Why Should You Rent a Zero Tail Swing Excavator?

What is a Zero Tail Swing Excavator, and Why Should You Rent It?

If you like talking about excavators, you’ll hear the phrase “zero tail swing” thrown around a lot. But does that mean zero tail swing excavator models are the end-all be-all of rental equipment? At KC Bobcat, we’re here to help you understand the ins and outs of Bobcat® zero tail swing excavators (and when to consider a conventional tail swing option on a rental project). 

What is Tail Swing on an Excavator?

If you’re not familiar with excavators, tail swing refers to the portion of the house (or the upper body of the excavator) that extends beyond the width of the machine’s undercarriage or tracks. Tail swing determines how close you can get to a wall or structure while operating the machine. 

Zero Tail Swing vs Conventional (And Everything in Between)

Now that we’re all on the same page about tail swing, let’s get into the weeds on tail swing terminology. 

For a long time, there was just conventional tail swing. These types of excavators have a large counterweight that extends beyond the tracks, which provides stability and balance. Minimal tail swing excavators were then created to help operators avoid knocking the bulky counterweight into obstacles. These machines have a little bit of overhang, but not nearly as much as conventional models. Zero tail swing excavators hit the market in the 1990s, and they’ve changed the game ever since. 

They’re well named. Zero tail swing excavators have no overhang beyond the tracks. They’re perfect for confined spaces. So if your job requires a lot of maneuvering, zero tail swing is the way to go. Check out this side-by-side comparison of a zero tail swing, minimal tail swing, and conventional tail swing Bobcat excavator: 

Which Models are Which?

How do you know which rental machine has which tail swing configuration? We have all three options available in our rental fleet. Here’s a list of our compact excavator rental models that have zero, minimal, and conventional tail swing: 

• Zero Tail Swing: E10, E20, E35 

• Minimal Tail Swing: E26, E50

• Conventional Tail Swing: E32, E42, E60, E88 

Why Choose Zero Tail Swing for an Excavator Rental?

You’ve come to KC Bobcat with a clear idea of your project and rental requirements. You know you need a compact excavator, and maybe an attachment or two. And then the rental expert asks you about tail swing… 

Here are three solid reasons to choose a zero tail swing excavator: 

• Less Risk of Damage: With no overhanging counterweight, there’s less risk of accidentally hitting surrounding structures or objects while operating your excavator rental. If you’re working on a restricted job site, in a congested urban area, or near a highway, a zero tail swing model is a great choice. 

• More Maneuvering: These excavators offer smooth, unrestricted movement in tight spaces. If you’re planning to work close to a wall or a structure, the maneuverability of a zero tail swing model can make a big difference. 

• More Options: If only some of your jobs require frequent rotation, a zero tail swing configuration allows you to do more things with one machine. This is big for landscaping, utilities, and construction projects in both urban and rural areas. 

When Would You Not Choose Zero Tail Swing?

While zero tail swing excavators are a huge asset for many rental projects, there are times when minimal or conventional tail swing options make more sense. 

The most common reason to choose a conventional tail swing excavator? Lifting capacity and power. 

Because zero tail swing models have a smaller counterweight, they offer less lifting power than their conventional counterparts. If you’re working on a relatively open, unobstructed job site but need to lift heavy materials, a model like the E42 or E60 might be a better fit. 

Similarly, Bobcat’s zero tail swing excavators tend to be smaller models. If you need the extra power and dig depth of a machine like the Bobcat E88, it makes sense to sacrifice a bit of maneuverability for better performance. 

Ready to Rent?

If you’re looking for more maneuverability, a zero tail swing excavator is a great choice. We keep our Bobcat E10, E20, and E35 rentals stocked and ready for operators who need to work in tight, restricted job sites. Talk to a KC Bobcat rental expert today to get a zero swing excavator for your next project!