AssetTrader Buying Guide to Excavators

Introduction

One of the most popular forms of construction equipment today, the excavator can be used in a variety of settings. For example, the versatility of the vehicle means that they are useful in landscaping and demolition tasks to name but a few.

The excavator has a standard format. This consists of an enclosed cab, in which the operator is seated. This can generally move 360 degrees, allowing for the utmost visibility. An additional part of the excavator is the boom, which is the arm which moves the attachment, and it is this attachment which completes the actual work. The standard attachment for excavators would be the bucket. This is a scooped attachment enabling the excavator to dig in dirt or gravel. Mini excavators refer to the more compact excavators, which are popular for a range of tasks, including utility work, to demolition work and landscaping.

Functionality and Use

With specific reference to mini excavators, it is important to keep ideas of sizing in mind. For example, it is worth measuring the areas in which the machine will be required to operate so as to ensure it will fit the physical size of the machine. Additionally, a point to consider is how deep the task in hand requires you to dig. Mini excavators in particular have a dig depth of 4 feet over 12 feet. An extra consideration is dump height, which measures how high the bucket can lift, so as it is able to drop material into a dump truck.

A clear point to consider before purchasing a mini excavator is its overall weight, as this can be an important factor in tasks such as landscaping, in which the operator may wish to minimise damage to the ground.

Many new mini excavators offer ‘pilot hydraulic’ controls. These are easy to maneuver and arguably provide greater ease of use than the older leaver style controls.