Wacker Neuson SM100 mini loader 2023 Review

I’m always one to think that work and fun never really go together. When it comes to construction work, it’s often dusty and noisy, operators are cramped up in their seat and a while later it gets all too much.

Wacker Neuson’s SM100 stand-on mini loader changed my mind. It is fast, fun, and it gets the job done. Landscaping work and material handling tasks need not be a mundane chore anymore.

The SM100 mini loader was officially launched onto the global market in late 2021 and is the German brand’s first entry into the stand-on track loader market.

Think of it as a compact-track loader but without the cab. Essentially, it gives you the ability to do what you can in a skid-steer or CTL, except you are standing on a platform instead of sitting inside the machine.

We were recently invited by local Wacker Neuson dealership, ACES Equipment, to have a look at the SM100.

Wacker Neuson’s SM100 is powered by a 25hp Yanmar diesel engine with a hydrostatic transmission.

Designed with urban construction in mind, the machine has a width of just 900mm, making it compact enough to squeeze through gates and doors and to work in tight spaces.

The tracks are 230mm in width each, giving enough surface area for excellent traction in any conditions without digging ruts in the ground.

Weighing just 1.5 tonnes, the machine is lightweight and easy to transport.

With a rated operating capacity of 452kg at 35 per cent tipping load, it is sturdy enough for a range of loading and materials handling jobs. Its radial-lift configuration and hinge pin height of 2.1m lets users load into skip bins or even into trucks easily.

While used mainly with a bucket to move soil or materials around, the SM100 has a hydraulic flow of 49l/min, which means operators can use the machine with a range of attachments such as flail mowers and grapples to do some landscaping work, for example.

Related: MultiOne 8.4S mini loader review

A major advantage afforded by the SM100 over conventional compact-track loaders is simplicity and convenience – you don’t have to be opening doors, clambering into seats, and remembering operator pin numbers before you can get going.

All you have to do is step up to the platform, switch on the machine and off you go.

A concern I had when stepping onto the machine was that I might get thrown around if I’m not careful. After all, I’m not sitting snug in a seat with a safety bar keeping me in place.

And it must be said that the SM100 is a speedy unit. It can go up to 8.4km/h, which is great for travelling around the site and getting jobs done quick smart, but also fast enough to throw someone off the machine.

Therefore, driving the machine does require a bit of getting used to. You first need to get yourself acquainted with the speed of the machine and then adjust your body positioning when operating to make sure you’re able to drive around safely and confidently.

All you really have to do is lean forward into the machine, with your hands firmly on the hand railing surrounding the joysticks, and you’ll be fine.

Plush padding where the operator leans into the machine is certainly helpful in providing comfort.

The operator platform is also spring suspended to absorb any shocks and provides a stable base for operators to stand on.

On the platform is a safety pedal that cuts off all machine functions once the operator takes their foot off it. This prevents any accidental movement of lift arms and machine drive when the operator is not on it.

The controls are the typical skid-steer ISO controls, meaning the left joystick controls machine movement while right joystick controls loader and attachment functions. The joysticks have been ergonomically designed and angle slightly forward for a natural grip, hence reducing fatigue for operators. They are also soft-touch controls, which means you don’t need to push the lever far to get the machine moving or loader going.

Never operated a skid-steer or mini loader like this before? Don’t fret – easy-to-understand diagrams on the machine itself give you plenty of visual instructions on how to operate it.

I was able to get the unit up and running with ease as I have driven my fair share of compact loaders, but I wouldn’t imagine it’d take long for an inexperienced operator to get used to it.

It did not turn out to be as scary as I thought; all you have to do is get accustomed to the machine and its controls, slowly adjust the speed as you go and all the pieces will fall into place. In fact, I was zipping around the place in no time at all. Just don’t be a hero and go full throttle on the first go because you will get in trouble.

The machine was stable to drive and use in applications like loading, and as long as you stick to the ROC you will have no issues with stability.

Maneuverability was also top notch, which is important for when you need to be moving back and forth and around constantly.

The Wacker Neuson SM100 is the ideal machine to have on the property for light construction work and landscaping jobs, thanks to its compact size and maneuverability. This will fit right into a landscaper’s arsenal or be a great addition to a machinery hire company’s fleet.

Although it is great fun to drive and easy to operate, it isn’t quite ideal in instances where you’ll need to be working on it for hours on end. You are also not protected from the elements such as the strong Australian sun or rain, so keep that in mind.

Noise is also another factor to consider – it is a diesel-powered machine after all and there is no operator cab to isolate noise, which could get a bit much after a while. Therefore, when you’re working on it, make sure you have appropriate ear protection.

The Wacker Neuson SM100 retails for $64,425 plus GST and comes with a 4-in-1 bucket and a five-year warranty.

Stock is available in the country right now so speak to ACES Equipment or your local Wacker Neuson dealer for a test drive or for more information.

Look up new and used Wacker Neuson skid steers, compact track loaders and mini loaders here on constructionsales.