Key Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Excavator

Most construction and civil engineering works make use of excavators for digging holes, trenches, and foundation trenches and undertaking heavy lifting of material and debris among other works. Excavators are preferred due to their ability to attach to different components, allowing the operator to perform different tasks with different attachments. Advancement in technology has seen the manufacture of modern excavators with different capabilities and features. Knowing what to look for can help you choose equipment that will be versatile for various applications on your project site.

Here are some key factors to consider when buying an excavator.

Construction requirements

Almost every construction project requires land clearing, earth moving, excavation, and land grading. Choosing an excavator that can perform the top jobs on your construction site can save you from purchasing other heavy construction equipment. For example, if your project involves digging trenches in tight spaces, a zero tail swing excavator that's fitted with a bucket will do the job just right. However, if you are clearing a large tract of land for constructing a building and a retaining wall around it, you may want to consider a more versatile excavator that's compatible with different attachments such as augers, clamps, and grapples.

Attachment configurations

Choosing an excavator that's correctly sized for your project is essential. Also of importance is ensuring that the attachments match the intended applications as well. The most basic setup of an excavator comes outfitted with a trenching or grading bucket. Matching the bucket size and capacity to your desired application can increase the efficiency and productivity of the excavator. The size and capabilities of other excavator attachments such as plate compactors, clamps, hydraulic breakers, and grapples should also match your excavation applications.

Excavator performance

Manufacturers have engineered excavator models with different performance capabilities, and choosing the most efficient one is essential for your project.  Some of the newly introduced features include advanced hydraulic systems for increased production and long or extended arms for maximum digging capabilities during site preparation and utility installations. These structural improvements can improve the efficiency of the equipment.

Smart features

The incorporation of technology in excavator engineering has led to the introduction of automation and smart control features that allow remote control of equipment through telematics or machine to machine communications. Some configurations also have a feature that reduces the engine's revolutions per minute (rpm) when undertaking simple excavation jobs to reduce energy wastage.  Such features can improve maintenance scheduling, performance, and equipment monitoring and control.

An excavator is a great investment in a construction project. Taking time to understand your project needs and different excavator features and configurations can help you make the right decision when purchasing one for your excavation projects.