At this year’s Intermat, Dieter Freisler, Regional President, Wacker Neuson, emphasized that the company plans in the future to “always have double digit growth,” and that “technology development will be the basis of our growth,” not that mergers and acquisitions are completely off the table.

Part of that technology development is characterized by the company’s smallest excavator, the 803, which is now available with a dual-power option. In fact, the 803 this year won the Intermat Innovation Award in Gold.

With the dual power option, the Wacker Neuson 803 can—in addition to the standard diesel engine—be connected to the HPU8, an external electrohydraulic drive unit that allows the excavator to be operated electrically. Thus, 803 dual power contractors have a machine that offers the features of a conventional diesel excavator, but at the same time, if necessary, also replaces equipment for completely emissions-free applications. This saves costs, ensures a higher machine utilization, and expands the application areas of the mini-excavator, opening up indoor use potential.

Simple handling is particularly relevant for end users. If, for example, the excavator 803 is required for demolition/renovation work or interior restorations, the operator drives it in conventional mode to the site of operation. Two openings are embedded in the excavator's dozer blade in which the HPU8 can be suspended for transport. In this way, the operator brings along the generator via this transport support.

The dimensions of the excavator 803 and the unit HPU8 are matched to each other so that the end user can easily drive through narrow door openings with the set. Once on site, the operator simply connects the external unit to the excavator's undercarriage and can then continue to work completely free of emissions.

Hydraulic power for the excavator is supplied via the undercarriage. In this way, the tail swing radius and possibility of a 360° rotation also remain unrestricted in electrical operation, which means complete freedom of movement for the operator. The operating weight, stability, and dimensions of the excavator do not change with the option and the output also remains constant in operation with the generator. For the operator, the sequence of operations thus remain completely unchanged after the connection of the generator.

The HPU8 unit designed specifically for excavator operation is characterized by its compact and sturdy design and the cooling capacity specially tailored for the 803. The electrohydraulic unit saves space, is easy to transport, and is designed for work under full load at up to 45°C ambient temperature as well as at low temperatures.

With their indoor/outdoor possibilities, the 803 dual power excavator and the generator HPU8 are of particular interest for rental yard operators: A high machine utilization is ensured due to the versatile applications. The generator is connected to the excavator's undercarriage via plug & play and is said to be problem-free for less experienced operators. With a weight of 190 kg and compact dimensions, the unit can be stored and transported easily. The HPU8 is also very maintenance friendly: The simple design and easy-to-remove casing parts provide for good maintenance access.