Landscapers looking for an excellent zero tail swing mini excavator with impressive reliability, stacked with operator features and reliable power, Toyota Material Handling’s Huski brand is expanding their product line-up with a new range of mini excavators. In this review we put the M-38U to the test – an impressive hydrostatic transmission, fully servo-controlled machine and powerful 3-cylinder Kubota engine and more combine to bring an exciting new option into the market for landscapers looking to take their business and productivity to the next level.
It’s safe to say there are plenty of features, but something else that has equally impressed in this test drive has been the operator’s controls, with the boom swing and the PTO controlled by the electro-hydraulic roller switches on the joystick, removing the need for pedals in the cab. This change has freed up plenty of legroom and created precision control, even more accessible than ever with the inclusion of pilot-assisted commands.
The machine is sporting an auto two-speed gearbox and with a nice wide stance, dozer blade and rubber 300 tracks, all contributing to the M-38U’s solid and stable grip on the ground. For those landscapers looking to move material, dig trenches or rip into some excavation work you aren’t going to be disappointed when it’s time to flex some muscle. Being predisposed to accept drill and breaker flexibility and durability are high on the feature list.
For those of you who have owned a Huski or impressed by the Huski skid steer loader range, you will be happy to know the same robust construction, functional design and high-quality materials and components have been employed in manufacturing. This includes strict inspection of production and assembly processes. Weighing 3450kgs, the M-38U can be quickly loaded onto small trucks or trailers, making it perfect for your commercial and residential projects.
Despite the M-38U’s short slew radius of only 650mm, the machine can ensure excellent working stability, which Heath Thompson from Impact Pools & Landscapes put to the test for us onsite at Active Tree Services at Terry Hills. After putting the machine through its paces for the morning, Heath shared, “It’s been a long time since I’ve operated a Huski; as an apprentice my boss had a Huski loader for a good few years so it’s nice to see them back with an impressive mini excavator range. I was keen to give this machine a good test of its breakout and general digging and material handling capabilities, so I found a nice pile of road base that had been sitting for a good 6-12 months. It was pretty hard on the top, but the standard bucket ripped through the top layer with ease and within 15 minutes or so I had made a pretty good dent in the pile.”
Heath continued, “In terms of operation the controls were crisp and felt good, they weren’t too sensitive but made for an enjoyable all-round experience. The power was there when needed, and there were plenty to choose from for operators out there looking at a few options. This machine doesn’t have a cab, it’s all open, but if you want some extra comfort you can include the cab, with A/C, stereo, quick hitch and other options.”
HUSKI M-38U Zero Tail Swing Mini Excavator Features:
- Innovative design – the tail always remains within the width of the tracks (zero tail swing)
- Fully servo-controlled machine – the boom swing and the PTO are controlled by electro-hydraulic rollers on the joystick (no pedals in the cab)
- Straight travel contemporary with all arms/bucket manoeuvring
- Rollers and idler wheels with rolling bushing for a remarkable increase in the traction and lifetime performances
- Gear motors shift automatically from the second to the first speed (auto two-speed)
In wrapping up this impressive top dog in the dirt, the machine has a transport weight of 3500kg and operational weight of 3600kg, which makes it a great size to get serious onsite, but not be a pain to transport. Landscapers and tradies looking to maximise performance with their own mini excavator are going to love this mini. The machine is said to be very good for indoor and outdoor use, and our feedback from Heath has verified its comfortable and impressive performance for working with concrete, bitumen, loose gravel, compacted gravel, dirt and grass.
The new Huski mini excavators, along with other products in the Huski Construction Equipment range are distributed and backed nationally Toyota Material Handling Australia.
Contact the Huski Construction Equipment team on 1800 425 438
For more information visit www.huskiconstructionequipment.com.au/