6 popular types of excavators to choose from

Are you wondering what types of excavators are out there? With a range of variations to pick from, you can invest in a machine that matches your specifications precisely.

Excavators play an important role in the construction industry and can increase the productivity of your business. You can find affordable equipment for sale on Truck & Trailer.

How to choose an excavator

There are many factors to consider when you’re choosing the right excavator for your business.

• You’ll need to take the size of your typical projects and your budget into account.
• The tasks you plan to use the excavator for will also play a role in which machine best matches your requirements.
• It’s advisable to invest in a quality machine. While you may save money by purchasing a cheaper machine, poorer quality models will cost you more on repairs and downtime in the long run.
• Buying durable, second-hand machines from a reputable brand is another option.
• Before deciding, consider the features the excavator offers, including its cab, digging power, hydraulics, and mobility.

6 types of excavators

1. Crawler excavators

These types of excavators are also referred to as compact excavators. The advantage of these machines is that they deliver plenty of power. They’re well-suited to mining applications and heavy-duty tasks. Their versatile design means that they can also be used for carrying out landscaping tasks on inclines.

Crawler excavators operate with hydraulic power mechanisms, which enable them to lift materials. Another important component of these machines is their chain-wheel system. 

2. Backhoe

The versatility of the backhoe makes it a popular option across a range of applications. A defining feature of these machines is their bucket, which is positioned facing the driver. The cab is designed to offer the driver maximum visibility and it can be rotated 360 degrees. Their compact design also adds to their appeal.

The bucket is used to remove and lift soil from one location to another. Backhoe excavators play an important role in the construction and mining industries, and they can also be used at dumpsites. Another application for these machines is to clear debris and soil from roads and homes.

3. Dragline

Dragline excavators are significantly larger and they have a different design. They’re used on large projects in mining and civil engineering. The on-site models are so big that they must be assembled at the location where they’re being used. They’re heavy and difficult to manoeuver, which means that they need to be transported to their destination in parts.

The standard mobile models are larger than backhoes but more compact than their on-site counterparts. Suitable applications for onsite draglines include civil engineering and canal dredging.

4. Suction excavators

These types of excavators are also referred to as vacuum excavators. They’re designed with a suction pipe that removes debris. A jet of water is typically applied to the ground first. These machines are commonly used in sensitive applications that require more care.

5. Long reach

These machines feature an extended arm and long boom segments. Long-reach excavators are typically used in demolition applications, which make them an asset in the construction industry.

6. Power shovels

Power shovels are made up of a revolving component and a crane with a lifting arm. Another important component of this machine is its bucket. They’re advanced machines that are well-suited to digging. They’re also used in the mining industry.

Now that you know more about the different types of excavators, you can decide which one is best for your business. Are you looking for robust machines to boost productivity? Find excavators for sale on Truck & Trailer.