Types of Excavators

An excavator is an essential large, diesel-powered construction equipment that is designed to dig out the earth with its bucket. Otherwise known as diggers, excavators are a staple construction machinery. These machines can be utilized for material handling, demolition, mining projects, landscaping, and construction. Generally, this heavy piece of equipment is identified by bucket, arm, and moveable tracks. In the majority of cases, excavators have tracks but some models also have wheels.

These earth-moving vehicles can be classified based on several factors. One of the most popular methods is to categorize them according to size. From full-sized machines to mini excavators, the market is loaded with options. Smaller machines tend to manage drilling and digging tasks while large excavators perform earth-moving projects.

Let’s dig in to learn more details about each category to make an informed decision.

Irrespective of whether you are planning to rent or purchase an excavator, it is imperative to be aware of the diverse types of excavators accessible in the market. Knowing each machine’s shortcomings, capabilities, and usage will enable you to make an investment that is worthwhile. This heavy machinery has six common types including crawler, wheeled hydraulic, long reach, mini and full-sized excavators. Each of these types functions better in particular job sites. For example, a crawler excavator is best for landscape grading, mining, and trench digging. The most common excavator types are mentioned below with their pros, cons, capabilities, main features, etc.

1. Crawler Excavators

crawler excavator

Application Scenarios
Dredging, Grading, Landscaping, Demolition, Trench digging, Lifting, Mining

Pros
Good for uneven terrain, Provide greater balance and stability

Cons
It's slower than a wheeled excavator

Seen as the ultimate digging tool, crawler excavators are also called excavators. It is easy to identify a crawler as it runs on two rotating tracks instead of wheels. This is the perfect machinery for heavy-duty construction jobs. The cab of this excavator can rotate 360 degrees. Its tank-like chassis makes it less risky in hilly areas.

Tracked excavators such as crawlers offer low ground pressure which makes them perfect for soft or hilly terrain. Crawler excavators utilize hydraulic power mechanisms to lift heavy soil and debris. Although slower than other excavators, this type of machine offers greater flexibility, balance, and stability overall especially in uneven terrain.

2. Wheeled Excavators

wheeled excavator

Application Scenarios
Perfect for use on asphalt and concrete, Commonly used for urban projects or roadwork, Scrapyard work, Utility installation

Pros
It's fast and easy to move on concrete

Cons
Does not function well in muddy and hilly terrain

The wheeled excavators are similar to crawler excavators but come with wheels instead. Compared to a standard excavator, wheeled variations have less traction. When operated on a smooth surface, a wheeled excavator is faster and easy to maneuver. It is a variation of a standard excavator and will accomplish the same tasks.

Wheeled excavators have the same powerful capabilities as a crawler but are faster for urban construction. These machines are not suited for soft, sloped, or hilly sites. This type of equipment has a greater speed for transporting materials to dump trucks.

Related: Top 10 Excavator Manufacturers In The World

3. Hydraulic Excavators

hydraulic excavator

Application Scenarios
Brush cutting with hydraulic saw and mower, Dig trenches, holes, and foundations, Handling things, Work in forests

Pros
The hydraulic excavator is comparatively smaller in size, compact in structure, light in weight, steady and reliable, Speed regulation possible, Easy to maintain and repair

Cons
Manufacturing the components necessitate precision, Fuel consumption is high which means increased expenses

A hydraulic excavator contains an upper carriage with a hydraulically rotating upper deck that revolves 360°. At the front of this excavator, you can place several attachments including shear, scrap, grapple, and bucket, etc. These machines range in function and size. This type of excavator weighs between 3,000 and 2 million pounds and its speed ranges between 19 HP and 4,500 HP.

Hydraulic excavators work well even if the location of the machine isn’t changed. This machinery is highly flexible to work with, which makes it highly efficient.

4. Long Reach Excavators

long reach excavator

Application Scenarios
Best for work sites that are hard to reach or not safe to go closer, Demolition projects near lakes and river

Pros
You can stay at a safe distance in dangerous areas while completing the project

Cons
Cannot be used in tight spaces, Cannot overload the long arm

Long reach excavator is a form of a full-sized excavator and has a lengthy boom and arms. The extendable arm can reach a range of 40 to 100 feet. It can easily accomplish construction projects that require extending to further spots horizontally.

Long-reach excavators can easily finish projects that are difficult to reach. However, it is essential to hire a highly trained operator otherwise you will incur major losses. Given the longer arm, you can reliably handle a variety of construction tasks.

5. Mini Excavators

mini excavator

Application Scenarios
Demolishing Small Structures, Plowing Snow, Repairing sewer lines, Landscaping work, Clearing debris, Installing pools and hot tubs

Pros
Easily fits into tight spaces, Indoor use available, Compact yet powerful, Relatively inexpensive to purchase/rent

Cons
Small bucket so productivity is low, Limited reach, Can carry smaller loads

Mini excavators are wheeled or tracked vehicle that is used for construction purposes. It can weigh up to 20,000 pounds and is compact. It is a lighter version of a standard excavator and is gaining popularity because it minimizes ground damage and fits into narrow sites.

Mini excavators have excellent capabilities such as reduced tail-swing or zero tail-swing to move in narrow spaces and take tighter turns. Moreover, it is capable of avoiding obstacles.

Related: Mini Excavator Prices

6. Full-sized Excavators

full-sized excavator

Application Scenarios
Quarry, Earthmoving, Commercial construction, Infrastructure applications

Pros
Easy to maneuver, Offer more power, reach and dig depth

Cons
Cause damage to finished sites or soft soil

Full-sized excavators weigh between 7 and 45 metric tons. It is widely used in commercial construction projects, earthworks and construction sites. The distinctive small size and low tail swing enable many of the same tasks as mini excavators, but with power, range, and digging depth far ahead of mini excavators.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, full-sized excavators are able to provide enough power and hauling capacity to handle all kinds of tough jobs. Its hydraulic system is capable of handling multiple tool attachments.

To Learn About More Types of Excavators

How to Determine Which Type of Excavator You Need

Purchasing an excavator can be a nerve-wracking experience because of the heavy investment. The variety of excavators available in the market can make it a challenge to opt for the right machinery. Knowing what factors to consider when purchasing this heavy equipment will allow you to ultimately enhance productivity. The type of excavator that will work best for you is largely dependent on the following aspects.

-- Price
Budgeting is an essential part of purchasing a new excavator. Deciding on the amount you want to spend will accelerate the purchasing process. You will be able to narrow down your options according to the size, brand, and even the types of the excavator. The majority of new full-sized excavators are priced in the range of $100,000 to $500,000 or higher. These prices rely on different aspects including performance, size, features, and brand. Mini excavators typically cost around $20,000 to $90,000, although most models fall in the $30,000 to $40,000 range.

-- Operating Costs
Choosing a new or old excavator can have a major difference in pricing. Even though used excavators seem cheaper, they can have a higher operating cost. These are expenses that are incurred when you use the machine. It incorporates electricity, fuel, maintenance, and repair costs. In certain cases, you will also need to include the cost of the operator’s labor as part of the variable costs. Estimating the value of operating cost will help you decide whether a mini-excavator can accomplish the task or will you require a full-sized excavator.

-- Attachments
If you are purchasing a new excavator, you will not dispose of it after one job. For this reason, you should purchase an excavator that can perform multiple jobs. Moreover, you can get a machine that is compatible with diverse attachments. Buying attachments will be less expensive rather than replacing machinery with every project. In addition, it is an excellent way to get higher mileage. Buckets are great for removing, cleaning, and digging purposes whereas rippers will work great for breaking up hard soil, or ice. For demolition projects, opt for hammer attachments.

-- Practical Use
There are different types of excavators in the market ranging from wheeled excavators to crawlers. Each of these variations will serve a different purpose. When purchasing a new excavator, you should depend on your decision on the practical usage and your project specifications. For example, if you have won a city project then choosing wheeled excavators can be magic. If you plan to work in narrow sites, then mini excavators should be your go-to choice.

Which Parameters Need to be Prioritized When Buying an Excavator?

Excavators are some of the most crucial and sought-after machines in the construction arena, which is why it is imperative to prioritize certain parameters when purchasing this machine. The top key considerations when buying an excavator incorporate:

-- Excavation Needs
Understanding this key aspect will allow you to pick the right company, machine, and model for the job. For this, you will need to know the specifications of the job and the exact requirements. Do you need the excavator for heavy use? Moreover, you will also need to recognize the attachments required. Neglecting these aspects will lead to poor performance and damage to the machinery.

-- Operator Comfort
When purchasing a new excavator, you must consider operator comfort. For the majority of projects, an operator will be inside the cab for hours. As a result, their comfort should be a priority. You will notice the efficiency of an operator plummet if the controls and chair are uncomfortable. Features to look for in an excavator include:

  • Ergonomic chair
  • Easily accessible controls
  • Adjustable seats
  • Excess room
  • Proper heating and cooling systems

-- Size
When opting for an excavator, the bigger size is not always the better option. The key is to figure out what size will work best for you. Mini Excavators might not work for bigger projects that require digging power. Carefully consider the size of the machine to avoid wasting your investment.

Related: How Much Does An Excavator Cost?

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