Yanmar mini excavator put to the test

When it came to investing in a versatile new mini excavator, Lancashire Developments purchased a Yanmar SV26 from local dealer MTS Plant. Compact, efficient and highly productive, the impressive model is already delivering over and above expectations.

Incredible performance, compact design

Based in Bolton, Greater Manchester, Lancashire Developments boasts more than 70 years’ experience within the construction industry. The company delivers a wide range of services, including concreting, foundations, design and build, drainage, groundworks, mini piling, electrical and mechanical. With a busy schedule, the team relies on the dependability of its plant equipment.

When Lancashire Developments looked to invest in a new excavator, owner Darren Brown approached the team at MTS Plant – Yanmar’s official dealer for Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire and the central belt of Scotland – to steer him in the right direction.

Nicola Pollitt, Depot Manager at MTS Plant, commented: “Darren was looking for a reliable new excavator that could meet rigorous project demands. After learning about his requirements, we suggested hiring one of our Yanmar SV26 mini excavators to put the compact model through its paces.

“When Darren returned the hire model, he mentioned how impressed he had been with its build quality and performance. It was exactly what he was looking for. Once we started discussing purchase options, he learned that it would also be competitively priced, compared to other machines on the market – a win-win.”

With ideal specifications for the services offered by Lancashire Developments, Darren put in an order straightaway, specifying an optional quick coupler to further enhance the SV26’s efficiency and productivity.

The SV26 is an extremely compact conventional tail excavator, equally well-suited to urban sites and landscaping applications across a range of challenging conditions and surfaces. With low ground pressure and excellent stability, it is effective on a variety of terrain with minimal surface impact.

Equipped with the largest cab in its class, generous legroom, ergonomic controls and a comfortable seat, the SV26 minimises operator fatigue. Impressive performance for its size, combined with the smooth control and responsiveness of Yanmar’s highly regarded ViPPS hydraulic system, makes the SV26 intuitive and enjoyable to operate.

As with all Yanmar equipment, safety is paramount. The SV26 cabin meets FOPS, ROPS and TOPS requirements, while 300mm tracks provide excellent traction. An additional 100kg counterweight is available as an option, delivering best-in-class stability when using heavy attachments (such as a tiltrotator).

Exceptional build quality, everyday dependability

Since taking delivery of the SV26 in January, Darren and the team at Lancashire Developments have put their new excavator through its paces, completing foundations and groundworks for a new housing development. The quick coupler has proven invaluable, allowing the machine to perform a multitude of tasks throughout the day, while dramatically improving productivity.

Commenting on the recent purchase, Darren said: “I’ve owned a number of excavators from different brands in the past, but I like this Yanmar a lot. The build quality is unbelievable, and my team are thoroughly impressed with its capability. It’s a joy to work with and it does exactly what it says on the tin.

“We work on some fairly demanding projects, which makes spending extended periods of time operating plant pretty commonplace. As such, the comfort and safety of my team is critical. The SV26 delivers on both of these fronts, with the model clearly designed for comfort and on-site safety as well as performance.

“I’m glad we finally have our own Yanmar – it delivers above and beyond expectations. I’ve been so pleased with the purchase that I’ve just recommended that my son, Joseph, purchases two excavators for his business.”

Associated Businesses

  • Saint-Dizier