ForConstructionPros.com

In this current economic climate, it's important to make wise decisions about equipment acquisition. One of the keys to profitability is getting the most usable life out of your existing equipment fleet.

To get maximum longevity from compact excavators, rental businesses should look for machines with features that promise to reduce maintenance.

"On the new E80 from Bobcat, daily greasing of the bushings at the boom, arm and bucket pivot is a thing of the past," says Greg Rostberg, marketing manager at Bobcat. "Normally, this process takes up to 30 minutes each day. Now, that time can be spent with the machine working because the E80 has increased the service interval of greasing the bushings to 250 hours."

Brian Rabe, product manager - excavators at Gehl Co., says features that contribute to durability do not usually reduce the cost of the machine at the time of purchase, but over the long haul, they save money and downtime, especially in rental applications. "The use of replaceable bushings with a spiral-cut grease groove in all pivot points on the bucket, dipper arm, boom and boom swing pivot ensure that grease is evenly distributed around all pivot points, extending the life of the unit," he says. "The pilot hydraulic control of almost all functions reduces the amount of cable and maintenance lubrication/replacement over our competitors, as well as preserving the precision control our customers have come to expect."

IHI Compact Excavator Sales LLC, for its part, features a hydraulic system equipped with variable displacement piston pumps which allow more flow and a much more sensitive lever control that lessens the jerkiness of operation, therefore adding life to all bushings and O-rings, explains Kendall Aldridge, national sales manager. "Equipped with the bucket cylinder hoses inside the arm, rugged side protector and engine covers made of pressed steel, the inner workings, hoses and engine are protected," he says.