Toyota announces Huski diggers

The Huski range of equipment – well-known for its sturdy skid steer loaders – is expanding to include mini-excavators with high break-out force and zero tail-swing.

The range, distributed by Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA), consists of seven models including one 1.3-tonne short-radius machine and six zero tail-swing models ranging from 1.6 tonne to six tonnes.

The Huski mini excavators will make their debut at The National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo that will take place from May 15 to 17, 2020, at the Penrith Panthers Showgrounds in Sydney.

Huski Construction Equipment product manager, Matt Meddows, said the addition of excavators to the Huski range will greatly complement its current product offering.

"Mini excavators are a natural progression for our business as they fit perfectly with our current range offering,” Meddows said.

"This has been a long time coming. A lot of customers have been asking about excavator offerings for many years and we are proud to announce we now have a range with powerful break-out force and zero tail-swing in tonnages of 1.6, 2.2, 2.8, 3.8, 5.8 and 6.0.

"We know that operators trust our skid steer loaders because they've proven reliable in the field for three decades. Now, if they're looking for a new excavator, we can bring all the assurance of the Huski brand to them for those needs, as well."

Huski’s excavators feature Kubota engines and have been made in Italy for the last 25 years by a company that is ISO 9001 certified in 1999.

"Fundamental to Huski excavators' robust construction and functional design is excellent quality-of-materials, high technological content of components and the strict inspection of production and assembly processes,” Meddows said.

"All models in the range feature leading performance and high safety standards. They will be competitively priced and backed by the reputation that extends to all our machinery under the TMHA banner."

TMHA has employed an extensive testing regime to ensure the Huski mini excavators perform well in Australian conditions.

"We have seven models in the country already, for testing," Meddows said.

"The first one out here was initially just to gain our own practical knowledge of the machine. We went over it thoroughly in order to make modifications to suit our standards and the applications we expect them to be working in.

"We then tested them for over six months by loaning them to customers who already run Toyota Huski skid steer loaders and they've been giving us their feedback.

"We have been logging and communicating their feedback in order to relay that to the factory and make running changes."

Meddows said the Huski mini excavators distinguish themselves in market with their exceptional break-out force.

"We have tested their break-out force or digging power and it compares quite highly with other machines in-market," he said.

Another advantage of the Huski mini excavators, Meddows said, is the zero tail-swing.

"Zero tail-swing means the unit can swing 360 degrees within the total width of its chassis. The tail doesn't protrude past the width of the machine's undercarriage. The arm, boom and attachment don't come into consideration when it comes to ZTS, it's the tail of the machine-body."

The Huski mini excavators is available with a wide range of options.

“These include factory quick-hitch piping, blade-float options on all models (and standard from 2.8-tonnes upwards) and extended counterweight options from 2.8- to 6-tonne machines,” Meddows said.

"The 2.8- to 6-tonne machines have the option of counterweights for operators who might want a different style of hitch on the front, or just want a bit more stability-for-application.

"The 5.5- and 6-tonners will come standard with boom and arm locking valves."

TMHA said its Huski servicing team can attend to both skid steer loader and excavators in a single visit.

"Our service techs are also adept in the new excavators and on-site service will be conducted in a way familiar to skid steer customers," Meddows said.

"Customers like to use a single point-of-call for servicing and parts. We can look after their needs for both machines, minimising inconvenience to them and helping to streamline their business.

Meddows said many of the trial customers have been impressed with their experiences.

"We have confidence and trust in our Huski excavators," he said.

"We hear from our customers that they feel the same about our skid steer loaders, so it shouldn't be much of a leap to enjoy the same characteristics and performance our new digger range provides."

Full supply of Huski’s mini excavator range is expected to be available by the third quarter of 2020.

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