Radiator Replacement Challenges on the Pel-Job EB22 Mini Excavator

[MikePhua]

The Pel-Job EB22 and Its Place in Compact Excavation
The Pel-Job EB22 was part of a wave of compact excavators produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s by Pel-Job, a French manufacturer known for building nimble, durable machines for urban and utility work. Before being acquired by Volvo Construction Equipment in the late 1990s, Pel-Job had established a strong reputation across Europe for its compact models, particularly in the 1.5 to 3-ton class.
The EB22, introduced around 1990, featured a conventional tail swing, a canopy or cab option, and a simple mechanical layout that made it popular among independent contractors and rental fleets. Though production numbers were modest compared to Japanese giants like Kubota or Yanmar, the EB22 found a niche in tight-access trenching, landscaping, and small-scale demolition.
Radiator Failure and the Search for a Replacement
As with many machines of its era, the EB22’s radiator is a vulnerable component. Positioned at the rear of the engine bay, it’s exposed to vibration, dust, and occasional impact. Over time, the aluminum core can warp, corrode, or crack—especially if coolant maintenance is neglected or the machine is operated in extreme conditions.
In one case, the radiator was described as “slightly bent and likely unrepairable,” prompting the need for a full replacement. The challenge lies in identifying a compatible radiator, as Pel-Job used a mix of proprietary and third-party components, and the EB22’s cooling system may vary slightly depending on production year and engine variant.
Strategies for Finding a Compatible Radiator
To locate a suitable radiator for the EB22, owners should begin with a detailed inspection and documentation:
• Measure the core dimensions (height, width, thickness)
• Note the inlet and outlet pipe diameters and positions
• Record mounting bracket locations and bolt spacing
• Identify the engine model (often a Perkins or Mitsubishi diesel)
• Check for integrated fan shrouds or sensor ports
With this data, several sourcing options become viable:
• Contact European salvage yards specializing in compact equipment
• Search aftermarket radiator suppliers with cross-reference databases
• Consult with radiator rebuild shops that can fabricate a unit to spec
• Explore compatibility with similar-era Volvo mini excavators
Custom Fabrication and Rebuild Options
If no direct replacement is available, custom fabrication may be the best route. Radiator shops can build a unit using aluminum or copper cores, tailored to the EB22’s dimensions. While more expensive than off-the-shelf parts, this approach ensures proper fit and performance.
Typical fabrication costs range from CAD $400 to $800 depending on materials and complexity. Rebuild shops may also salvage the original tanks and replace only the core, reducing cost and preserving mounting geometry.
Operators should ensure that the new radiator matches the original’s cooling capacity. Undersized cores can lead to overheating, especially during summer trenching or prolonged idling.
Preventative Measures and Cooling System Maintenance
To extend radiator life and avoid future failures:
• Flush coolant annually and use corrosion-inhibiting formulations
• Inspect hoses and clamps quarterly for leaks or wear
• Clean the radiator fins regularly with compressed air or low-pressure water
• Install a mesh guard to protect against debris impact
• Monitor engine temperature and investigate any fluctuations promptly
One contractor shared that his EB22 ran hot during long trenching sessions until he discovered a partially blocked radiator core. After cleaning and replacing the coolant, the machine returned to normal operating temperature.
Conclusion
Replacing the radiator on a Pel-Job EB22 mini excavator is a solvable challenge, but it requires patience, measurement, and resourcefulness. With OEM support dwindling and parts catalogs fading into obscurity, owners must rely on cross-referencing, fabrication, and community knowledge to keep these legacy machines running.
The EB22 may be over three decades old, but with a new radiator and proper care, it still has plenty of digging left to do. In the world of compact excavation, durability isn’t just built—it’s maintained.