In recent years, the development of construction machinery is relatively fast. As one of the most important types of construction machinery, the correct selection of excavators is more important.Having the right excavator is key to achieving results. No one excavator is going to be right for every job, but with all the various the options of brands, models and types, which is the best option for your business?

This guide will help you learn how to choose an excavator that meets the needs specific to your job. Match your excavator to your job requirements, the work that needs to be done, the job site itself and be sure to get all of the feature support that you may need for future jobs. 

The first step before choosing an excavator should be to carefully review and consider the range of tasks it is to be used for. Before every new job consider the following:

What kind of material(s) do I need to move? What amount of breakout force will I need to move this material?

What are the ground conditions of the job site?

What type of access do I have to the site?

How much space do I have to operate in once at the site?

How much material do I have to move?

What depth will I need to dig to?

What type of buckets or attachments will I need to efficiently complete the job?

Excavator specifications

With your task and job-site requirements in hand, look to find an experienced, knowledgeable and reputable equipment dealer who will work with you to choose the right piece of equipment. Work with your dealer to consider:

Excavator Size

Excavators are available in a range of class sizes from 1 to 90+ metric tons. Choosing too a large excavator may result in underutilization and wasted money, while choosing too small may mean it takes longer to complete your job, or limit the type of jobs you can undertake.

When choosing the size of your excavator also consider how you will be transporting the excavator to and from site, and where it will be stored when not in use.

Excavator Weight

Review your job site to understand the ground conditions your excavator will be working in. The greater the machine weighs the more likelihood of damage to the ground it is operating on. This will be a greater concern if you are undertaking work in landscaped areas, or if travelling over thin roadbase.

Note: You should be careful not to confuse the machine weight with the maximum operating weight which will guide you in how much weight can be lifted with the boom at full extension.

Digging Depth and Strength

What depth will your excavations need to be and what type of breakout force will you need to safely move the material? If possible review a range of your previous jobs to get an idea about the average depth your projects require and then talk to your equipment dealer about the recommended specifications of each machine and any additional attachments that may be required to complete the job.

Dump Height

Where will you be dumping the excavated material? If you will be dumping into a truck for removal what boom height will the excavator need to have to clear the sizes of the truck?

Bucket Size/Capacity

How large if the job at hand?

Ergonomics

If you have a large job in front of you, choosing a piece of equipment that will keep your operator comfortable will pay you good dividends in the long run, improving safety alertness, attitude/moral, and attention to detail.

Maintenance

Due to the type of work they undertake excavators require regular servicing and attention to avoid costly issues. Operators should undertake detailed walk-around inspections before and after each use. Talk to your equipment dealer about gaining access to service kits and emergency parts if needed.

Don’t do it alone, utilise the experience, knowledge and skill of a trusted equipment dealer to ensure you choose the best option.

Contact our professional team today to discuss our available excavator range. If you require something not listed, we can assist by locating and checking equipment on your behalf.

 

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