YC Diesel South Africa has expanded its product offering with the launch of its compact excavator range. With a strong design focus on high performance, reliability and cutting-edge technology, Yuchai compact excavators are designed to meet the diverse needs of local industries, from construction and agriculture to landscaping and mining.
At a launch event attended by customers and dealers on February 13, 2025, at the company’s head office, located in the industrial hub of Pomona, Kempton Park, YC Diesel South Africa announced the arrival of its three-model compact excavator range.
Comprising the U18, U35 and the YC60, the range is the latest addition to the company’s growing product portfolio. In just over a year-and-a-half, YC Diesel SA has made strong inroads in the value engine and generator market, and the latest product range further expands the company’s value offering to its customers.
“We are excited to add the new Yuchai compact excavators to our existing range of diesel generator spec engines from 20 kVA to 3 MVA, industrial pump spec engines and complete generators ranging from 5 kVA to 1250 kVA. As part of our growth strategy, the new compact excavators will soon be followed by a range of Yuchai engine powered commercial trucks,” says Tom Bloom, GM- Yuchai brand SA.
With an operating weight of 1 800 kg (with rubber tracks) or 1 880 kg (with steel tracks), the U18 is the smallest of the three models. Powered by either a Yanmar 3TNV76 producing 14,5 kW @2 400 rpm or Yanmar 3TNV80F producing 15,2 kW @2 500 rpm, the U18 is equipped with a 0,05 m³ bucket.
The U35 is a 3 680-kg machine with a 0,12 m³ bucket. It is driven by either a Yanmar 3TNV88 engine delivering 20,4 kW @2 200 rpm or a Yanmar 3TNV88F delivering 18,2 kw @2 200 rpm. Equipped with a load sensing hydraulic system, the machine delivers low fuel consumption and superior working efficiency.
The larger YC60 offers a 5 600-kg operating weight and comes with a 0,21 m³ bucket. The proven Kubota V2607 engine provides ample power – 35 kW of power at 2 200 rpm – allowing the machine to undertake some of the most arduous applications.
“Customers should choose Yuchai compact excavators for four main reasons, namely powerful performance, versatility, durability and reliability, as well as low operating costs,” says Bloom. “When it comes to performance, Yuchai excavators are equipped with robust engines that deliver exceptional power and efficiency. Ideal for a wide range of applications, these mini excavators are perfect for tight spaces and demanding environments. Built with high-quality components, Yuchai machines are engineered for long-lasting performance. In addition, fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance help reduce overall operating expenses.”
Bloom says the company’s competitive edge is certainly the cost saving on the capital cost of its products, coupled with premium machinery backed by experienced professionals. This has been central to the company’s quick growth in the local market, following its launch in July 2023. To date, says Bloom, YC Diesel SA has made major inroads into all major industries, supplying generators, engines and complete solutions to a wide variety of applications.
The company has also grown its dealer footprint significantly within a short space of time. These dealers have expressed great satisfaction with the strategy and solutions on offer. This has allowed them to grow their businesses through additional products and services, while increasing revenue through competitive pricing.
“The company continues to grow from strength to strength and this is demonstrated by the continued rollout of new product lines. The strategy is to always develop new markets and allow dealers and end-user customers to experience significant cost savings and additional revenue streams with our strategic approach to pricing, quality and overall experience with a company that offers a ‘We Care’ approach,” concludes Bloom.
