Yanmar intros upgraded ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B mini excavators

The ViO17-1E offers a 4,023-pound operating weight and 14.5-horsepower engine

Yanmar has been upgrading its line of mini excavators, and now brings two more models up to speed. The ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B have been redesigned for improved operator comfort, convenience and ease of use, as well increased efficiency, the company said.

Part of a family of nine models ranging from the 2,348-pound SV08-1D to the 21,550-pound SV100-2A, the ViO17-1E is best suited for residential work, landscaping and small general construction projects. The ViO25-6B is also designed for those applications but brings additional power and size for benefits in building maintenance projects, irrigation, plumbing pipeline and more.

“Operators will appreciate the upgraded features in these new generation models,” said Jeff Pate, director of sales at Yanmar Compact Equipment North America. “From improved operator comfort and lighting to enhanced attachment coupling, the improvements make long days in the cab a little easier.”

The ViO17-1E offers a 4,023-pound operating weight and 14.5-horsepower engine while the ViO25-6B features a 5,908-pound operating weight and 20.4-horsepower engine. Both models feature a light footprint for minimized damage to soft, delicate surfaces in landscaping, residential and sculpting applications. Despite their small size, the models feature dig depths of 7 feet, 7 inches for the ViO17-1E and 10 feet for the ViO25-6B.

Powered by Yanmar’s well-known diesel engine, the ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B are built with true zero tail swing technology to help protect both the structure the machine is working next to and the machine itself in tight spaces.

The ViO17-1E has retractable undercarriage that allows operators to hydraulically extend and retract the track width, making it even easier for the machine to access narrow job sites.

With the redesign, Yanmar focuses on efficiency with standard PTO quick-connect fittings that allow for easier hookup or switching between attachments, as well as the upgraded LED boom light integrated into the boom that shines directly onto the work area.

Additionally, the updated ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B have been upgraded to a four-point tie system for easier loading and unloading as well as reliable stability during transport.

To minimize operator fatigue and further improve efficiency, the ViO17-1E and ViO25-6B include a new seat and other creature comforts such as an ergonomic throttle and better display positions for easy access. With more intuitive controls, operators will also be able to improve efficiency with less training time needed. 

For added productivity and efficiency on the jobsite, the ViO25-6B also includes ECO Mode, Auto-Decel Mode and auto shift two-speed travel as standard features. ECO

The ViO25-6B also includes ECO Mode, Auto-Decel Mode and auto shift two-speed travel as standard features

Mode, which the company said improves fuel economy by 9%, helps extend engine life, lengthen oil change intervals and reduces fuel consumption by reducing engine speed and power draw when not needed.

The mini excavator’s auto shift two-speed travel design shifts the machines between low and high range automatically, making switching between job site tasks and longer travel times seamless for the operator.

The ViO25-6B includes SmartAssist Remote, Yanmar’s telematics system, free for five years on new machines. Using the integrated theft protection, the mini excavator’s owner can set a range from a specific location or a starting time, triggering SmartAssist Remote to send a notification if that range is exceeded.

SmartAssist Remote can also detect errors with electronic components and send notifications to service personnel and directly to Yanmar to streamline the diagnostic process. Additionally, the machine’s owner can view the operational status of the equipment in real time and view daily work reports that track use of the excavator, useful data that can improve job site productivity over time. Finally, SmartAssist Remote can track maintenance intervals and inspection items as well as notify the owner via email about upcoming maintenance requirements.