Yanmar ViO12-2A
Series: ViO Series
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Yanmar ViO Series — the line that invented the zero-tail-swing excavator
The ViO Series covers 13 models in the database from 9.2 to 50.0 kW, ranging from a compact mini-excavator to a mid-size jobsite unit. What sets the line apart from other compact excavators isn't primarily a size class but a design principle: zero tail swing, where the rear of the machine never extends beyond track width during a full rotation.
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Yanmar brought this principle to market in 1993 with the ViO line, making it the first manufacturer with a true production zero-tail-swing excavator. Because the usual rear counterweight overhang was gone, engineers had to relocate the counterweight elsewhere in the chassis to avoid losing lift capacity — a concept still carried forward today, now in its seventh model generation.
Zero tail swing made the ViO line the standard tool for work along building walls, in trenches next to traffic, or in tight courtyards, where a conventional excavator would clip something while swinging.
For a used ViO excavator, pay particular attention to the slew bearing and the condition of the counterweight balancing system; beyond that, track wear and cylinder seals matter as on any mini-excavator.
In short: reading "ViO" means buying the zero-tail-swing principle Yanmar invented over 30 years ago, not primarily a size class.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Yanmar ViO Series, — Yanmar Celebrates 30 Years of Zero Tail Swing ViO Excavators (yanmar.com), — 30 Years of Zero Tail Swing ViO Excavators (utilitycontractormagazine.com)
Technical data
Engine
| Engine model | 3TNV70-WBVBcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 12.3 hp (9.2 kW)correct |
Other data
| Bucket capacity | 28 m³correct |
|---|---|
| Digging depth | 1,790 mmcorrect |
| Hydraulic flow | 11.0x2correct |
| Maximum reach | 3,120 mmcorrect |
| Operating weight | 1,265 kgcorrect |
| Tail swing | zerocorrect |
| Track width | 830-1000correct |
| Travel speed | 4.0/2.1correct |
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Yanmar ViO12-2A have?
The Yanmar ViO12-2A delivers 12.3 hp.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 11 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Other models in this series
Sources: [1]
Excavator in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.