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The Mitsubishi MM45 Excavator is a machine designed for various construction, demolition, and excavation tasks. While Mitsubishi may not be as widely recognized in the heavy machinery market as some of the more prominent brands, the MM45 stands as a reliable option for contractors needing a robust, compact excavator for small to medium-scale projects. In this article, we will dive into the specifications, common issues, and general considerations for owners or potential buyers of the Mitsubishi MM45.
Understanding the Mitsubishi MM45 Excavator
The Mitsubishi MM45 is a compact, mid-sized crawler excavator. It was designed with both performance and efficiency in mind, making it a popular choice for urban construction sites, landscaping, and other projects that require a versatile yet maneuverable machine. This model is equipped with features that allow it to operate in tighter spaces while maintaining the power needed for demanding tasks.
Key Features and Specifications
The MM45 offers a solid balance between performance and compact design, and it typically features the following specifications:
The Mitsubishi MM45 is well-regarded for its performance and value for money. Some of the key advantages of this excavator include:
1. Compact Size
The MM45’s compact design allows it to operate in tight spaces, which is a significant advantage for urban construction sites or smaller projects where space is limited. Unlike larger machines, the MM45 can fit through narrow gaps, access hard-to-reach areas, and maneuver easily around obstacles.
2. Fuel Efficiency
The engine in the Mitsubishi MM45 is relatively fuel-efficient for its size, which helps keep operational costs low. While all excavators are fuel-intensive, the MM45’s smaller engine and optimized hydraulics provide an advantage for budget-conscious contractors working in environments where fuel costs matter.
3. Versatility
This machine can be used for a variety of tasks, including digging, lifting, trenching, grading, and even light demolition. The ability to switch attachments quickly adds to the overall versatility, allowing contractors to use the MM45 for various types of work across multiple industries.
4. Stability and Durability
Despite its compact size, the MM45 features a well-designed undercarriage that gives it good stability, especially when working on uneven terrain. The machine's solid construction ensures durability and reliable operation, even in challenging conditions.
Common Issues with the Mitsubishi MM45
Like all machines, the Mitsubishi MM45 can face issues during its service life. While it is generally a reliable excavator, there are several common problems that owners should be aware of:
1. Hydraulic System Failures
One of the more common issues reported with the MM45 involves hydraulic system failures. These failures can range from a loss of power to leaks in the hydraulic lines, which can cause a decrease in digging force and overall performance. Regular maintenance of the hydraulic system is critical to avoid this issue.
Tips to avoid hydraulic issues:
Some owners have reported issues with the engine not starting or running roughly. This could be due to a variety of causes, including dirty fuel filters, a clogged air filter, or issues with the fuel injectors.
Common engine troubleshooting tips:
As with any tracked machine, the MM45’s tracks are prone to wear and tear, especially if the machine is frequently used in harsh conditions or on rough terrain. Over time, track tension can also become an issue, affecting machine stability and performance.
Preventive maintenance for track issues:
Electrical malfunctions, such as issues with the battery, starter motor, or alternator, have been noted in some MM45 units. Electrical issues can prevent the excavator from starting or cause intermittent performance problems.
Electrical system checks:
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the Mitsubishi MM45 runs smoothly and has a long lifespan. Key maintenance tasks include:
While the MM45 is a solid performer, it’s essential to compare it against other similar-sized excavators in the market to understand its place in the market. The Kubota KX161-3, for example, is a competitor in the 4-5 ton class and often offers similar specifications, including a comparable bucket capacity and digging depth.
Mitsubishi MM45 vs. Kubota KX161-3:
The Mitsubishi MM45 is an excellent choice for contractors needing a compact, reliable excavator for smaller to medium-sized projects. Its combination of fuel efficiency, versatility, and compact size makes it particularly useful for work in urban environments, landscaping, and small-scale construction tasks. However, like all machinery, it requires proper maintenance and care to avoid common issues such as hydraulic failures, engine problems, and track wear. By following regular maintenance schedules and addressing problems early, owners can ensure their MM45 provides many years of service.
Understanding the Mitsubishi MM45 Excavator
The Mitsubishi MM45 is a compact, mid-sized crawler excavator. It was designed with both performance and efficiency in mind, making it a popular choice for urban construction sites, landscaping, and other projects that require a versatile yet maneuverable machine. This model is equipped with features that allow it to operate in tighter spaces while maintaining the power needed for demanding tasks.
Key Features and Specifications
The MM45 offers a solid balance between performance and compact design, and it typically features the following specifications:
- Engine Power: The Mitsubishi MM45 comes with a diesel engine offering between 40 to 45 horsepower, which provides adequate power for a range of digging and lifting tasks.
- Operating Weight: Around 4,500 kg (approximately 9,920 lbs), making it relatively lightweight compared to larger excavators but heavy enough to handle more substantial digging tasks.
- Digging Depth: The MM45 can achieve a digging depth of about 4 meters (13.1 feet), which is suitable for many general excavation tasks, including trenching and foundation digging.
- Boom and Arm Reach: The boom and arm reach of the MM45 offer a maximum horizontal reach of up to 6 meters (19.7 feet), allowing it to work efficiently in large areas and narrow spaces.
- Bucket Capacity: Typically equipped with a 0.2–0.3 cubic meter bucket, which can efficiently handle a range of digging and material-moving tasks.
- Crawler Undercarriage: As with most crawler excavators, the MM45 is equipped with a tracked undercarriage, providing it with excellent stability on uneven ground. The tracks allow the machine to operate in rough terrains and heavy conditions, including muddy or soft soil.
The Mitsubishi MM45 is well-regarded for its performance and value for money. Some of the key advantages of this excavator include:
1. Compact Size
The MM45’s compact design allows it to operate in tight spaces, which is a significant advantage for urban construction sites or smaller projects where space is limited. Unlike larger machines, the MM45 can fit through narrow gaps, access hard-to-reach areas, and maneuver easily around obstacles.
2. Fuel Efficiency
The engine in the Mitsubishi MM45 is relatively fuel-efficient for its size, which helps keep operational costs low. While all excavators are fuel-intensive, the MM45’s smaller engine and optimized hydraulics provide an advantage for budget-conscious contractors working in environments where fuel costs matter.
3. Versatility
This machine can be used for a variety of tasks, including digging, lifting, trenching, grading, and even light demolition. The ability to switch attachments quickly adds to the overall versatility, allowing contractors to use the MM45 for various types of work across multiple industries.
4. Stability and Durability
Despite its compact size, the MM45 features a well-designed undercarriage that gives it good stability, especially when working on uneven terrain. The machine's solid construction ensures durability and reliable operation, even in challenging conditions.
Common Issues with the Mitsubishi MM45
Like all machines, the Mitsubishi MM45 can face issues during its service life. While it is generally a reliable excavator, there are several common problems that owners should be aware of:
1. Hydraulic System Failures
One of the more common issues reported with the MM45 involves hydraulic system failures. These failures can range from a loss of power to leaks in the hydraulic lines, which can cause a decrease in digging force and overall performance. Regular maintenance of the hydraulic system is critical to avoid this issue.
Tips to avoid hydraulic issues:
- Regularly check hydraulic fluid levels and replace them as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Inspect hoses and seals for leaks or signs of wear.
- Use high-quality hydraulic fluids and ensure that the hydraulic filter is replaced at regular intervals.
Some owners have reported issues with the engine not starting or running roughly. This could be due to a variety of causes, including dirty fuel filters, a clogged air filter, or issues with the fuel injectors.
Common engine troubleshooting tips:
- Replace fuel filters and air filters regularly.
- Ensure proper fuel quality, as contaminants in the fuel can cause engine problems.
- Check the fuel pump and injectors for damage or wear.
As with any tracked machine, the MM45’s tracks are prone to wear and tear, especially if the machine is frequently used in harsh conditions or on rough terrain. Over time, track tension can also become an issue, affecting machine stability and performance.
Preventive maintenance for track issues:
- Regularly inspect tracks for wear and tear.
- Keep track tension adjusted properly to avoid uneven wear.
- Lubricate the track rollers and undercarriage as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Electrical malfunctions, such as issues with the battery, starter motor, or alternator, have been noted in some MM45 units. Electrical issues can prevent the excavator from starting or cause intermittent performance problems.
Electrical system checks:
- Check the battery regularly for corrosion or damage.
- Inspect wiring for signs of wear or damage.
- Ensure that all connections are clean and secure.
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the Mitsubishi MM45 runs smoothly and has a long lifespan. Key maintenance tasks include:
- Daily Inspections: Check fluid levels (engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, etc.), tire or track conditions, and the condition of the boom and arm.
- Regular Oil Changes: Follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals to ensure optimal engine performance.
- Hydraulic System Care: Inspect and replace hydraulic fluids and filters regularly, and check hoses for wear and leaks.
- Cleaning and Lubrication: Clean the machine after each use, especially the undercarriage, and lubricate all moving parts as required.
While the MM45 is a solid performer, it’s essential to compare it against other similar-sized excavators in the market to understand its place in the market. The Kubota KX161-3, for example, is a competitor in the 4-5 ton class and often offers similar specifications, including a comparable bucket capacity and digging depth.
Mitsubishi MM45 vs. Kubota KX161-3:
- Both machines offer similar horsepower (around 45 HP), but the Kubota is often praised for its slightly smoother hydraulic controls and better cabin comfort.
- Mitsubishi's MM45 offers a bit more reach and stability due to its robust undercarriage, making it a better choice for uneven ground and rougher terrains.
- The Kubota offers excellent fuel efficiency and a more modern cabin layout, while Mitsubishi’s design remains functional but more compact.
The Mitsubishi MM45 is an excellent choice for contractors needing a compact, reliable excavator for smaller to medium-sized projects. Its combination of fuel efficiency, versatility, and compact size makes it particularly useful for work in urban environments, landscaping, and small-scale construction tasks. However, like all machinery, it requires proper maintenance and care to avoid common issues such as hydraulic failures, engine problems, and track wear. By following regular maintenance schedules and addressing problems early, owners can ensure their MM45 provides many years of service.
