Abstract: An excavator for use on slopes having an incline above 30 degrees, the excavator comprising an undercarriage, a propulsion system and a house rotatably mounted to the undercarriage, wherein a rigid member extends upwardly from the undercarriage, through the house and around which the house rotates, the rigid member supports a cradle to which an engine power pack is mounted within the house, the cradle allowing the engine power pack to tilt within the cradle so that it stays generally horizontal as the excavator travels over a slope.