09 · Heavy Equipment

Excavator

Also called Digger · Mini excavator · Midi excavator · JCB excavator

JCB tracked mini and midi excavators for digging, trenching, lifting and loading.

Diesel machine

Sizes & models we rent

Show all models
JCB 8018 miniSmallest — fits through a gate. 8" and 18" bucketsJCB 35Z midi, steel tracksZero tail swingJCB 55Z midiZero tail swingJCB 55Z midi, steel tracksFor rock and demolition workJCB 85Z midiLargest — 36" bucket

Selected model

Excavator · JCB 85Z midi

Largest — 36" bucket

Goes with this model

  • BUCKET, 36" 85Z EXCAVATOR
View the JCB 85Z midi in the catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

An excavator is a boom, arm and bucket on a cab that rotates on top of its tracks, so it digs, swings, dumps and comes back without the machine itself moving.

All of ours are JCB tracked machines. The 8018 mini is the smallest and fits through a standard gate. The 35Z, 55Z and 85Z are midi machines, the 85Z being the largest we rent. The Z means zero tail swing: the back of the cab stays within the width of the tracks as it turns, which is what lets these work hard against a wall or a fence line.

Trenching for drainage, water and cable, foundations and footings, site clearing and landscaping, loading trucks, and breaking with a hydraulic breaker attachment.

Two of them come on steel tracks for rock and demolition work. Steel tracks must not be driven across finished concrete or asphalt — use a rubber-tracked machine, or protect the surface first.

Choose the smallest machine that does the job. It is easier to transport, cheaper to run, and far more likely to fit.

Catalogue specifications · JCB 85Z midi

  • MODEL AVAILABLE;
  • JCB 85Z- 1 MIDI
  • Operating weight (metric tons): 8.3
  • Operating weight (lbs): 18,298
  • Engine
  • Engine make:JCB by Kohler
  • Engine model: KDI 2504 T4F
  • Net hp: 60.8
  • Dimensions
  • Transport length (ft/in): 19' 2"
  • Transport height (ft/in): 8' 11"
  • Transport width (ft/in): 7' 7"
  • Tail overhang over side (in): 0"
  • Performance
  • Arm (stick) length used for dimensions & forces (ft/in): 6' 11"
  • Max dig depth (ft/in): 12' 2"
  • Max depth of vertical wall (ft/in): 9' 8"
  • Reach @ ground level (ft/in): 22' 6"
  • Dump height (ft/in): 16' 6"
  • Boom swing, right/left (deg): 55 ° / 60 °
  • Bucket digging force (lbs): 12,837
  • Hydraulics

Best uses

  • Trenching for drainage, water and cable
  • Foundations and footings
  • Site clearing and landscaping
  • Loading trucks
  • Breaking with a hydraulic breaker attachment

Not suited for

  • Tracking steel-track machines across finished concrete or asphalt — use rubber tracks or protect the surface

Troubleshooting

A track has come off or looks loose

Checks to try, in order

  1. Stop immediately and lower the bucket to the ground.
  2. Don't try to drive it back on.

Track tension and re-tracking is a workshop job.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Quick hitch warning or bucket won't lock

Checks to try, in order

  1. Re-engage the hitch following the in-cab procedure and check the lock indicator.
  2. Test by curling the bucket against the ground before lifting.

Never dig or lift with a hitch that isn't confirmed locked.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Nothing happens when the key is turnedShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

  • Isolator off
  • Seat / seat-belt / lap-bar interlock
  • Controls not in neutral
  • Flat battery

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the battery isolator / master switch is ON.
  2. Sit in the seat, fasten the seat belt and lower the safety bar — interlocks prevent starting otherwise.
  3. Put the controls in neutral and the hydraulic lockout lever in the locked position.
  4. Check the battery terminals are tight and free of corrosion.

If the battery is flat, don't jump-start it unless you've been trained to — call the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Cranks but won't startShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

  • Out of fuel / air in fuel
  • Glow plugs not preheated
  • E-stop engaged

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the fuel gauge. Diesel engines that run dry often need the fuel system bled before they'll start.
  2. Turn the key to the preheat position and wait for the glow-plug light to go out before cranking.
  3. Check the emergency stop button isn't pressed in.
  4. Crank for no more than 10–15 seconds at a time, then let the starter rest.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Arms, boom or tracks won't move or are slowShared · Diesel machine

Likely causes

  • Lockout lever engaged
  • Cold oil
  • Low hydraulic oil
  • Leak

Checks to try, in order

  1. Raise the hydraulic lockout / safety lever or disengage the control lock.
  2. Let the machine warm up for a few minutes before working it hard.
  3. Check the hydraulic oil sight glass with the machine level and attachments lowered.
  4. Look for hydraulic oil leaks under the machine and at hose ends.

Never touch a pinhole hydraulic leak — high-pressure oil can inject through skin. Stop and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Warning light, alarm or overheatingShared · Diesel machine

Checks to try, in order

  1. Stop work, lower attachments to the ground and let the engine idle — don't shut a hot engine off abruptly unless told to by the alarm.
  2. Check whether the radiator / cooler screen is blocked with dust, grass or debris.
  3. Only check coolant once the engine is cold. Never open a hot radiator cap.

Red warning lights mean stop. Note the code or symbol and call the workshop before continuing.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Keep everyone out of the swing radius. Use barriers or a banksman on busy sites.
  • On slopes, travel straight up or down with the bucket low.
  • Only lift loads with a machine set up and certified for lifting duties.

For diesel machine

  • Only trained, authorised operators should drive or operate this machine.
  • Walk around the machine before starting: leaks, damage, tyres or tracks, and people nearby.
  • Wear the seat belt, use three points of contact getting on and off, and use a spotter in tight areas.
  • Check for overhead power lines and underground services before digging or lifting.

Videos & links

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