An excavator is a machine that can dig holes and trenches and do other work on construction sites. It has an engine that drives the wheels or tracks on its undercarriage. The operator sits in front of it with controls for steering and operating the machinery. There are many different models available depending upon your needs. They are mainly used by contractors who do excavation projects such as building foundations, roadways, etc. If you need to do some excavation, there are many factors you need to consider when choosing which size excavator will best suit your project. Let’s Explore!
What Type of Job?
Paving Projects
If you’re doing paving jobs, you should choose an excavator with large tires so that you don’t have to move around too much during the process. You also want something that has enough power to handle all the weight involved. Also, you can use this equipment if you’re working on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
Excavation Jobs
This kind of job requires more maneuverability than pavement does. So you may want to look at smaller machines because they tend to be easier to control. However, these small ones aren’t mighty either.
So what size should you choose? Well, there isn’t a single correct answer here. But we recommend going with whatever makes sense for your situation. We know that sometimes people get confused about how big their equipment should be. That’s why we created our handy guide below!
How big is the area being worked?
If you’re starting, you might not even realize just how big the area you’ll be digging up is until after you start. And once you find yourself stuck in the mud, you won’t want to stop moving forward. To avoid getting bogged down, make sure you consider the width and length of the area before deciding on the appropriate size of the excavator.
For example, let’s say you’ve got a driveway that measures 10 feet wide and 100 yards long. Then you could probably fit two standard-sized vehicles side by side. Or maybe you’d only need half of that space since you’re planning on using the rest for parking purposes. Either way, you’ll still end up needing some heavy-duty vehicle to complete the task. How deep is the hole/excavated material required?
The depth of the hole depends on several things, including the amount of dirt you’re removing from the site. A deeper hole means less time spent filling back in afterward. On top of that, the bigger the hole, the longer it takes to fill it back in. So keep those variables in mind while making your decision.
Is the soil loose or compacted?
Loose soils require a lot less effort to remove compared to dense materials. Compacted soils are harder to break apart and frequently need special tools to loosen them up. When selecting an excavator, try to pick one that works well with both kinds of terrain. In terms of cost, larger machines usually come with better features, but they can also be quite expensive. Smaller units often offer fewer options, but they’re cheaper overall.
Will you be lifting anything off the ground?
Lifting objects off the surface of the earth is another essential factor to consider. Some machines are better suited for specific tasks than others. For instance, wheel loaders are great for handling loads, but they struggle with steep inclines. Other machines excel at climbing over obstacles but lack the strength to lift heavy loads. Make sure you select a model that suits your specific requirements.
What type of work will you be doing?
You don’t necessarily have to stick with one machine when working on multiple projects. You can use different types of machinery depending on which part of the project needs attention most. If you plan on building something new, you’ll likely need a large piece of equipment like a bulldozer. Otherwise, if you’re trying to dig holes, you can opt for a shovel instead. For example, you may choose between a skid steer loader and a front-end loader if you are doing paving projects. The former has more power and versatility, whereas the latter offers more excellent maneuverability. It all comes down to what kind of job you’re tackling.
Summary
When choosing an excavator for an excavation project, there are many factors to consider. However, these three questions should help narrow down your search: How much do you expect to spend? Are you looking for a small unit or a large one? Does the location matter? Once you know exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to determine whether a smaller or larger machine would suit your needs best.
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