With its ability to climb, stretch and crawl, the Menzi Muck M545X is no run-of-the-mill wheeled excavator.
Hydraulically adjustable wheels, claw-like stabilizers and a patented boom enable the M545X to work where other excavators can’t – soft wetlands, steep mountains and other extreme environments.
The highly specialized machine, known as a spider excavator or walking excavator, was introduced by the Swiss manufacturer at Bauma 2019, but you may not have seen it around many jobsites in the U.S. yet.
Josh Caouette, president of Evolution Mechanical, a Canadian Menzi Muck dealer, gave Equipment World a closer look at the M545X, the company’s largest spider excavator, at the 2023 Utility Expo. Check out the video above for a complete overview of the unique tool carrier.
The 29,762-pound M545X is powered by a 154-horsepower Deutz 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine paired with a hydraulic system featuring Sozial Load Sensing by Rexroth. It has a maximum lifting capacity of 21,605 pounds, which the company says is supported by “unique kinematics and a Menzi power booster for maximum output across the entire working range.”
Each leg of the excavator is completely independent, making four different steering modes possible: front-axle steering, rear-axle steering, 4-wheel steering and crab steering. Tires up to 31.5 inches wide are available for work in sensitive environments. Optional mountain stabilizers can also be installed at the front and rear for stability in extreme terrain.
Its intelligent undercarriage design allows for operation on steep inclines exceeding 45 degrees. Because of its high ground clearance, the M545X can also ford water up to 7.2 feet deep for municipal uses and water deployments. It can travel at speeds up to 9.3 miles per hour.
The panoramic operator’s cab provides unobstructed views of the entire working environment and chassis. Features include ergonomic joysticks with proportional rollers, hand rests, adjustable armrests and foot pedals, an air suspension seat, heat and air conditioning, a color LCD display and more.
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