Last Updated on May 13, 2025 by Admin
Excavators are machines for digging, lifting, and moving earth. They are powerful, work well on almost any surface, and can handle tough jobs.
Manufacturers create various models to meet the high demand and fit buyers’ specific needs. That is why the choice can be quite challenging. Choose the one that is too small or lacks functionality, and you will not be able to do the job properly. An excavator that is too large can be unsuitable for your job site and can push you over budget. With so many options available, how can you choose the right machine?
This article will give you a list of factors you should consider when choosing an excavator.
Table of Contents
Size and Weight
Think about whether the excavator is the right size to perform the tasks at the construction site. It needs to access it easily and have enough capacity in terms of width, height, and weight to do the work there.
In tight spaces, like gardens or small job sites, every inch counts. Some excavators weigh over 10 tons, so make sure your site can handle your machine’s overall size and weight.
Excavators of all sizes are available on the today’s market:
- Mini excavators
They are great for indoor projects, sewer repairs, and water line installations. - Mid-sized excavators
They offer more reach and power than mini excavators, work well in small areas, and are good for standard projects like building and landscaping. - Standard or “crawler” excavators
They are common in commercial construction. - Large excavators
Ideal for big demolition and construction projects, because they provide maximum power and capacity. However, these excavators are challenging to store and need large trucks and trailers to move.
Atlantic Project Cargo can assist with your excavator transportation. Our company offers solutions for shipping construction equipment, especially those that are outsized. We provide domestic equipment transport as well as overseas shipping.
Power and Performance
Choosing an excavator depends on engine power a lot. High power provides higher digging forces. This helps the machine work in tough conditions and boosts productivity. A good engine is also cost-effective and easy to maintain.
In addition, the engine should run smoothly, not make much noise, and produce less smoke. Think about the environment too!
Lifting and Bucket Capacity
An excavator’s weight, lift point position, center of gravity, and hydraulic power influence its lifting capacity. It is also limited by how stable the machine is when lifting. When it comes to excavator size classes, larger ones can lift heavier and bigger materials. Generally, standard and large excavators use hydraulics for heavy lifts, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Bucket capacity refers to how much material it can hold. This includes both the bucket’s content and what is piled on top. The amount of material heaped on top is called piled or rated capacity. It is determined by the angle of repose of the transported material.
When considering the bucket capacity, think about the types of materials you will be working with and the total size of your project.
Additional Attachments
When we think about an excavator, we often imagine it with a bucket. But many different tools can be attached to this machine. All of them work with hydraulics and can do special jobs.
Some common attachments include rock breakers, quick couplers, grapples, rakes, rippers, tilt couplers, quick hitches, and grab attachments. An excavator can be universal for different tasks if it has a system that allows for different tool attachments.
Budget
When planning your budget, consider how often you will use the excavator, where you will store it, and how much it will cost to maintain. You should also think about the cost per hour to operate it and whether it makes more sense to rent or buy.
Large excavators with various additional features can be very expensive, but choosing one that is too small and cheap can also be a mistake. Use an excavator size chart to compare options and make a smart choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right excavator can make your work easier, save labor, and lower costs. Before you buy one, think of all the factors involved. This will help you find the best and most cost-effective option.
If you need help in shipping your new excavator or other construction equipment, contact Atlantic Project Cargo. We will help you with the safe transportation of your heavy machinery.
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