Mobile excavator with Big Foot tyres and operator focus

Soft ground, changing job sites and increasing demands on productivity and comfort characterise the daily routine of many construction machine operators.

At the bauma in Munich, Atlas is showcasing a mobile excavator that has been tailored precisely to these challenges. The focus is on unusually large tyres, an additional working arm and a cab whose design is largely based on feedback from machine operators. The machine is called Big Foot – a name that already hints at its most striking feature. Instead of standard tyres, the concept relies on particularly large wheels, which are designed to reduce ground pressure and open up new application possibilities.

Big Foot relies on large-volume tyres for soft ground

The key difference lies in the tyres. With 26.5-inch tyres, the machine is well outside the norm for mobile excavators. The concept was developed in collaboration with users who regularly work on soft or sensitive ground. Conventional machines often encounter problems in such conditions. Vehicles sink into the ground, lose traction or cause damage to the surface. In many cases, the only option is to use tracked machines. Whilst these offer advantages in terms of ground contact, they often leave significant tracks and can damage paved surfaces. The large tyres are designed to fill precisely this gap. They increase the contact area and distribute the weight more effectively across the ground. This allows the machine to remain mobile without having to accept the typical disadvantages of a tracked undercarriage.

Atlas develops fourth working arm for greater flexibility

In addition to the tyres, another special feature stands out. The machine features an additional fourth arm, which opens up new application possibilities. This can be swivelled to the side at the touch of a button, allowing different tools to be deployed more quickly. In addition, a new trailer coupling has been developed. This allows attachments to be picked up, transported and changed directly at the job site. The operator can place one tool on the trailer, pick up another and continue working immediately. According to the manufacturer, several machines of this type have already been delivered. Feedback from the field has been extremely positive. Users particularly appreciate the combination of mobility and versatility. Key features of the machine presented:

• Big Foot tyres with 26.5-inch tyres
• Reduced ground pressure on soft surfaces
• Additional fourth working arm
• New trailer coupling for quick tool changes
• Data logging of work cycles and loads
• Driver-oriented cab design with improved all-round visibility

New cab developed in collaboration with machine operators

The newly developed cab received particular attention. Atlas has taken an unusual approach here. The design is not based solely on technical specifications, but directly on the wishes of the operators. The manufacturer sums up this approach with a simple principle: today’s operator designs tomorrow’s machine. Feedback from daily use was systematically collected and incorporated into the development process. One example concerns the cleaning of the workstation. In older machines, many areas were difficult to access. Dirt accumulated in corners and crevices. In the new cab, numerous components have been spaced further apart and surfaces have been deliberately simplified in design. This makes the interior significantly easier to clean. Ergonomics and visibility have also been revised. The steering column is height-adjustable, the pedal layout is more spacious, and key controls are positioned for easier access.

Data logging documents every movement of the machine

Another key focus is on digitalisation. The machine records detailed operational data. This includes movements, weights and work cycles. This provides a comprehensive picture of actual usage in day-to-day construction site operations. Companies can track the volumes moved and the performance delivered by a machine or an operator. Such systems are becoming increasingly important in the construction industry. They enable more precise scheduling, create transparency in workflows and provide reliable data for costing and fleet management.

Improved visibility and greater comfort in day-to-day work

In addition to data technology, safety aspects were also a key focus. The cross-member has been positioned significantly higher to improve forward visibility. At the same time, the windscreen has been moved further back. This increases the driver’s field of vision, particularly when working with the boom raised. Added to this are features that are increasingly taken for granted today. A Bluetooth-enabled radio, hands-free system and modern control concepts are designed to meet the expectations that many operators are already familiar with from cars and commercial vehicles. The change is clearly visible. Construction machinery is no longer assessed solely on the basis of power and lifting capacity. Comfort, ergonomics and digital support are becoming increasingly important. The machine on display at bauma illustrates this development. Large tyres for difficult terrain, flexible tool usage, digital performance data and a consistently driver-oriented cab demonstrate how modern mobile excavators are evolving. The driver is no longer merely at the controls, but is increasingly becoming a co-creator of new machine concepts.