Kato Imer has shifted production of some mini excavators from its Japanese factory in Yokohama to its Italian facility in the Siena region.
The 39,000m² facility in San Gimignano, employing 71 people, now makes machines with operating weights of 3tonnes and 3.5tonnes – the 30V4 and 35V4. “This step strengthens Imer Group – the Italian partner of Kato Works within the Kato Imer joint venture,” the company said.
Since 2008, turnover of the Siena facility of Kato Imer – formerly Ihimer – went from 30% of total turnover to 80%. Today, as many as seven models are produced in Italy, the latest being the 9VXE micro excavator back in 2013, followed by model 27V4 in 2014. This production complements the production of mini dumpers with operating loads from 400-2,500kg and of skid loaders.
Kato Imer also recently changed livery and the historical green has been replaced by the yellow hue of the Japanese parent.
The V4 series stands out from the competition because of its three hydraulic pumps in place of load sensing. This increases speed of movement without foregoing controllability, the company said.
An essential feature of the V4 series is the interchangeability and consistency of spare parts, thanks to standardisation of the components and layout. Bucket tooth breakout force is just over 29kN in both the 30V4 and 35V4 models. For both models, the engine is a 17.5kW Yanmar 3TNV88 – compact, light and straightforward. The 35V4 has a carrier that may be widened by 1550-1800 mm, which significantly increases stability in side digging, according to the company.
