Choosing the right excavator for your next project may seem like an impossible task. With an immense variety in older models and the continuous releases of newer ones: finding the perfect type is a difficult challenge.
Most of the time, you put most of your trust in your dealer as they probably know what you need more than you do. However, your dealer also has a job; and his/her job is to sell. Now, I’m not saying that every dealer is only thinking about their pay check, but keep in mind that it happens a lot more than you would think.
In this post I’ll briefly sum up the most important tips when it comes to investing in an excavator.
Purchase a used excavator over new excavators
Online, and at traditional avenues, you can find plenty of used excavators for sale. By choosing a used excavator over a new one, you can immensely save on costs. Purchasing a new excavator can cost you from $100.000 to $500.000. Consequently, a used excavator can be obtained for only 50% or 75% of the original price! That’s a huge difference.
Keep in mind that a used excavator may use older technologies, so you’ll definitely miss out on some newer features. But, to be frank, most of these features are not a necessity. And, some say older models can be less reliable. Which is expected due to wear and tear. However, if the machine is kept in decent shape then you won’t have to worry about reliability.
Bonus tip: try hiring an excavator instead of purchasing a new or used excavator.
Requirements are more important than branding
Most of the time, there is a popularity in a certain brand of heavy machinery. But the only time that this should matter is when the brand sells an exclusive feature that is necessary for your project. Or, when you’re trying to buy compatible attachments.
Different projects require different machinery, so after you have a clear vision about the project’s needs and demands. You can consider looking for the right (used) excavator.
The first step is to ignore the brand name. After that you must think about:
- The site and its potential hazards and culprits.
- Accessibility of the site.
- Engine power.
- Capacity of equipment.
- Sizing and weight.
After you have found your excavator, it’s time to look for compatible attachments.
Types of available excavators
There are different types of excavators; each performing better in one area than the other. Here’s a quick list to give you an overview of what your possibilities are:
- Standard: most common and suitable for many applications (mining, digging, dredging, ploughing, etc.)
- Long-reach: for longer-reach dredging and demolition.
- Knuckle boom: has an additional joint to excavate in tight spaces.
- Zero swing: limited in its capabilities, mostly used for precise work.
- Spider: useful for rough terrains (ditches, uneven areas, inclined/declined levels).
- Mini: for small area jobs.
- Swamp: for projects that include working on water.
Well, that’s it. Of course, there are multiple other factors to consider but I promised to keep it short. Good luck in finding the perfect excavator for your next big project!
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