Yanmar as won a major Japanese award for its compact zero tail-swing excavator, the ViO80-7, which took off the prestigious Japan Institute of Design Promotion’s 2023 Good Design Award.

This is not the model’s first recognition after also gaining the highest three-star rating in fuel efficiency standards certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, along with meeting the industry criteria for ‘ultra-low noise machinery’.

The ViO80-7, which succeeds the ViO80-1B model, sits in the sweet spot of excavators, being ideal for urban civil engineering applications.

It is in the 8-tonne class but follows the concept of a mini excavator, enabling precise tasks such as turning in narrow spaces and digging in narrow trenches.

It has a high-power Yanmar engine and advanced ViPPS2i hydraulic system that combine to claim a 15 per cent improvement in excavation speed over its predecessor.

Other innovations include the double-lock quick hitch function, which allows attachments to be replaced using controls operated from the driver's seat to eliminate the operator’s need to get on and off the machine or use tools. This increases the machine’s work efficiency, especially in sites facing labor shortages.

The win in the award was in recognition for its design tailored for narrow spaces and high functionality in a compact hydraulic excavator. It was further praised for successfully combining user-friendliness and efficiency.

In their summation, the award judges said that the merits of the ViO80-7 midi excavator were its compact dimensions; and wide glass area for an expansive working space.

It was also praised for its multifunctional ‘human-machine interface’ (HMI) and simple operating system that improved work efficiencies and safety. These reduced the workload and improved operator satisfaction.

“The colour scheme, primarily based on the brand colours of red and black, exudes a sophisticated and urban impression,” the judging team said.

“Meeting top-tier fuel efficiency standards and featuring low-noise technology, it achieves optimal performance for urban civil engineering tasks.

“The fusion of high-quality design and advanced functionality not only balances user-friendliness and efficiency but also enhances Yanmar's brand value further.”

Yanmar, which started in Osaka in 1912, was the first company to build a compact diesel engine with its pioneering power unit of 1933.

It made its first compact excavator in 1971 and claims to remain at the forefront of workability, durability, safety and technology.

It now makes a wide range of industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components.

Tutt Bryant Equipment sell Yanmar mini-excavators from 0.8-tonne through to 10-tonne, all powered by Yanmar diesels.


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