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Battle of the 8T excavators: Yanmar ViO80 vs Kubota KX080-3S

Choosing the right excavator to fit the needs of your project can be tricky. Two of the most popular 8T excavators in the market today are the Yanmar ViO80 and the Kubota KX080-3S. Both are reliable, high-performance machines that can deliver great results on site, but their feature sets differ slightly. We put both excavators head-to-head and break down the details in a comparison.

Battle of the excavators: Yanmar ViO80 vs Kubota KX080-3S

Power and performance comparison – Yanmar vs Kubota

Both the Yanmar ViO80 and the Kubota KX080-3S pack excellent power, but each have different strong-suits. 

  • Yanmar ViO80: This excavator is powered by a 56-horsepower engine. It’s designed for smooth, controlled operation handling a range of tasks, from digging to lifting. The ViO80’s compact design helps it work in tighter spaces without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for job sites in built-up areas that lack space.

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  • Kubota KX080-3S: The KX080-3S offers a slightly higher engine output, with a 66-horsepower engine. The added power makes the Kubota well suited for heavy-duty tasks. The KX080-3S is also known for its smooth hydraulic performance, giving the operator consistent output. A

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Verdict: While both 8T machines are powerful, the Kubota has a slight edge. However, the Yanmar stands out for its nimble operation in tight spaces. 

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Is the Yanmar excavator more comfortable than the Kubota?

Comfort is a key factor when excavating for long hours, and both 8T machines do a great job of providing exactly that for the operator. 

  • Yanmar ViO80: The cabin on the ViO80 is spacious with good visibility and intuitive cockpit controls. It has a fully adjustable seat which reduces operator fatigue during long shifts. The machine also features great suspension and noise reduction for a quieter, more comfortable experience. 

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  • Kubota KX080-3S: Kubota is renowned for its well-appointed cabins, and the KX080-3S doesn’t disappoint. The operator’s area is spacious with excellent visibility and comfortable seating. It also features noise and vibration reduction technologies, making it one of the quietest excavators in its class. The controls are ergonomically designed to maximise ease of use.  

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Verdict: Both machines offer a high level of comfort, equipped with well-considered cabins that make them user-friendly and a joy to operate. 

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Digging and lifting capacity – Yanmar ViO80 vs Kubota KX080-3S

When it comes to digging and lifting, both machines are equipped for the most demanding projects. Look closer and you’ll see how they differ. 

  • Yanmar ViO80: The Yanmar ViO80 is well known for its impressive lifting capacity and digging depth. It offers a maximum digging depth of 5.9 metres and a bucket breakout force of 61.5 kN. This makes it suitable for large excavation tasks, such as heavy lifting. 

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  • Kubota KX080-3S: The Kubota KX080-3S offers a similar maximum digging depth of 5.8 metres, and a slightly higher bucket breakout force of 64.4 kN, making it a bit more powerful when it comes to digging into tough material. Its lifting capacity is also respectable compared to others in its class. 

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Verdict: Both machines are highly capable in terms of digging and lifting. The Kubota has a slight advantage in breakout force, but the Yanmar edges out with a lower digging depth. 

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Comparison of Yanmar ViO80 vs Kubota KX080-3S excavators’ manoeuvrability and size

Manoeuvrability is often a deciding factor, especially for jobs in cramped spaces or urban environments. 

  • Yanmar ViO80: One of the standout features of the ViO80 is its zero-tail swing design. This means that the machine’s body doesn’t extend past its tracks when turning, allowing it to work in tight spaces without the risk of damaging surrounding objects. This makes it a top choice for projects with limited space. 

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  • Kubota KX080-3S: The Kubota features a short tail swing design, which offers excellent manoeuvrability without sacrificing stability. While it does have a slightly larger rear radius compared to the Yanmar, it still performs well in tight spaces and urban environments. 

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Verdict: The Yanmar ViO80 is more manoeuvrable especially in confined spaces, thanks to its zero-tail swing. However, the Kubota KX080-3S also offers strong manoeuvrability with its short tail swing design. 

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Maintenance and durability of the Yanmar and Kubota

Both machines are designed with durability in mind, ensuring continued performance on your project with less need for maintenance. 

  • Yanmar ViO80: The ViO80 has a robust build and is made to withstand tough conditions. Its maintenance is straightforward, with easy access to key components like the engine and hydraulics. Yanmar machines are also praised for their fuel efficiency, which can help keep operating costs down over time. 

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  • Kubota KX080-3S: Kubota’s reputation for reliability is strong, and the KX080-3S is a testament to that. It’s designed to minimize wear and tear, and its maintenance points are easily accessible. Like the Yanmar, fuel efficiency is also a strong point for the Kubota. 

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Verdict: Both machines offer low maintenance and excellent durability making them suitable for those long-term projects. The decision will come down to brand preference and the specific needs of your project. 

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Both the Yanmar ViO80 and the Kubota KX080-3S are fantastic 8T excavators that will serve you well for a variety of tasks. If you’re working in tight spaces and need superior manoeuvrability, the Yanmar ViO80 could be your best bet. On the other hand, if you need that extra power for heavier lifting and digging, the Kubota KX080-3S is a great choice. 

The team at HEXhire can help you decide which excavator is best for your project’s needs. No matter which machine you choose, you can be confident that you’re getting the best quality.  

Both low-hour ViO80 and KX080-3S models are available for hire now! 

Get in touch:

Call 1300 439 447 or email info@hexhire.com.au

How to use mini dumpers for your home DIY projects

DIY satisfaction comes in many ways, but getting the job done efficiently is top of most people’s home-improvement list. When you enlist the right equipment, such as a mini dumper, you can cut down on both time and cost.

In practical terms, mini dumpers reduce the hard labour of pushing wheelbarrows of heavy material to and from different areas around your property. Mini dumpers solve this issue by taking on the heavy lifting, while being small and agile enough to manoeuvre in a garden space with ease.

Whether you’re increasing your property’s market value with a DIY upgrade or simply creating a more vibrant atmosphere for the enjoyment of friends and family, these dynamite packages are the ticket to project efficiency. Mini dumpers shine in many applications but here are some ways they can help you with your project:

Landscaping with decorative stones:

If you’re creating a decorative stone feature such as a rock garden or stone border, a mini dumper can carry large, heavy stones from the delivery site to the desired location, making it easier to position them around the garden.

Hauling logs for firewood storage:

If you’re stacking firewood or building a firewood storage area, a mini dumper can quickly carry logs from the cutting area to the storage space, reducing the effort required to haul them by hand and ensuring you have enough firewood so you can stay warm in your indoor or outdoor living space.

Clearing a path for new plantings:

When clearing space for new plantings like trees, shrubs, or flowers, a mini dumper can transport soil, mulch, or other materials to the area, making the task more efficient and saving you from manually carrying heavy loads.

Delivering gravel for a backyard path:

Mini dumpers can easily carry gravel from your supply area to the desired spot when creating a backyard path with gravel. This allows you to spread it evenly without straining yourself or making numerous trips with a wheelbarrow.

Hauling mulch for playground areas:

If you’re adding mulch to a playground area or a garden, a mini dumper can quickly carry large amounts of mulch from your stockpile to the site, reducing the time and physical effort required to spread.

Clearing excavation debris from foundation work:

When digging for the foundation of a small garden shed or outbuilding, a mini dumper can help transport the excess soil or debris away from the site, keeping your work area clean and speeding up the process.

Transporting materials for a new fence installation:

Building a new fence often requires moving large bags of concrete, posts, or gravel. A mini dumper can quickly carry these materials across your property.

Hauling debris from a tree cutting project:

After cutting down trees or branches in your yard, a mini dumper can clear the area by transporting the debris, such as branches or leaves, to a disposal site or compost area, speeding up the cleanup process.

Which mini dumper is right for you?

The good news is, no matter how big or small your space is, there is a mini dumper discrete enough to do the job without creating disruptions. The size you choose will depend on the load capacity you need to transport materials, width and height restrictions on your property and of course, ease of use. Here are some quality dumpers you should consider:

DT08 Track Dumper

1T Site Dumper

3T Site Dumper

Get the help you need on your DIY project from our trade experts who have the DIY knowledge and mini machinery know-how to help you in any scenario.

Get in touch now!

Call 1300 439 447 or email info@hexhire.com.au

Speed up DIY projects around your home and garden with a mini excavator

We all love the satisfaction that comes with completing DIY projects at our property. It’s gratifying creating a homely environment knowing you did it all yourself!

First, however, you need the right tools for the job such as electric power tools and hardware for those smaller jobs. Most of us don’t have a park-sized backyard, so getting in and out of tight spaces is a challenge. That’s when you need mini machinery such as excavators for those larger, longer-term projects.

The beauty of mini excavators is that they are incredibly useful for a variety of tasks, not to mention their ability to fast-track your project efficiently. Here are several ways a mini excavator can be used for common home and garden DIY jobs:

 

Building a deck:

When building a deck, you need to excavate holes for concrete footings or piers. A mini excavator helps by quickly and accurately digging precise holes in the right spots for the deck’s structural supports, saving time and effort compared to manual digging.

Clearing overgrown bush:

If you need to clear brush, small trees, or shrubs to prepare a plot of land for landscaping, a mini excavator can easily remove overgrown vegetation by digging them up or pulling them out, transforming the area quickly without heavy manual labour.

Creating a base for a pathway or patio:

For a new gravel pathway or patio, you need to dig out and prepare a level base. A mini excavator helps by removing soil or old material quickly and evenly, allowing you to create a solid foundation for gravel, stone, or pavers, ensuring a stable surface for your outdoor feature.

Demolishing small structures:

If you’re tearing down small buildings, like sheds or fences, a mini excavator with a demolition attachment can safely and efficiently demolish these structures, removing debris and clearing the area for new construction, all while minimizing manual labour and time spent.

Excavating for a swimming pool:

When digging for an in-ground swimming pool, you need a large, consistent hole. A mini excavator makes this task much easier by quickly removing large amounts of earth to create the proper hole shape and depth, saving significant time compared to manual digging.

Building a firepit or outdoor feature:

For installing a fire pit or other outdoor features, you need to excavate a hole in the right spot. A mini excavator is perfect for quickly digging out the space, ensuring the area is level and the right size for your feature, and allowing you to get started on the rest of your project.

Excavating for a raised garden bed:

If you’re planning a raised garden bed, you need to clear the soil in the right area. A mini excavator makes this job much easier, allowing you to quickly and precisely dig out the space, ensuring the ground is level and ready for your raised bed installation.

The size of mini excavator is dictated by the size of your DIY project and the space you have to work with. You may need a slightly larger excavator with a bigger bucket capacity and ability to use other attachments like a ripper, hammer or grab. Here are our picks to help you decide which size is best suited to your project: 

1T Excavator 

1.7T Excavator 

2.5T Excavator

To find out more about how you can accelerate your DIY project with a mini excavator, contact our team. 

Get in touch today!

Call 1300 439 447 or email info@hexhire.com.au

A guide to hiring the right machinery for your construction projects

When embarking on a new project, your chosen machinery can significantly impact the efficiency, safety, and overall success of the job. From large-scale Civil Infrastructure to Plumbing and Landscaping, each sector has unique needs and challenges. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the most suitable machine hire for your next project.  

 

 Machinery for Civil Infrastructure projects 

The industrial machinery required for large-scale civil infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and tunnels,is robust and high-capacity. Here are several machines in our Tier 1 Spec range that are right for the job: 

  • Sumitomo 24T Excavator: Vital for earthmoving and digging, the 24T capacity model offers heavy-duty excavation on large projects, while smaller ones are more suited to tackle precise tasks.  

 

  • Wacker Neuson 9T Dumper: Efficient for transporting materials over long distances, ensure your dump truck’s capacity aligns with your project needs to minimize trips and save time. Your choice is between open cab or dual-view cab dumpers. 

 

  • Light Towers: Solar light towers are perfect for darker months when you need to keep the lights on and costs down. Diesel light towers are a popular choice for tunnel projects and we supply them to projects such as the Westgate tunnel and Northeast Link. These light towers are easy to set up and can be timed, not to mention the excellent light output.  

 

 

Tip: Always consider the scale of your Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 project and the expected workload when selecting machinery to hire. Our low-hour machines at cost-effective rates can be tailored to whatever the project requires.

For Tier 2 and Tier 3 civil infrastructure projects, these machines for hire may well be your ticket to a more productive job site: 

  • Thwaites 6T Open Cab Site Dumper: These compact machines are incredibly versatile and can lift and move materials easily. Ideal for tighter spaces where visibility is key, they have all the operational capability your civil site needs.  

 

  • CAT Compactors: A popular choice for civil projects is the CAT 12T Padfoot or Smooth Drum Roller. Depending on your needs, you may need the dense compaction strength of the Smooth Drum, or the increased soil penetration of the Padfoot. The choice is yours!

 

  • Manitou Telehandlers: Perfect for lifting and placing materials at height, Telehandlers offer excellent manoeuvrability on site. The option to have the machine fitted with various attachments makes the telehandler suitable for any demand. Commonly used telehandler attachments include Rotators and Jibs. 

 

 

Tip: Look for machinery that can serve multiple purposes to maximise efficiency and minimise costs. Using a range of attachments will make your machine even more versatile.

 

 

Machinery for Landscaping and Urban Development projects 

The most popular machinery used by commercial landscaping contractors is functional and agile. Unlike civil projects, landscaping requires earthmoving equipment that can withstand the rigours while being nimble in tight spaces. These are the machines regularly hired by our landscaping clients in Victoria. 

  • Wacker Neuson Articulated Trench Roller: Offering remote control unlike cab-operated models, your landscaping project will benefit from its enhanced ability to cover ground reliably and safely.  

 

  • Bomag 4T Smooth Drum Roller: High performance and low maintenance in one package, these cab-operated rollers are for increased productivity. These rollers deliver excellent compaction. This is a machine frequently used by landscaping contractors and commercial landscapers. 

 

  • Weber DPU: The DPU is a soil compactor equipped with an electric start and is perfect for any landscaping task due to its feature set and impressive build quality.  

 

 

Tip: Hire machinery and equipment that minimises soil disturbance to preserve the ecosystem during landscaping and urban development.

 

 

Machinery for Plumbing and Waste Management projects 

Whether you are working on a plumbing or waste management project, you’ll need machinery that supports heavy lifting, tight space navigation and precision. Here are some machines for hire used among our clients in the plumbing and waste management industry: 

  • Komatsu 1.7T Excavator: A small machine that packs a punch, this mini digger delivers exceptional power in a slender package for that plumbing or waste management project that requires manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Generally, excavators for plumbing projects unlock a variety of operations including drilling, trenching and lifting.

 

  • Kubota 5.5T Excavator: If you require a step up in capacity, the 5.5T may just be the most suitable option. Features include a tight tail swing, rubber tracks and a quick hitch. With a range of compatible attachments like auger bits and hydraulic hammers, it is sure to boost productivity.  

 

  • Kubota Positracks – Skid steers: The beauty of skid steers is that there are very few operations they can’t handle. Having one of these on your plumbing or waste management site means that there isn’t a task out of reach. Attachments include slashers and forks 

 

 

Tip: Safety and compliance are paramount in commercial and residential projects. Choose machinery that meets all regulatory standards. Our fleet is maintained regularly to ensure machines are mechanically sound and comply with the safety standards of your plumbing or waste management project.

 

Machine attachments

Discover a range of attachments we provide to maximise the output of your chosen machine in our in-depth blog covering all you need to know about attachments. Click here to read more.

If you’re unsure which machinery is right for your project, our team at HEXhire is here to help. With a wide range of options tailored for civil infrastructure, landscaping, plumbing and waste management, we can provide the support you need to make your next project a success.

 

Get in touch today!

Contact our experts by calling 1300 439 447 or by emailing info@hexhire.com.au

You can also browse our full range of machinery for hire and attachments here.