Compact Equipment - News Release

In the historic city of Prato, brothers Andrea and Massimo Toparelli are using their hands-on experience – and a trusted fleet of nine Yanmar excavators – to deliver urban works that improve how people move through the city every day.

In the heart of the Tuscan city of Prato, Prato Scavi works every day to improve urban mobility and the quality of life for its citizens. With the support of Yanmar CE EMEA (Yanmar) machines and a strong relationship with the local dealer Gruppo CGM, the company tackles the challenges of urban construction sites with precision and a forward-looking approach.

Their work is deeply connected to the local area, with every project contributing in a tangible way to the transformation and maintenance of urban spaces. Roads, pedestrian pathways and local infrastructure – elements often taken for granted – are in fact essential to people’s daily lives and to the smooth running of city activities. “Working here means seeing the real impact of what we do every day, and leaving something useful for the community,” says Andrea Toparelli, joint Director of Prato Scavi along with his brother, Massimo Toparelli.

Improving access in Prato’s historic centre

The company is currently involved in a project commissioned by the Municipality of Prato, focusing on the redevelopment of cycle paths and pedestrian routes within the historic city centre. This initiative forms part of a broader vision aimed at improving sustainable mobility and urban safety. Working in historic and densely populated environments requires a careful balance: on one hand, meeting deadlines and project goals; on the other, minimising disruption for residents and local businesses.

“In urban areas, every detail matters,” explains Massimo. “Spaces are limited, people are always present, and work must be carried out with great care. You need precision, but also machines that allow you to operate smoothly.”

It is precisely these operational demands that led Prato Scavi to choose Yanmar’s compact equipment around ten years ago. “We’ve tried different solutions available on the market over time, but with Yanmar we found a perfect balance: reliable machines that are easy to operate, and with efficient fuel consumption.” What began as an operational choice has gradually developed into a long-term partnership built on trust and proven performance.

Compact machines for complex challenges

For this particular project, Prato Scavi relied on the Yanmar ViO17 mini excavator, selected for its compact footprint and manoeuvrability. With an operating weight of around 1.8 tonnes, coupled with a variable width of 955–1,280 mm and a digging depth of up to 2,310 mm, the machine allows the team to work efficiently in confined areas without compromising performance. “It lets us work with confidence, even in challenging spaces,” explains Andrea. “It’s not bulky, and that makes a huge difference when working in the middle of the city, where movement is more restricted.”

Today, the company’s fleet includes nine Yanmar mini excavators, including true zero tail-swing mini excavators such as the ViO27, ViO38 andViO57, through to the more powerful SV100-2PB midi excavator. Ranging from approximately 2.7 tonnes to over 10 tonnes, this versatile lineup gives enables the company to handle a wide variety of projects, adapting to the specific requirements of each site.

Alongside machine performance, local support plays a key role. Prato Scavi has a longstanding partnership with Gruppo CGM, Yanmar’s official dealer situated in Florence; with direct contact through Sales Manager Piero Cascianini. “The availability and speed of service really make the difference,” Andrea emphasises. “Knowing we can count on immediate support allows us to work with greater peace of mind.”

An impact beyond the construction site

Each public project contributes to improving the quality of urban spaces, making them more accessible, safer and more functional for the community. Prato Scavi plays an active role in shaping the city and enhancing shared spaces for both residents and visitors. As shared by Massimo, “It’s rewarding to know that what we build is used every day by people. Whether it’s a cycle path, a junction, a road resurfacing project or a pedestrian route, these are all interventions that make a real difference in everyday life.”

With a constant focus on the future, Prato Scavi continues to invest in solutions that enable more efficient working practices. The goal is to grow while maintaining the same core values that have defined the company from the beginning: attention to the local area, and quality workmanship. “In this sector, experience matters, but it’s just as important to keep evolving,” Massimo concludes. “We want to face new challenges with the right tools and with partners we know we can rely on.”