Yanmar’s new mini excavator features improved capabilities in tight spaces, travel speed, and ease of maintenance

Yanmar Compact Equipment has introduced the ViO35-7 mini excavator, featuring significant productivity, configuration, and operator experience improvements from previous models. The 24.4-hp zero tail-swing excavator includes 360-degree visibility, a 25 percent increase in travel speed under load, and a seven percent improvement in excavator efficiency, says the company. 

Designed for jobs both big and small

The new mini excavator fits into job sites both big and small in construction, rental, utilities, landscaping, and other applications. The ViO35-7 is engineered to be a flexible and dependable addition to Yanmar's line that provides excellent power-to-size ratio, as well as ease of transport and maintenance, by an owner operator, contractor, or rental fleet.

"This new iteration of the ViO35 elevates both what operators can do and their experience while doing it," says Zac Evans, mini excavator product manager for Yanmar Compact Equipment North America. "Yanmar listened to customers and delivered an upgraded model that's easier to use and move around the jobsite. The ViO35-7 brings new levels of productivity while maintaining unbeatable reliability."

Upgraded excavation capabilities

The 8,047-pound model has increased excavation capabilities thanks to greater breakout forces and improved cycle times under load. A higher torque swing motor boosts power for backfill work involving swinging and usability on slopes. This is all powered by an efficient three-pump hydraulic system and 24.4-hp Yanmar engine. The three pumps greatly improve performance and lead to less risk of slowing down during simultaneous operations — such as with the boom, stick, swing, and curl functions — compared to mini excavators with only one pump.

The new model provides increased maneuverability. With 25 percent faster travel speeds under load, operators can move quickly from task to task around the jobsite. It's also easier to transition to slower tasks thanks to the auto kickdown feature built into the two-speed operation.

Added reliability from durable components

The ViO35-7 is designed to last, including a highly durable undercarriage, cylinder guards, hose guards, strategic placement of the boom light to limit risk of damage, Yanmar's experience-tested diesel engine, and more. It is backed by a four-year/4,000-hour warranty.

The new model features additional serviceability features, including simplified fan belt tension adjustment due to the rearward location of the alternator. Its engine does not require the addition of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), allowing for simple operation and service. Yanmar has configured the ViO35-7 for convenient maintenance, including easy access to grease points and filter locations. Problems will be easier to diagnose, either by the owner, or over the phone with a service center, due to clear and intuitive error information on the display.

Increased versatility for jobs in confined spaces

Yanmar has built the ViO35-7 for efficient operation in tight spaces. Operators benefit from the true zero tail-swing aspect of the machine, which protects the equipment and nearby structures by keeping the rear of the mini excavator from extending beyond the track width during rotation. Design improvements to the boom swing angle make confined-space operation even easier. 

Yanmar offers an upgraded hydraulic quick coupler on the ViO35-7, providing easy attachment switching by allowing operators to engage or disengage — as well as see the status of — attachments without leaving the operator seat. The pin-grabber-style, double-locking quick coupler is versatile, accommodating a wide range of attachments from buckets to breakers.

Customization options for many types of operations

The ViO35-7 also features many new configuration options allowing owners or businesses to choose the most efficient machine possible for their intended applications. Buyers have the ability to add a second auxiliary circuit for attachments that provide multiple functions such as a rotating grapple or tiltrotator. Straight and angle blade options allow additional ways to customize the machine.

A subscription to Yanmar's SmartAssist Remote telematics system comes standard on new excavators for free for the first five years. The system offers diagnostics and theft protection through GPS tracking. Machine owners or fleet managers can view the operational status of the equipment in real time along with reports to track the machine's use and service intervals.