Ditch Witch's XT850: This excavator tool carrier hybrid has become a key product in the company's push into the compact equipment market

摘要

Approximately two years ago, engineers at The Charles Machine Works started delving into the compact equipment market. They looked at compact skid steers and excavators and came out with their own models in 2003 Still, something was missing. "When we looked at all the jobs for which customers were using compact machines, we felt there was a gap that wasn't being answered," says Mike Lumbers, senior product manager, compact utility. Soon several engineers and product people came up with a wish list for a machine that would fill this gap: it had to cover more than 180 degrees of swing, have two working ends with one set of operational controls, have a seat that pivots into position much like one on a backhoe and offer excellent all-around visibility.