The V4 Line of Mini Diggers Is Made Up of 13 Different Models
IHI began manufacturing mini excavators in the early 1970s. In 1994, Compact Excavator Sales, a family-owned business, was formed and was named the sole distributor for IHI mini excavators, servicing North and South America. Originally, five models of mini excavators were introduced, including the first zero tail swing mini excavator that the United States had ever seen. More than 22 years later, IHI/CES continues to sell and support compact equipment including track loaders, skid steers, crawler carriers, track concrete buggies and now the new line of V4 mini excavators.
The V4 line of mini excavators is made up of 13 different models which has tremendously expanded from the original five models that were introduced in 1994. IHI/CES also handles two different models of conventional style mini excavators which are extremely popular in rural areas where zero tail swing is not a concern. All of the IHI units are designed virtually the same with the difference being the size, digging depth and weight of the unit. IHI believes that keeping the design simple yet durable is the key to customer satisfaction. IHI offers 13 models with operating weights that range from 2,000 to 18,950 lbs and digging depths from 5 ft, 2 in. to 15 ft, 1 in.
All IHI mini excavators boast many of the same features from spacious cabs for operator comfort to ease of operation from the smooth pilot joystick controls. Those features allow the contractor hours of operation without feeling fatigue. The newly designed V4 models also have relocated all operating pedals from the floor to operating switches on the joystick and control panels in the cabin. This allows the contractor to access any function on the mini excavators with ease. Three models (the 9V, 17V and 35V) are equipped with hydraulically expandable undercarriages. This allows the contractor to retract the undercarriage to get into tight spaces then expand the undercarriage for stability. The 9VX and 17VX also come in an electric version.
These units are ideal for indoor plumbing or demolition work. The electric units can be equipped with a single phase 230-volt or a three phase 480-volt. These units along with the rest of the V4 line can also be equipped with an array of attachments for which IHI/CES keeps in stock. All V4 models are equipped with the operator safety bar which must be engaged to allow any function on the unit to become active. Auto idle is a new feature for 2016, which automatically returns the engine rpm to idle when the unit has not been operated in five seconds which also promotes a massive fuel savings. All V4 units have four-pump hydraulic systems. This allows the contractor to use multiple functions at once with the same power promoting maximum productivity.
Advice to Buyers
“When looking to purchase a mini excavator, it is important to look for maximum operation, comfort and superior customer support,” says Kendall Aldridge, IHI vice president of sales and operations. “Four-pump hydraulic systems, true pilot controls and digging force are the three main things to consider when looking for a mini excavator, but also consider the customer support in case the unit needs to be serviced. Downtime costs the contractor money, so you want to make sure that downtime in minimal.”
IHI/Compact Excavator Sales LLC
400 Production Ct., Elizabethtown, KY 42701
800-538-1447 | ihices.com
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