Hanix launches new 1.5t minis and expands dealer network

Hanix Europe is launching two new mini excavators in the all-important 1.5 t class size and is expanding its sales infrastructure with initiatives in France, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.

The new 1.5 t D series H16D and H17D (with extendible tracks) models will replace the aging H15B-2 and H15B Plus-2 m machines.

The D models have an updated look, including a more compact tail that reduces the rear turning radius from 1.44 m to 1.07 m. The Mitsubishi engines of the old machines have been replaced by Kubota D782 engines, and Hanix said it is switching to Kubota for all new Hanix excavators in the future.

Digging depth on the H16D increases by almost 150 mm to 2295 mm on the standard boom, and maximum digging power is also higher, by around 3% at 14.8 kN. Both the 16 and 17 are slightly heavier than their predecessors, up around 100 kg, with weights of 1650 kg and 1700 kg (cab version with rubber tracks), respectively.

Other new features include proportional controls; a shifting of the boom cylinder from below to above the boom to offer better protection; and variable output piston pumps replacing the gear pumps used previously, which Hanix says better directs power to where it is needed.

Paul Hyslop, sales director of Manchester, UK-based Hanix Europe, acknowledged that the company was playing catch-up in this class; "The old models were still good technically, but with the new models we have brought them up to speed to remain competitive in the market. We tried to target the best machines in the class and be at least as good as them."

Read more on the new Hanix minis in the March issue of International Rental News (IRN).

Meanwhile, Hanix Europe is developing its international sales infrastructure and dealer network. It is soon to have a stockholding of machines in France, with a new Hanix facility in Bordeaux that it will rent from dealer TP Materiels.

Outside Europe it is targeting mini excavator sales in the Middle East as an alternative to the dominant backhoe loader. Mr Hyslop said the company is sending four units to Saudi Arabian dealer General Machinery Agencies (GMA).

In Brazil, meanwhile, it plans to send machines to a new Brazilian dealer, Argos, a company that represents Indian skid steer manufacturer Vectra in Brazil. Mr Hyslop said Hanix Europe was also talking to potential dealers in North Africa.

Hanix Europe is able to sell the Hanix branded excavators in most parts of the world, although not in countries like Japan, Australia and India. The Hanix excavators are manufactured in Japan by Nagano Industry Co and are sold under the Nagano brand in Japan and other Asian markets.