The Norfolk, Massachusetts, office of Mecalac, a French compact equipment manufacturer, is now offering its 12MTX wheeled excavator-loader to the North American market. The 12MTX integrates the functionalities of a compact excavator, loader, and telehandler into a single machine, excelling in digging, loading, and material handling, according to Mecalac.

“Anyone who subscribes to the philosophy of ‘do more with less’ or is simply forced to do more with less will appreciate the 12MTX,” stated Peter Bigwood, general manager for Mecalac North America. “It’s a compact machine that can work in a tight envelope and do virtually anything you’d expect from the typical jobsite mainstays—and do it all well.”

Mecalac describes the 12MTX as a "powerful" tool carrier capable of handling high-flow hydraulic attachments, such as asphalt planers and flail mowers. The machine's “exceptional functionality,” the company asserts, eliminates the need for multiple pieces of equipment on jobsites across various industries, including construction, demolition, on-site recycling, roadbuilding, landscaping, utility, tunneling, and forestry/tree care.

“The multipurpose machine ultimately maximizes profitability by reducing maintenance, labor, and equipment transportation costs,” Mecalac states.

A three-piece, variable-angle, side-mounted boom provides the 12MTX with compactness and range of motion, enabling it to operate in areas where mono-boom excavators cannot. “This compactness shines when working near an existing structure or roadway where a mono-boom excavator’s required footprint is too large,” Mecalac notes. “Operators can enjoy an increased working envelope while limiting the need to reposition the machine.”

With a top speed of 20 mph, the 12MTX can quickly navigate jobsites and offers the flexibility to be driven to a site or gas station without the need for a trailer. The machine can lift up to four tons, and its rear-positioned engine acts as a counterweight, enhancing handling and movement. An articulated undercarriage, four-wheel drive, and five different tire options ensure the machine remains grounded, providing precision and control.

The 12MTX’s hydraulics are designed to surpass the capabilities of a typical mini excavator, allowing operators to equip it with various attachments easily via a quick coupler system.

In terms of safety and comfort, Mecalac emphasizes a spacious, ergonomic layout with excellent visibility and minimal blind spots. The machine offers superior visibility due to the boom’s left-of-cab position, even when dumping from its maximum height of 16 feet, 5 inches. Optional features such as a heated pneumatic seat, heat, and air conditioning enhance comfort in cold climates.

“At a time when costs are high and labor is hard to come by, the 12MTX eliminates the need for a big crew, and the need to buy, maintain, and haul numerous pieces of equipment,” Bigwood concludes.