A method has been proposed to enhance the power of mini excavators.

In densely built urban areas where access to construction sites is hindered by the close proximity of buildings, a standard large excavator often cannot maneuver or even reach the work area. In such situations, a mini excavator is utilized instead. Its compact design allows it to operate easily in confined spaces, while its high maneuverability reduces the risk of damaging surrounding structures. However, it is limited in its ability to excavate and cut through soil effectively due to insufficient bucket force. Researchers at Perm Polytechnic have discovered a method to double the digging force of a mini excavator's bucket.

2025-01-27 10:00:16https://naked-science.ru/article/column/uvelicheniya-sily-mini-ek

The article was presented at the conference "Modernization and Scientific Research in the Transport Complex," XIV, 2024. The research was conducted as part of the strategic academic leadership program "Priority 2030."

Compared to full-sized tracked or wheeled excavators, mini-excavators are characterized by their smaller dimensions, weight, and working power. These machines are designed for operation in limited, confined spaces. They are used for digging holes, pools, ponds, trenches, working indoors for laying communications, and preparing foundation bases. They offer numerous advantages: maneuverability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. All of this makes them indispensable in construction, utilities, and agriculture.

However, mini-excavators cannot provide sufficient bucket penetration into the ground due to their own low weight—up to eight tons. The limited digging depth does not allow for comprehensive soil development and restricts the ability to work with large volumes of earth or in hard-to-reach areas.

Scientists from Perm Polytechnic propose shifting the center of gravity of the excavator towards the bucket during its penetration moment, using additional counterweights to enhance work efficiency.

The polytechnic researchers have developed a calculation scheme that evaluates the forces acting on the bucket at the initial moment of penetration into the soil. The basis for this was an excavator on a wheeled two-axle chassis with a backhoe.

“The maximum force with which the bucket penetrates the ground depends on where the center of mass of the excavator is located in relation to the penetration point. The calculation scheme showed that shifting the center of gravity towards the front axle of the machine's chassis can increase the bucket's penetration force into the ground by 1.5 to two times,” explains Konstantin Pugin, professor at the "Automobiles and Technological Machines" department of PNIPU, Doctor of Technical Sciences.

“This shift can be achieved by installing an additional counterweight along the body of the excavator. This is a large heavy metal element, typically placed at the rear rather than the front of the excavator's rotary platform. To ensure the machine does not lose stability, the weight must move along both axes.” This can be accomplished using a hydraulic cylinder or a system of gears and rails,” adds Ildar Gimadeev, a graduate student at the "Automobiles and Technological Machines" department of PNIPU.

The improvement in the design of mini-excavators proposed by the scientists from Perm Polytechnic will expand the operational capabilities of small construction machines by enabling them to work with a more robust category of soil.