Improving traffic circulation in Prato: Yanmar CE supports urban mobility in Tuscany, Italy

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  (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 center 

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 center. 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, minimizing 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, which make it particularly well suited to working in confined urban areas where space is limited and precision is essential. “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 and ViO57, through to the more powerful SV100-2PB midi excavator. The lineup gives Prato Scavi the flexibility to take on a wide range of urban construction and redevelopment projects, from compact city-center works to more demanding infrastructure assignments. 

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 emphasizes. “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. 

Through each project, the team is contributing to an ongoing process of transformation across Prato – renewing the infrastructure people rely on today, while helping to create a more accessible, better connected urban environment for the future. From improved pedestrian routes to safer roads and public spaces, these interventions support the city’s continued development and its ability to respond to the needs of a growing, evolving community.  

Taken together, they reflect a wider commitment to shaping infrastructure that respects Prato’s historic character while helping the city move confidently into its next chapter.  

“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.”