Choosing an Excavator

One of the challenges in buying an excavator is deciding what size machine you need. Here are three sizing considerations to keep in mind:

1. How deep and far do you need to dig? Excavators have rated "dig depths" – the limit of how deep they can dig – from around 18 to 26 feet. "Reach" is the horizontal distance the bucket can work. Both are important, so be sure to evaluate your typical jobs so you know the depths and reach that you'll need out of your excavator.

2. How much should it weigh? Full-sized excavators can weigh from 10 to 50 tons or more. (Mini excavators range from under two tons to over six tons.) If minimizing damage to landscaping is important to your business, lighter machines are beneficial. Smaller excavators can also be towed behind a standard pickup truck without the need for a commercial driver’s license.

3. How high do you need to dump? Dump height measures how high the bucket can lift to deposit materials into a dump truck. It's less critical than dig depth in most cases, but it can be important in some applications. Dump heights commonly range from around 15 to 20 feet.

A related but less critical consideration is the physical size of the machine. Measure any narrow gates or other confined areas you want to be able to drive the excavator through, and you'll have an upper limit on how large a machine you can buy.

The best approach for the long term is to buy an excavator that meets your needs without too much excess capacity. In addition to costing more up front, larger machines cost more to operate even when they're doing the same work.

Additional considerations
Once you know which models meet your size requirements, you'll want to compare additional attributes that can vary from one excavator to another.

• Controls. Most new excavators feature "pilot hydraulic" controls. These ergonomic joysticks are a vast improvement over the old-style mechanical levers: they're easy to learn and comfortable to use for extended periods of time. There are two common control styles for excavators – and many machines will let you switch between the two. Make sure the model you choose offers the control pattern your operators are familiar with.
• Ergonomics. An operator who is comfortable throughout a long shift is going to be more efficient and productive. Make sure the seat is adjustable in multiple ways, controls are easy to reach, and entering and exiting the cab are easy. In addition, check visibility, both for work (in the trench) and for travel (around the tracks, front, and back).
• Ease of use. "Feel" is important, but it is impossible to judge from sales pitches or brochures. You should definitely take the machines you're considering for a "test dig." If possible, let the primary operator try out different models for comfort, responsiveness, and visibility.
• Maintenance. Check how easy it is to access the engine and hydraulic systems. Also, ask for a demonstration of how to perform routine preventative maintenance such as filter changes, fluid top-offs, and lubrication.