Caterpillar and Wacker Neuson end mini excavator deal

178 Caterpillar and 1651 Wacker Neuson are to end their agreement for the manufacture of mini excavators. For the past six years, Wacker Neuson has been building mini excavators at its plant in Hörsching, Austria that have been badged as Caterpillar products. However this partnership is now being phased out and Caterpillar intends to switch design and production of the smallest hydraulic excavators in its line-up to Caterpillar facilities from the start of 2018.

According to Caterpillar this move will allow the firm to focus on developing its global mini excavator business. The company says it will be able to leverage existing facilities and design teams to deliver cost effective and efficient new machines weighing less than 3tonnes.  

Caterpillar’s Building Construction Products Division will design and manufacture the new machines. These will utilise proven technology and features from the larger Caterpillar mini excavators. Five of the current models (301.4C, 301.7D, 301.7D CR, 302.2D and 302.4D) that are currently manufactured by Wacker Neuson, will be phased out in mid-2018. Meanwhile the 302.7D CR will be phased out at the end of 2019. The 300.9D will also phased out at the end of 2019, or later depending on agreements made by the two firms.

The partnership has been highly successful for both firms. However Korey Coon, general manager with responsibility for mini hydraulic excavators and small track-type tractors explained, “The market for these products has grown, and we believe that internally designing, manufacturing and distributing these excavators will provide an even higher value to our customers, dealers and shareholders.”

Wacker Neuson meanwhile says that it will continue its international growth strategy, distributing its extensive product range of excavators weighing from 0.8-14.5tonnes through its global sales channels.

Spare parts availability, technical support and warranty for current models will continue as Caterpillar and Wacker Neuson work together going forward. Other products sold and serviced by Wacker Neuson at Cat dealers and rental stores will not be affected.