What is excavator? As the project manager, and the person in charge of purchasing and maintaining equipment, the pressure is tremendous to make the right choice. Choosing the exact excavator for the job can be the difference between success and failure. Make the wrong decision with an expediter, and you end up screwed. Do you need a machine that can move a lot of dirt quickly?
Do you need an expensive machine with more precision to dig holes in a remote spot you can’t reach otherwise? Thousands of choices add up to the one perfect machine that fits the need. Craft the wrong decision, and you end up with an expensive machine that doesn’t do what you need it to do, even though it costs too much.
Without the right excavator, your project is going to take longer, cost more, and chew up resources you can’t afford to waste. Can you imagine trying to dig a hole with a machine that’s too small to handle the load, or a machine that’s too big for the job or the area? When you have the wrong equipment, you see a drop in efficiency and performance. Knowing what an excavator is, how it works, and the variety of things an excavator can do for your project is the first step to making an informed choice.
Without knowing what is an excavator machine, your project is going to take longer, cost more, and chew up resources you can’t afford to waste. Can you imagine trying to dig a hole with a machine that’s too small to handle the load, or a machine that’s too big for the job or the area? When you have the wrong equipment, you see a drop in efficiency and performance. Knowing what an excavator is, how it works, and the variety of things an excavator can do for your project is the first step to making an informed choice.
1. What Is Excavator?
Generally, excavators are powered by hydraulics, allowing them to exert a great deal of force with precision when performing tasks. Because operators can manipulate an excavator in so many ways and switch out a variety of attachments, the excavator is one of the most valuable pieces of equipment on a construction job site.
What is excavator? What is an excavator used for? Excavators are used in many industries, such as construction, mining, demolition, and even dredging. This versatility allows them to work in tight quarters as well as a wide-open construction zone, making the excavator one of the most often-found big machines on a construction site.
2. The Components of an Excavator
To understand how an excavator operates, you need to know the components that make up the machine.
2.1 The Chassis (Undercarriage):
- Whatever supports the machine in the form of either tracks or wheels living underneath it (referred to as the undercarriage).
- Tracked Excavators: consist of tracks (or what you might call tank treads). This type of excavator is very popular. You use these when working on uneven, soft, or muddy ground. Because the weight of the excavator sits on a larger area when you have tracks, you can operate on places where you would sink if you had wheels.
- Wheeled Excavators: have wheels which means they are faster and more flexible on solid, paved surfaces (roads, parking lots, etc.). You will usually see them in urban environments or worksites where they only need to drive a very short distance.
2.2 The Arm and Bucket (Work Equipment):
The boom, arm, and bucket (also called the stick) that make up the arm of the machine are used to dig and pick things up.
- Boom: This is the long part that goes out from the body of the machine.
- Arm: This is attached to the boom and is what allows the movement needed to lift or dig.
- Bucket: This is the scoop on the end of the arm and is used to collect dirt, rocks, or whatever you happen to be working with. There are different buckets and attachments for different reasons.
2.3 The Cab:
- You control the excavator from the operator’s cab, which sits on the rotating platform. This means that you can turn around 360 degrees and see your work area all the way around.
- The cab is designed to make you as comfortable as possible and to be ergonomically correct. Nowadays, they make the cabs real cozy with air conditioning, heat, comfortable seats to spend your day or night using these machines.
2.4 The Hydraulic System:
- Your machine is powered by hydraulics. It’s strong and precise due to the power of the hydraulic system. The other great thing about excavators is they are able to swap out attachments due to hydraulic power.
- Your machine is powered by hydraulics. It’s strong and precise due to the power of the hydraulic system. The other great thing about excavators is they are able to swap out attachments due to hydraulic power.
3. Types of Excavators
Excavators are a must-have piece of equipment for any significant construction, excavation, or mining project. Choosing the right machine can make all the difference between getting the job done economically or spending more to get the job done. Additionally, selecting the right machine can be the difference between finishing on time or your project finishing late. The first step is determining whether you need a machine with tremendous power for large loads or one that can deliver precision for tight spots.
3.1 Crawler Excavators (Tracked Excavators):
- In the world of construction equipment, one of the most common excavators you will find on a job site is one that is track driven. These units can go anywhere and are very stable. They are the best choice if you regularly work on rough or soft terrain.
- Crawler excavators are well-suited for a variety of heavy-duty jobs such as digging large trenches for water runoff, removing chunks of pavement or landscaping materials, or tearing out a concrete slab. On a demolition project, they are invaluable for tearing down the side of a building or pulling debris out of the way for removal.
3.2 Wheeled Excavators:
- A wheeled excavator is an excellent all-around choice for digging. They are fast. You can drive them all over town and use them on solid surfaces like roads or concrete.
- If you have to move around a lot and need to backtrack a bit in the middle of the project, a wheeled excavator is the way to go.
3.3 Mini Excavators:
- It is no secret that I receive lots of questions, so here’s a highlight of all the chat messages you don’t care to search through.
- One of the keys to success with large construction, excavation, or mining projects is picking out the right excavator. Choose the wrong one, and you’ll have inefficiencies, delays, and increased costs.
3.4 Long Reach Excavators:
- Selecting the right excavator depends on the project size and terrain.
- To help you pick the best one for your situation, I’ve assembled a list of the types of and uses for these big pieces of equipment.
3.5 Amphibious Excavators:
- Modern excavators operate using hydraulics to do anything and everything with extreme force and great precision.
- When it comes to most types of construction or mining, or even some demolition work, picking the right excavator is essential.
4. How to Choose the Right Excavator for Your Needs
When you get ready to set up a big construction, excavation, or mining project, picking the right equipment, especially the right excavator, is crucial to your success.
4.1 Understand Your Project’s Needs:
- If you are fixing to set up a big construction, excavation, or mining project, you have tons of equipment. Fortunately, you usually have some real big dogs, but let’s focus on the MB Excavator, the real king of the hill for most of these situations.
4.2 Consider the Terrain:
- If you are planning to set up a huge construction, excavation, or mining project, the right piece of heavy equipment, especially the right excavator, can make a huge difference in your success.
4.3 Evaluate Your Budget:
- The right excavator is key to the success of construction, mining, or excavation projects. The wrong one can cause inefficiencies, cost overruns, and delays. There are different types of excavators, such as tracked excavators, which are great for uneven or swampy ground, and wheeled excavators, which give you more speed and mobility on solid ground.
4.4 Look for Available Attachments:
- When you are setting up for a big construction, excavation, or mining project, the right heavy equipment, especially the right excavator, can make a huge difference in your success.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Excavators
When you’re looking to invest in an excavator, it’s common to have many questions. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help guide your decision-making process.
5.1 Backhoe VS Excavator : What is the difference between a backhoe and an excavator?
Backhoes and excavators are used to dig and move material, but they are distinctly different pieces of equipment. A backhoe has a single arm and is used for digging in trenches or other relatively small areas. In addition to the digging arm, backhoes have a bucket on the front that acts like a small loader for filling the hole you just dug or moving materials around..
On the other hand, an excavator has a larger and usually more powerful digging arm. Because of their sheer bulk and power, excavators are heavy-duty pieces of equipment used for big digging jobs, demolition, or lifting very heavy objects. The ability of the cab and the arm to rotate completely around give you ultimate flexibility when you are digging in all directions.
5.2 How much does an excavator cost?
Do you have any idea how much an excavator costs? The answer is, “It depends.” Although there is a wide range of costs for these machines depending on their size, model, brand, and whether you buy new or used. A new, standard-sized excavator could cost anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 or more. Used models are available for sale as little as $20,000 to $200,000, depending on their age, condition, and manufacturer. Remember, most of this equipment is built to run for 5,000 or 10,000 hours before it requires major overhauls, so buying used can be a good way to save some money.
When budgeting for an excavator, remember to factor in the total long-term operating cost. Maintenance, fuel consumption, and the wear on the machine will add up. Don’t let the cute little salesman talk you into buying something that costs less with one hand and costs more with the other. If you are going to own the machine for several years, then it is quite possible that a nice used excavator will be cheaper to operate in the long run then a new machine would be..
5.3 How do I maintain my excavator?
You must maintain your excavator to ensure it lasts for a long time. Some of the maintenance tasks you might need to perform on your excavator include:
- Changing the oil and filters to make sure the engine will run as smooth as possible.
- Inspecting and replacing hydraulic fluid Inspecting and replacing hydraulic fluid to avoid leaks and ensure proper function.
- Lubricating moving parts like the arm, bucket, and swing mechanism to avoid friction and premature wear.
- Cleaning the undercarriage like the loader arm, the bucket, the swing mechanism. All of these items have fittings or grease points where you shoot grease into the joint to prevent friction and wear.
Additionally, you want to do all sorts of little checks. Check the tracks, the bucket, the hydraulics. One other thing you might consider is keeping a maintenance log. Track all the work you do on the machine and what seems to be going wrong. If you look back over time and see a recurring problem, that could be something to investigate further.
5.4 Can I use different attachments with my excavator?
Yes, One of the great things about an excavator is that you can put different attachments on it. Depending on your job or what you want to do, you can take off or connect various attachments, such as:
- Buckets: For digging, loading, and material handling.
- Augers: For drilling holes in the ground.
- Hydraulic Hammers: For breaking hard surfaces.
- Rippers: For breaking up rocky terrain.
- Grabs/Thumbs: For handling large or irregular materials.
You can easily take these attachments off and snap on new ones. This flexibility is what makes the excavator an incredibly versatile piece of equipment. However, if you’re buying a used excavator, make sure it is compatible with the attachments you want to use.
5.5 How long do excavators typically last?
The lifespan of an excavator depends on how you use it and how well you take care of it. On average, you can expect to get about 8,000 to 12,000 hours out of a machine, which is usually 10-15 years with standard usage and proper care. Regular care and using it for the right jobs can extend the life of an excavator tremendously.
Although many of these excavators with a lot of hours have been well taken care of and can still offer you good service. If you’re buying a used excavator with higher hours, always ask for the machine’s service history so that you can see how often it was maintained.
6. Why Choose HIOSEN for Your Excavator Needs?
Whether you select a new or used excavator, make sure you deal with someone you can trust. HIOSEN has been a leading provider of high-quality used construction machinery for over 15 years. They have a wide selection of top-quality excavators and other heavy equipment, all well maintained..
6.1 Why HIOSEN?
- Reliable Brands: We offer excavators from top manufacturers like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hyundai, and more.
- Expert Guidance: Our experienced team will guide you in selecting the right excavator for your project, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
- Competitive Pricing: We provide affordable pricing on both new and used excavators, with flexible payment options to suit your needs.
- Rigorous Quality Inspection: Every used excavator we sell goes through a comprehensive inspection process to ensure it is in excellent working condition.
- Global Shipping: Whether you’re located in South America, Africa, or Southeast Asia, we provide efficient shipping options to get your excavator to you quickly.
6.2 Our Excavator Selection At HIOSEN, we understand that each project has its unique demands. Whether you need a Caterpillar 320D or a Komatsu PC200, we offer a variety of used excavators suited to different industries. Our excavators come with a range of attachments, including buckets, thumbs, hammers, and augers, to make your job easier and more efficient.
If you’re unsure which excavator is right for you, our team is always available to discuss your project and recommend the best equipment. We take pride in offering not just machinery, but a comprehensive service that helps you complete your projects successfully and on time.
6.3 Get in Touch with HIOSEN Today When you’re ready to make a purchase or learn more about our excavator options, reach out to our team at HIOSEN. We are here to provide expert advice, answer any questions, and help you choose the best excavator for your needs. Don’t hesitate—contact us today to get started!
7. Conclusion
Excavators are essential machines in the construction, mining, and infrastructure industries. Understanding what an excavator is, its components, and its various types will help you select the right machine for your needs. Whether you require a tracked machine for heavy-duty work, a mini excavator for small tasks, or a long-reach machine for specialized applications, choosing the right excavator is critical for the success of your project.
At HIOSEN, we offer high-quality used excavators from leading brands such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Volvo. Whether you need a new or used excavator, we have the equipment to meet your project needs. Our team is here to help guide you through the purchasing process, ensuring you get the right excavator for your budget and project specifications. Contact us today to get more information or request a quote!
