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.

Over 500 JCB Mini Diggers Ordered by Travis Perkins

Travis Perkins, one of the leading suppliers of building and construction equipment in the UK, have placed an order for 505 JCB mini diggers. The huge order will be supplied by JCB dealer Watling JCB.

JCB made the announcement after receiving confirmation from Travis Perkins for its order of 371 JCB 8014 mini excavators and 134 JCB micro excavators. The new deal cements JCb's long business relationship with Travis Perkins, who currently offer a range of JCB machines through its hire business to customers across the UK.

Yvette Henshall-Bell, UK and Ireland Sales Director for the Rochester-based construction equipment manufacturer, said the deal was hugely significant due to Travis Perkin's standing in the Uk marketplace. "We are delighted to win this repeat business from one of the UK's most respected building and construction companies," said Henshall-Bell, adding: "particularly as it was secured in the face of fierce competition from other major suppliers in our industry."

She went on to say how the deal made a statement for the quality of JCB's mini diggers for sale: "JCB has been manufacturing mini excavators for almost 30 years and this order from such a major player in our industry is testament to the quality and reliability of JCB's compact excavators."

Travis Perkins said that the decision was made based on the machine's popularity, as well as the customer service and dealer network that JCB could offer. Travis Perkins Group Hire Director, Richard Dey, said: "JCB mini diggers are extremely popular with our hire customers and they have an excellent reputation in the marketplace and that, coupled with the excellent customer relationship and comprehensive service back-up provided by Watling JCB, coupled with JCB's comprehensive dealer network, gave us no hesitation in placing this order."

JCB made news earlier this year when plant hire firm Hewden placed a £14 million order for its machines to expand its fleet.