Hanix Launch New 1.5 tonne Mini Diggers

Manufacturer Hanix Europe have announced the launch of two new mini diggers. The new D Series models, the H16D and H17D, are both 1.5 tonne machines that will replace the H15B-2 and H15B Plus-2 vehicles. Hanix also announced the expansion of its dealer network in Brazil, France and Saudi Arabia.

The new D Series diggers have restyled aesthetics, and have been made more compact to reduce tail swing, from 1.44 metres to 1.07 metres. All new Kubota D782 engines will power the new mini diggers for sale, replacing the Mitsubishi engines seen in older models. Hanix said that Kubota engines will feature in all new machines from their range.

Digging depth on the H16D increases by almost 150 mm to 2295 mm on the standard boom, and maximum digging power is also higher, by around 3% at 14.8 kN. Both the 16 and 17 are slightly heavier than their predecessors, up around 100 kg, with weights of 1650 kg and 1700 kg (cab version with rubber tracks), respectively.

Other new features on the new Hanix mini diggers include proportional controls; a shifting of the boom cylinder from below to above the boom to offer better protection; and variable output piston pumps replacing the gear pumps used previously, which Hanix says better directs power to where it is needed.

Paul Hyslop, sales director of Manchester, UK-based Hanix Europe, acknowledged that the company was playing catch-up in this class; "The old models were still good technically, but with the new models we have brought them up to speed to remain competitive in the market. We tried to target the best machines in the class and be at least as good as them."

Meanwhile, Hanix Europe is developing its international sales infrastructure and dealer network. It is soon to have a stock of mini diggers for sale in France, with a new Hanix facility in Bordeaux that it will rent from dealer TP Materiels.

Irish Mini Digger Supplier Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Dublin-based plant hire firm Kiernan's is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Larry Kiernan started his business with just one JCB mini digger, and now supplies a range of plant machinery for hire from the company's base of operations in Balbriggan, north of Dublin.

"There are now over 50 pieces of machinery available for hire ranging from one-ton mini diggers to track machines, tipper Lorries and other plant equipment," says Bernie Kiernan, Larry's wife and business partner, speaking to Irish Trucker magazine. Kiernan's stocks models from a range of manufacturers including Caterpillar, JCB, Komatsu, Hino, Atlas and Terex. All maintenance work on the machines is done by Kiernan's themselves. “The fleet hasn't been added to for the past year or two, so it is important to keep the plant well maintained. Each driver has his own machine which he maintains and we also have 2 fitters for more bigger maintenance," explains Mrs Kiernan.

Bernie says that the key to their success over they years has been striving to provide excellent customer service, based on the range of well-maintained machines they offer, "Customer satisfaction is our priority as it always has been. We have a large customer base and if we can hold on to what we have then we will delighted. We don't plan to expand the plant too much, but then again you never say never and if we feel that we have too then we will.”

Whether a customer requires one mini digger or a range of tracked excavators and backhoes, Kiernan's operates to the same policy of providing high-quality service, no matter the size of the job. “When the customer wants a job done, we want to ensure that it will be done as quickly and efficiently as possible, while at a reasonable rate," says Mrs Kiernan.

She added: "Most of the customers that we have would be with us for years. Whether they are a big or small company, everyone is treated the same with us and we're very grateful for their business over the years.”