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Mini-excavator Category:

Extenda-Boom

A note about machine class designations and specifications :

Because of the large number of machines stocked at our various branches (and ever-changing inventory) it is not possible to provide you spec sheets on each individual unit within our system.  Therefore, we have selected a sample model from each category that is reasonably representative of most machines that we stock which fall into that same category.  For instance, the unit below will provide you typical specifications for all machines in this particular class or size category.

A word of caution: If a particular dimension or specification is of critical importance to the success of your project, please speak to our dispatchers about that directly - do not assume that the specifications listed here will be exactly what you will get when your machine arrives.  The onus is on you to ensure the machine you order will do what you need it to.   For instance, if you have a width or height restriction, be sure to measure exactly what your minimum clearance is.  For example, if you have only 48" clearance for width, do not assume that a machine ordered in the 4-foot class will fit - it could easily measure 49" or 50", and still be considered a 4-foot class machine.  The same goes for dig-depth, reach, weight, lift height, lift capacity, and so on.

example shown:

Bobcat 331E

Attachments approved / available for this class

There are over a dozen types of attachments that are made for this class of machine, a number of which we stock.  Popular ones are  - Augers (bit sizes 6-36"), concrete breakers, grapples/clamps, frost rippers, among some that we stock.  Check with dispatch to determine local availability.

approx specifications

for this machine category:

Extenda-Boom Compact Excavator class

*machine width (minimum access req'd for machine to enter dig area): 60 inches

practical working width (to allow minimal dig, swing, dump cycle):    8 ft

minimal swing width (to allow 180-degree turn to dump behind):      12 ft

tail swing type (conventional / zero tail / zero house):                conventional

machine height (to top of cab, for access to dig area):                         93 inches

     (remember, boom requires much more height to actually dig once in the dig area)

machine weight / excavator weight class:               8000 lbs / 4-ton

tracks (type):                                        rubber

engine (fuel, appx horsepwr):                                diesel, 42 hp

lift capacity (load in tight to machine, just in front of blade):  2100 lbs

       (when boom-load is further outstretched, capacity diminished due to leverage factor)

maximum dig depth:                                               13 feet

maximum practical digging depth:                            11 feet

maximum reach, at ground level:                             18.5 feet

bucket sizes: width (typical sizes; specify if important):     13, 16, 24 inches

special features (might be present, some units):

* when measuring for clearances such as width, height, etc, ensure to take into account uneven/sloping ground, protrusions (pipes), sharp corners to turn, etc.

When you order this machine without any additional attachments, what does it come with, standard?

Our mini-excavators always come with a standard trenching bucket, the best size to suit the machine for maximum efficiency.  Additionally, some machines may travel with additional bucket sizes as well; but don't count on this - if you require a particular bucket size (ie narrower) specify that at the time of ordering, with dispatch.

Any additional attachments you want must be specifically ordered when you book your machine.  Rental charges will apply.

Comment regarding the most useful application of this machine category:

What makes the 331E so different from the 331 Bobcat model?  Essentially it is just the one additional feature, the extendable boom, which is a factory-ordered option that must be built into the machine at the time of its production.  Of all the manufacturers of mini and compact excavators and all their dozens of models, there are only a couple of models that offer this invaluable feature.  Why more don't, is beyond us.  So the extendable boom excavator is a fairly rare breed, yet that one feature is so valuable, so useful that it takes an average machine and turns it into something so much more.  By adding the "E" (the extendable boom  feature designation) to the 331, the machine immediately gets a 3 foot addition to its dig depth, reach and dump height capabilities.  What this means is that a 5-foot wide excavator weighing in at 4 tons can dig deeper than machines several classes bigger than it.  To get something equivalent in dig depth from Bobcat (manufacturer/brand), you'd have to go to model 442, which is a big machine by mini-excavator standards (actually a midi-excavator), 7.5 feet wide and weighing over double of the 331E, at over 16 thousand pounds.

So often the operator digging with the excavator needs to go deeper than anticipated, or has to reach back further into the excavated area for one reason or other, and having that capability to reach further, reach deeper, makes the difference between being able to do so safely (or at all!), or having to leave it for the labourers to hand dig.  Because of this class of machine's great dig depth capabilities and versatility, yet still very compact (5 feet wide only) and maneuverable, makes it our number 1 requested machine.

For more details on this unit (actually its base model class, the Compact Excavator category - of which all features apply equally from it to this model class too), click here.

Extenda-boom: Notice the extra 3-foot section of telescoping boom (black section) just above the bucket - allows for greater dig depth an a lot of extra versatility