Mini excavators are often used in narrow spaces for digging trenches, holes, and foundation, demolition, breaking rock or walls, etc. Since the spaces are compact, it often becomes a challenge to completely rotate the machine to perform the tasks without damaging the surroundings. That is why zero tail swing was introduced to provide better precision and efficiency. Yanmar is the inventor and pioneer of zero tail-swing technology, proudly calling it: “True Zero Tail-Swing”.
This article explores the zero tail swing mini excavator, how it works, its benefits, and how it differs from traditional models:
What is Zero Tail Swing Excavator?
Yanmar’s True Zero Tail-Swing offers the confidence for operators to work in confined spaces without rear clearance concerns. Their seventh-generation ViO models are designed for stable operation, safety, quick attachment changes, and excellent performance.
Yanmar’s Global ViO achieves true zero overhang, ensuring that the counterweight and front corners never extend beyond the vehicle width. So, operators can safely work against walls or structures without risk.
Yanmar’s True Zero Tail-Swing offers the confidence for operators to work in confined spaces without rear clearance concerns. Their seventh-generation ViO models are designed for stable operation, safety, quick attachment changes, and excellent performance.
Yanmar’s Global ViO achieves true zero overhang, ensuring that the counterweight and front corners never extend beyond the vehicle width. So, operators can safely work against walls or structures without risk.
How does Zero Tail Swing Work in Mini Excavators
When a conventional excavator swings, the counterweight and rear end extend beyond the width of the crawler tracks. Even the traditional “zero-tail” excavators often had a slight overhang of up to 10% of crawler width.
Yanmar’s “True Zero Tail-Swing” allows mini excavators to rotate their upper body within the width of their tracks. Therefore, the machine’s body always stays within its own footprint while turning. This feature makes it possible to work safely in confined spaces without worrying about rear clearance.
- The compact counter weight design of Yanmar compact excavators allows it to integrate the counterweight into the machine’s frame, instead of letting it extend beyond the surface.
- Tracks are spaced wider apart for better ground grip and lateral
- Heavy components like the engine, hydraulic pump, and tanks are strategically placed closer to the centerline to improve stability even when lifting loads at full
Benefits of Zero Tail Swing in Compact Excavators
Let’s take a closer look at why you should use a zero tail swing mini excavator for tight spaces:
1. Avoid Workplace Accidents
With true zero overhang, operators can work right up against walls or barriers. Even when working in restricted spaces, they have better control and visibility to avoid accidents.
2. Better Stability
Yanmar’s design includes wide offset crawler tracks, high tensile steel plates, and a large counterweight. These features provide balance and stability even when working in uneven ground, like construction sites or farms.
3. Operator Safety and Comfort
The four-pillar ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) enhances safety and durability. Options such as an air-conditioned cabin provide comfort during long working hours, making the operation smoother and less tiring.
4. Versatile Attachment Options for Every Project
Yanmar’s mini excavators are designed to work efficiently with a wide range of attachments, including different-sized buckets, augers, rock breakers, etc., to meet diverse project needs.
5. Smooth and Powerful Hydraulic Performance (VIPPS)
Yanmar’s exclusive ViO Progressive 3-Pump System (VIPPS) combines the output of three hydraulic pumps. This ensures smoother simultaneous movements, faster cycle times, and powerful digging or lifting operations.
Zero Tail Swing Vs Conventional Excavator
Compared to conventional excavators, zero-tail swing models offer better visibility, comfort, and stability.
| Parameter | Conventional Model | Zero Tail Swing |
| Turning Radius (Front) | Fair | Fair |
| Turning Radius (Rear) | Inferior | Superior |
| Rear Visibility | Inferior | Superior |
| Operating Speed | Superior | Superior |
| Stability | Superior | Fair |
| Boom Swing | No | Yes |
| Zero Tail Swing Feature | No | Yes |
| Work in Narrow Areas | Limited | Excellent |
Popular Yanmar Mini Excavators Available at DOZCO
Amongst the other, Yanmar’s ViO30-7 and ViO35-7 are two of the most popular models.
ViO30 – Small Frame, Big Impact
If you are looking for a compact and easily transportable excavator, this is ideal.
Weight
- Operating Weight: Canopy – 3,225 kg (7,110 lbs) | Cabin – 3,380 kg (7,452 lbs)
Engine
- Type: 3TMV88-ESBV2
- Rated Output: 9 kW (25.3 HP) / 2200 rpm
Bucket
- Capacity (Standard): 10 m³ (3.5 cu. fi)
- Width (Standard): 545 mm (1’9”)
- Capacity (Trench): 036 m³ (1.27 cu. fi)
- Width (Trench): 270 mm (10.6”)
- Max Digging Force: 2 kN (4,092 lbf)
Performance
- Max Digging Depth: 2,770 mm (9’1”)
- Max Vertical Wall Digging Depth: 2,230 mm (7’3”)
- Max Cutting Height: 4,590 mm (15’0”)
- Max Dumping Height: 4,730 mm (15’6”)
- Max Digging Radius at Ground: 4,200 mm (13’9”)
- Boom Swing Angle (L/R): 71° / 52°
- Travel Speed (High/Low): 4 / 2.7 km/h
- Swing Speed: 4 rpm
Ground Pressure
- Steel Track: 4 kPa
Tank Capacity
- Fuel Tank: 44 L (11.6 gal)
- Hydraulic Oil Tank: 32 L (8.5 gal)
Hydraulic System
- Pump Displacement: 37.4 L/min × 2 (Variable) + 26.8 L/min × 1 + 9.9 L/min × 1 (Gear)
- Relief Pressure: 6 MPa (2,958 PSI) × 2 / 19.5 MPa (2,843 PSI)
- Max AUX Output: 2 L/min (17 gpm)
ViO35 – The Agile Achiever
It is one of the most popular models in the ViO Series, trusted across a wide range of job sites.
Weight
- Operating Weight: Canopy – 3,545 kg (7,815 lbs) | Cabin – 3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Engine
- Type: 3TNV88-ESBV2
- Rated Output: 9 kW (25.3 HP) / 2200 rpm
Bucket
- Capacity (Standard): 10 m³ (3.5 cu. fi)
- Width (Standard): 545 mm (1’9”)
- Capacity (Trench): 036 m³ (1.27 cu. fi)
- Width (Trench): 270 mm (10.6”)
- Max Digging Force: 3 kN (4,564 lbf)
Performance
- Max Digging Depth: 3,070 mm (10’0”)
- Max Vertical Wall Digging Depth: 2,510 mm (8’2”)
- Max Cutting Height: 4,880 mm (16’0”)
- Max Dumping Height: 4,660 mm (15’3”)
- Max Digging Radius at Ground: 5,110 mm (16’9”)
- Boom Swing Angle (L/R): 71° / 52°
- Travel Speed (High/Low): 4 / 2.7 km/h
- Swing Speed: 4 rpm
Ground Pressure
- Steel Track: 2–32.9 kPa
Tank Capacity
- Fuel Tank: 44 L (11.6 gal)
- Hydraulic Oil Tank: 32 L (8.5 gal)
Hydraulic System
- Pump Displacement: 37.4 L/min × 2 (Variable) + 26.8 L/min × 1 + 9.0 L/min × 1 (Gear)
- Relief Pressure: 1 MPa (3,205 PSI) × 2 / 20.6 MPa (2,988 PSI) × 1
- Max AUX Output: 2 L/min (17 gpm)
The ViO30-7 is the most suitable product for a wide range of applications, offering a perfect balance of compactness, stability, and efficiency. However, if your project requires more power and reach and you can compromise slightly on the overall width of the equipment, the ViO35-7 is the better choice.
Wrap Up
Zero Tail Swing technology has completely changed the way compact excavators are used in tight and urban job sites. Especially, Yanmar’s True Zero Tail-Swing design has added extra safety, stability, and higher efficiency without compromising on power. For contractors, builders, and operators, choosing a zero tail swing excavator means greater productivity, fewer risks, and more confidence when working in restricted areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does Yanmar’s “True Zero Tail-Swing” differ from regular zero-tail machines?
Unlike conventional zero-tail excavators that may still extend slightly (up to 10%), Yanmar’s “True Zero” design ensures no overhang at all. The counterweight and corners never exceed the track width.
2. Why is Zero Tail Swing important on job sites?
It reduces the risk of accidents, allows operators to work right against walls or barriers, and improves efficiency in confined urban or construction areas.
3. Do Zero Tail Swing models compromise stability?
Yanmar’s mini excavators have features like wide crawler tracks, strategic weight distribution, and heavy counterweights that offer balance and stability even on uneven ground.
4. Which Yanmar models feature True Zero Tail Swing?
All Yanmar models sold in India have true zero tail swing, making them ideal for confined urban job sites.