machine was ultimately renamed the Manidig 325, but production only lasted two years. Takeuchi minis arrived in the UK ‘under cover’ during 1981 when Hull-based crane and excavator maker Priestman brought in badged Mini Mustangs. The machines were the 1.0 tonne class MM10, the 2.0 tonne class MM20 and the 3.25 tonne class MM35. The deal finished with the collapse of Priestman’s parent, Acrow, in 1984. Komatsu entered the UK mini excavator market in December 1981. Dealer Marubeni-Komatsu set up sub-dealers to sell the first 3.06 tonne PC20, 3.42 tonne PC30 and 4.66 tonne PC40 models.
SED’82 provided the UK launch pad for the two mini excavators from the German wheeled excavator specialist Atlas. Badged the 350 and 250, they were actually Iwafuji units manufactured in Japan. Interestingly, Iwafuji minis had previously been available in the UK from Implant (Sales) Ltd of Glasgow under the ‘Hydrex’ banner.
JCB launched its first mini excavator in style in 1983.
Powerfab was also creating interest at SED’82 with its new 360° slew micro excavator called the 360W. Weighing in at 742kg, this machine dug down to a maximum depth of 2.0m and, at the time of its launch, was one of the smallest full slew excavators in the world. The Gopher Machine Co of Milton Keynes entered the micro excavator market at the end of 1982. For transport, the Gopher folded up so that its short boom and long dipper arm lay along the top of the integral trailer chassis. Weighing around 440kg, this tiny excavator could be moved through a 710mm wide doorway. JCB launched its first mini excavator in 1983 at the Bauma plant exhibition in Germany. Its new 802 machine weighed 3.34 tonnes and made extensive use of an engine and other components from the Kubota KH14. Production ceased in 1986 after Kubota introduced improved KH60 and KH90 designs.
Another British micro excavator appeared at the end of 1983. Developed by Flemming International Machinery, the limited slew Micron had adjustable legs and a telescopic axle to allow passage through 700mm wide doorways. Amongst the other British micros was the Mantis which, in 1985, was bought by Benford. 1985 saw the Takeuchi minis sold in the UK under their own name by Queghan Plant Sales of Oldham. Dealer Blackwood Hodge used SED ’85 to extend its ‘Light Line’ range with six Chieftain mini excavators spanning the 1 to 6 tonne weight range. These Chieftain machines were made in Japan by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI).
Eastbourne-based Llewellyn Plant Services first brought in Pel-Job mini machines from France in 1985. Jean-Marie Obry had created the Pel-Job brand in 1977 when he first started importing Takeuchi machines for sale in continental Europe. At the beginning of 1985, Pel-Job started building its own 1.3 tonne EB12 as the start of a complete ‘in-house’ range. The creation of the subsidiary company Pel-Job UK in 1987 with David Munns as MD resulted in the brand becoming very well accepted by UK hirers. The Pel-Job name disappeared in 2000; four years after Volvo Construction Equipment acquired the company and further developed its products.
Teamed with a wheelbarrow, this Flemming Micron has mechanised what would have been a hand dig.
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As well as pioneering conventional style tracked mini excavators with protruding rear counterweights, many Japanese manufacturers developed machines with zero tail swing and ultra swing. Brown & Tawse first brought in Nissan S&B series ultra swing machines to the UK in 1986. Weighing 2.92 and 5.17 tonnes respectively, the S&B15 and S&B25 each had a parallel action offsetable upper
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