The Excavator: Everything You Need To Know

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This article was last updated on October 31,

Excavators are an essential piece of heavy equipment for most construction projects. Often referred to as diggers, excavators are used for all kinds of jobs like material handling, landscaping, demolition, mining projects, trenching, river dredging, and construction.

The Makeup Of An Excavator

The chassis of an excavator is made up of a boom, dipper, and bucket. These pieces connect to a cab that sits on a rotating house. Most excavator cabs can rotate a full 360 degrees for increased visibility. Excavators are available with either tracks or wheels depending on the manufacturer and the nature of the project. 

Excavators are available in a variety of sizes and classes and can weigh up to 180,000 lbs. There are many other attachments for excavators that can take the place of the digging bucket to diversify the machine. By swapping out the bucket for an auger, drill, ripper, or rake, excavators can be used for many different jobs.

Choosing the Right Excavator for The Job

The best way to choose what excavator rental is needed for your project is to assess what exactly you need the machine to do. Identifying the right size of excavator, what attachments are needed, and how long you need the equipment will inform your decision to rent an excavator or buy one. It can be more efficient for a job to rent the right size of equipment for what is needed instead of trying to make one piece fit for a variety of jobs.

Excavators are often used for earthmoving projects or projects where lots of digging is required. That being said, the variety of attachments and excavator rental sizes available make these excavation machines useful in excavation projects of all sizes.

Typically, excavator sizes and classes are broken down into the following categories: mini, medium, large, demolition, long-reach, and wheeled. There are also specialty excavators made specifically for mining. Which size of digger you choose to buy or rent is often determined by the excavator's operating weight.

From a landscaping project to the construction of a completely new high-rise skyscraper, you can expect to see an excavator on almost any construction project, especially in the early stages. The variation in size allows them to be used in big construction projects and small backyard renovations. In addition to the different sizes of excavators, there are also several different types of excavators.

What Are The Different Types of Excavators?

The Cable vs. Hydraulic Excavator

The difference between the cable and hydraulic excavator comes from how the parts of the machine move. Cable excavators use a series of steel wires and cables to move the main parts and replaced steam shovels in the early s.

Hydraulic excavators work by allowing the operator to use levers to control the movement of the hydraulic system to push and move the cylinders that control the boom and bucket of an excavator.

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The 6 Kinds of Excavators

There are seven key types of excavators available on the market: Crawler Excavators, Dragline Excavators, Suction Excavators, Long-Reach Excavators, Mini Excavators, and Wheeled Excavators.

1. Crawler Excavators:

The most commonly recognized excavator used for mining, trench digging, and landscape grading is the crawler excavator. Crawler excavators get their name because of the way they travel on a job site with their tracks. They are incredibly powerful machines with hydraulic power. Because of the tracks, they are better suited for rough and uneven terrain.

2. Dragline Excavators:

Dragline excavators are a larger kind of excavator that uses a hoist rope and dragline system to clear dirt and soil for underwater projects, pile driving, or road excavations. Because of their weight and awkward shape, they're normally hauled in separate pieces to a job site before being assembled. These excavators are used for larger job sites and projects.

3. Suction Excavators:

Suction excavators use water jets and a high-pressure vacuum to clear dirt, soil, and debris. Operated out of a wheeled vehicle, the suction excavator is used for underground applications, debris cleanup, and other delicate excavation projects.

4. Long-Reach Excavators:

With arms that extend up to 100 feet with attachments, the excavator is good for heavy-duty digging, industrial demo projects, and reaching further than most other excavators.

5. Mini Excavator:

A compact, smaller version of a crawler excavator, mini excavators are useful in narrow job sites, job sites with obstacles, and jobs with delicate terrain like landscaping. Mini excavators have zero tail-wing capability and are ideal for small jobs. Mini excavators are also popular for home and DIY landscape projects.

When picking between renting an excavator vs a mini excavator, the size of the project and load size are usually the most important factors.

6. Wheeled Excavator:

The wheeled excavator is the same as a regular excavator but is fitted on wheels instead of tracks. Wheeled excavators are more popular in Europe and are typically used for working in urban areas since their wheels are kinder to finished roads and pavement than the traditional metal track. However, wheeled excavators are becoming more popular for their use in city projects.

Popular Attachments for Excavators

There are many different mini excavator attachments out there. Renting a specialized attachment can make your machine function more efficiently and work smoother for specific jobs. While there are 10 more popular types of excavator attachments - both for mini excavators and standard machines - you can pretty much rent the attachment that works best for the job you're doing.

The traditional excavator is fitted with a bucket that digs toward the cab and machine. However, this type of digging arm can have a thumb attachment instead which makes it easier to lift and move materials. There are also several types of buckets that can be attached to an excavator.

A rock bucket and a V bucket are two bucket types that can be attached to an excavator. A rock bucket looks similar to a digging bucket but with longer sharper teeth and a narrow V-shaped edge for cutting. The reinforced structural parts of a rock bucket give it the ability to break through hard rock while still maintaining structural integrity. The V bucket simplifies the task of digging trenches and is useful for laying utility cables and pipes. 

Excavators can also be fitted with an auger attachment for digging holes, hammers for breaking up hard concrete and rock, rippers, compactors, rakes, and many other different kinds of tools. All of these attachments help to make the excavator a true multipurpose equipment type.

Manufacturers of Excavators

There are many different manufacturers to consider when looking to buy or rent an excavator. Most companies make different sizes and models of excavators to accommodate projects of all sizes and natures.

A variety of excavators are available for rent through DOZR. There are options to search for excavators ranging from 18 tons to 80 tons as well as high-reach excavators, long-reach excavators, and wheeled excavators for rent. The following is a look at some more popular brands of excavator manufacturers.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar &#; also called CAT &#; was founded in when C. L. Best Tractor Company joined with Holt Manufacturing Company &#; the same Holt family responsible for the continual-track system. Caterpillar is one of the most recognized brands of heavy equipment and machinery and is one of the largest heavy equipment manufacturing companies in the world. Caterpillar introduced a series of excavators &#; called the 200 series &#; in .

Now, caterpillar excavators feature fuel-efficient engines and the latest safety tech and are designed with productivity in mind. CAT excavators are some of the best-performing earthmoving machines on the market, making them very popular equipment rentals. Their largest excavator is the 395 - Tier 4 model weighing in at 207,300 lbs, just over 100 tons, with a dig depth of 32 feet.

Volvo

It was in Eskilstuna, Sweden when 27-year-old Johan Theofron Munktell prepared the foundations for the company Volvo Construction Equipment. Today, Volvo excavators continue to push the boundaries of earthmoving and digging equipment. In , Volvo CE announced the goal of launching a range of electric compact excavators and wheel loaders by mid-. 

Volvo's line of excavators includes larger crawler excavators, medium crawler excavators, medium-wheeled excavators, and compact, or short-swing, excavators. Volvo is most well-known for its wheeled excavators. Volvo's largest excavator is the EC950F weighing in close to 210,000 lbs or 105 tons with a maximum dig depth of just under 30 feet.

Komatsu

Komatsu was established in in Japan and established in North America later on in . Their introduction to the American market for hydraulic excavators happened with their H-Series in the s, a little before they truly established themselves in America. 

Manufacturing all sizes of excavation machinery, Komatsu excavators are for all kinds of projects. With mid-size excavators, large excavators, and surface mining excavators, you're sure to find a Komatsu excavator that will be right for the job. The largest Komatsu excavator is the PCLC-11 with an operating weight of 270,000 lbs, a reach of up to 56 feet, and a dig depth of 38 feet.

John Deere

John Deere established his company &#; named after himself &#; in . In the first John Deere excavator, the JD690, was introduced. Now, they make over 20 different kinds of excavators ranging in size, weight, and horsepower.  

John Deere's largest excavator, the 870 P-Tier, allows for almost 37 feet of dig depth and weighs over 188,000 lbs. John Deere also manufactures compact excavators, another name for mini-excavators, mid-size excavators, and other large excavators.

Hitachi

Established in the early s in Japan, Hitachi didn't start manufacturing construction equipment until the s. Since then, Hitachi has become an innovator in heavy machinery and their excavators are no exception. Currently, Hitachi has 37 excavators on the market.

Hitachi excavators include all sizes of excavators ranging from their smallest non-mini excavator model, the ZX160LC-6, to their biggest excavator, the ZX890LC-6. These models have operating weights and dig depths of 39,000 lbs and 21 feet, and 186,511 lbs and 31 feet, respectively. Hitachi also manufactures mining excavators and mini excavators.

Hyundai

Want more information on Komatsu Excavator Teeth? Feel free to contact us.

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Founded in South Korea in , Hyundai built their first excavators in , a 21-ton excavator and a 29-ton excavator. Now, the portfolio of Hyundai excavators includes 16 current models and 28 previous models. The smallest Hyundai excavator model currently, outside of their compact excavators, is the HX130A LCR with an operating weight of just under 15 tons. Their largest excavator is the HX900L with an operating weight of 103 tons.

Doosan

Creating its construction division in , Doosan has been producing excavators since . However, it wasn't until that Doosan excavators came to America. Doosan currently manufactures crawler excavators, wheeled excavators, and mini excavators. Between the crawler excavators and wheeled excavators, they have 18 products.

The smallest crawler Doosan makes is the DX140LC-7 with an operating weight of 16 tonnes (32,187 lbs) and a dig depth of just over 19 feet. The biggest Doosan excavator is the DX800LC-7 with an operating weight of 90 tonnes and a dig depth of over 27 feet.

Potential Hazards & Safety Protocols for Excavators

Operating any kind of heavy equipment could pose a safety hazard. It is important to always be careful and to only operate heavy equipment and digging machinery like excavators after receiving proper training. Being consistent and following safety protocols can help keep all excavation operations safe. Here are some ways to stay safe while operating an excavator:

• Never dig under structures like sidewalks without proper support systems

• Wear a hardhat, safety vest, ear protection, and protection 

• Never dig underneath an excavator

• Maintain the cab by cleaning up garbage and maintaining clear windows

• Avoid making sharp turns or sudden movements while operating an excavator

• Always lower the bucket when parked and park on a level surface

• Do not travel diagonally on slopes but directly up

• Map out an excavator route that is as flat as possible

• Never exceed the maximum weight capacity of an equipment piece

• Lower the bucket closer to the ground when driving for visibility purposes

• Check all blind spots before moving equipment

• Make sure to report any safety hazards and have any needed repairs performed immediately

• Always wear a seatbelt

• Check site plans and call local utility companies before beginning to dig 

The most important point to remember for any operation of heavy equipment is to only do so if training has been provided and it is safe to do so. There are also some tips and tricks online for special projects like operating an excavator on a slope. Always request training before agreeing to operate a piece of new machinery.

The History of the Excavator

The first machine to resemble an excavator was the steam shovel. An ancient dinosaur next to the modern excavator, this piece of equipment was a game-changer when it was invented by William Otis who in received a patent for the design. It was originally fitted on railway tracks to allow mobility.

The machine could move up to 300 cubic yards a day compared to the 12 cubic yards that could be moved by a man. This machine was used to build the Panama Canal and dig the foundations of early skyscrapers. The machine was used and updated into the s as tracked and wheeled equipment became more popular. In the last railroad shovel was shipped.

Much like with the bulldozer and other pieces of equipment, various pieces had to come together to create the excavator. Sir W.G. Armstrong & Co. was a British business that had developed the hydraulic system that would be used in the modern excavator.

Designed to use water instead of hydraulic fluid, this system was invented in . The first hydraulic shovel was patented by Kilgore Machine Co in Minnesota in and used the technology developed by Sir W.G. Armstrong & Co. 

None of these excavators could rotate the full 360 degrees that exist now with the modern excavator. This didn&#;t happen until the s when a French company called Poclain invented an excavator with cylinders and a hydraulic pump. The TY45 made history as the first fully revolving hydraulic excavator.

The Excavator: FAQ

Can excavators be used for land clearing?

Excavators are one of the best land-clearing equipment rental options. They're great for clearing trees and moving heavy loads and their tracks make them great for uneven terrain. If you're looking to rent land-clearing equipment, excavators are a great choice.

What is the difference between an excavator vs a backhoe?

Excavators are larger machines that are used primarily for heavy-duty jobs like trenching, demolition, mining, and land clearing because they have longer arms and can dig deeper than a backhoe. Excavators also provide more digging functionality because they can turn on their cab a full 360 degrees.

Backhoes are smaller excavating machines that offer more versatility but are typically seen on smaller construction projects like residential, snow removal, or loading jobs because of their limited dig depth potential. Whether you pick between a backhoe vs an excavator is dependent on the size of the job.

How deep can an excavator dig?

The depth capacity of an excavator will depend on the size of the equipment. Some specific kinds of excavators &#; like a long-reach model &#; make it easier to dig deeper than possible with a regular excavator. Typically, the heavier the operating weight of the excavator the deeper it can dig but it's always worth reviewing the specifications of the equipment before use.

What is the proper digging position for an excavator?

The proper position for digging with an excavator will differ depending on the terrain, the size of the equipment, the location of the dig site, and the nature of the job. 

The best way to set up a dig for success is to take the time to plan before starting. Organizing where the scoop pile will go and where to stage other needed materials will keep the dig safe once it is started. Reading site plans to identify underground hazards like wires or pipes will ensure the productivity and efficiency of a job. Take time to paint lines before digging to align the first dig.

All of these steps help to create a safe working environment which is the first step to proper digging with an excavator.

Can I rent an excavator?

Yes, excavators can be rented for use. You can search DOZR Marketplace for excavators of all sizes to find an excavator rental near you. Rentals are available by the day, week, or month depending on your project length and needs. 

The cost to rent an excavator changes depending on the length of the rental and who the supplier is. You can view all prices and compare them in the DOZR search results. 

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deereman

Posted 11/16/ 19:43 (#)
Subject: Lots of excavator questions.

NE SD

Know very little about excavators but thinking that it would be very handy around the farm. Do not need or want a huge one as I am hoping to haul it on my regular 48' drop deck with some sort of homemade ramps driving up the back if this is possible??
Am hoping to spend 30k to 45k and want a hydraulic thumb if possible for that price. I do not care what kind it is but want something that can find parts for. A nieghbor has a JD (200??) I think but not sure. This looks like a good size but not sure if I could haul that big.
Would be very little hauling anyway but want to be able to if I have to and I can always get nieghbor to haul if its too much for my trailer.
What are some numbers and brands that I could start my search with and where to start looking??

Thanks for any advice. Chad H

Posted 11/16/ 19:53 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

NE SD

Brother and I have been doing a little looking and for a 200 size you pretty much need a lowboy with outriggers to haul. A 160 you can get by with a standard trailer with ramps I think.

CAT, Deere(Hitachi), Komatsu, and Case(Link Belt) all make good machines. I was surprised to hear the price of hyd thumbs. New ones can run up to nearly $15k for the progressive ones that open and close all the way.

CAT numbers would be like a 316/320. Older Deere are 490/690 and newer are 160/200 for that size range. The others all go by that 160/200 numbers. Different letters signify newer series. I think whatever you get, you want to make sure to get a long undercarriage which is usually designated by "LC". I've been told the ones without are the ones you usually see on the internet buried all the way up to the cab. You may want someone experienced to look at the tracks to make sure the undercarriage isn't worn out. The sproket teeth will start to get sharp as they are worn. The rollers will also start to rub on the pin heads I think. Salesman claims in this part of the world the undercarriage will often times last nearly 10k hours. In other areas they can't make it more than a couple thousand due to sand, etc.There are a lot of them listed at www.machinerytrader.com

Edited by Chad H 11/16/ 20:04

CaseFarmer

Posted 11/16/ 19:58 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: Lots of excavator questions.

Flora IL

Weve had a 160 for a year now and it sure is alot handyer for hauling around. It does a great job on fence rows and trees. I know a 200 is probably the ideal size and thats what most say and im sure there right but that being able to move easy sure means alot just not dollar wise i guess frmerndel

Posted 11/16/ 20:10 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

Yes a160 is a good size, a 200 is the hot ticket. You can sometimes get away with cutting the outside edge of the track pad and narrowing it up depending on what you have. What do you have close for dealers/ support? Deere, komatsu, hold their value. If you want an overall tuff, bulletproof machine buy a doosan/ dawoo. Fastest cycle times and tough as nails and hold their value. ge jr

Posted 11/16/ 20:18 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: Lots of excavator questions.

algona iowa

We haul our 160 JD on our 53' beavertail 200 would be nice but the 160 works for us. seedcleaner

Posted 11/16/ 20:28 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

Mid-Missouri

We bought an 03 200CLC when the market was the softest a few years ago. It had about hours and auxillary hyd. plumbed. It was a Hertz rental.

We spent about on a hydraulic weld on thumb. It would have been better if buying to spend about on a real one. It is a weld-on. A shared pin is typically better...stronger, stays at the same arc as bucket teeth.

Here is a pic of a ten thousand dollar lowboy we haul it on. Tires are a little small to be driving in the field loaded. There is about 31,000 pounds of tractor on it. The bed is 8.5' wide. We have no problem loading, hauling, or unloading the hoe, but an issue could happen, especially if parked on a slope.

The 200CLC is a little heavier than our D7.

Edited by seedcleaner 11/16/ 21:02

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dzluvr

Posted 11/16/ 20:28 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: Lots of excavator questions.

we bought our Case because it has the 5.9 cummins in it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,we are VERY happy with the machine,,,,,,weight is around ,,,,,,,,,,,would not want a smaller one NoTill

Posted 11/16/ 20:42 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

NC Indiana

Forget the thumb and just buy a claw. Thumb will end up breaking your stick and a claw can toss and pile better. srsu99

Posted 11/16/ 20:57 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: Lots of excavator questions.

Central / West Texas

Your are not going to want to load a 200 size machine over the back of a trailer. there track gauge is going to be around 8' to 8'6" and thats not the outside of the tracks, just the centers. 102" trailer leaves no margin for error and if you fall off the side it will most likely go over. So you have to decide whether to by a 160 ( 30k) machine which will be around 8'6" overall width and be able to move it on your current trailer or get a 200 ( 40k) class machine and look for another way to move it. 160 size machines go for a premium around here. You can almost by a 200 or larger and a detachable neck with waht the price difference is. We have a 200 clc jd and have rented 160 size machines and prefer to 200 size machine, more reach and just alot more rear weight when needed! moline

Posted 11/16/ 21:09 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: Lots of excavator questions.

South Eastern ,ILL

I have Kobelco 200 , same as a Case I believe. Been taking out fence rows , straighten ditches
and de horning trees around field edges. Very satisfied with it, I have driven other brands , most
are very good, just dealer and parts network can influence your choice .
premium ag

Posted 11/16/ 23:09 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

MB

Just this spring we upgraded our Cat 320cl (20ton) to a Komatsu pc220cl- 8 (24ton). And let me tell you what a difference in size and reachability and power. We had to upgrade cause the pump, engine, U/C, swing gear, and bucket all needed work. After throwing down all the numbers we decided it would be better just to upgrade and buy newer/fewer hours. I highly suggest that when you buy, make sure you inspect and check out all these components i mentioned, because an excavator can become a real money grab when they get old/worn out. If you have a choice, stay with the popular brands like Cat, Deere, Hitachi, Komatsu but they are also worth more especially Cat. Although you only want to spend $30-, i highly suggest you buy a 20 ton machine because they are never too big, And a 20 ton is a perfect all around size... and is still light and narrow enough to haul on a standard-width tandem trailer (102'') with out outriggers. As far as loading it onto a drop-deck with ramps... not suggested. Use a loading dock. A beaver tail should work fine but the best trailer to haul machinery is a detachable goose neck. If you can, make sure it has aux hyd plumbing at least, or a hyd thumb would be even better.

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crabby

Posted 11/16/ 23:15 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

SW Missouri

I run a CAT 320L, weighs about 46,000# in it's work clothes. Wouldn't want anything smaller unless I had a 300 size machine to do the big work. Find a lowboy or hire it hauled as you won't be happy hauling it on the dropdeck. I've hauled it on a 8' wide trailer but it's not very fun since the center of the tracks are basically on the edges of the trailer. It has 32" pads on it so total width is about 11'. I've been looking for a 35-40 ton folding neck lowboy to haul mine with but they are hard to find if you're looking for good and cheap. One thing I've learned about thumb's is to use a narrow thumb and bucket when handling brush. The wider they are creates more torque when big trees start rolling and twisting. Tears stuff up quick. dalobe01

Posted 11/16/ 23:59 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

David Loberg Northeast Nebraska

We haul our 690B and 200CLC on this 64 Hyster. Paid for it about 10 years ago and it's earned it back ten fold. The tracks stick over the edge about 2 inches each side. Climbing the ramps is fine, just have to take your time, and never try when wet or icy. I wouldn't want to haul an excavator with a trailer I'd be scared to dent/bend, they're pretty hard on trailers when loading/unloading climbing ramps. A detachable dropdeck would be the cat's meow, but can't have everything sadly...

Edited by dalobe01 11/17/ 00:06

moline

Posted 11/17/ 06:22 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

South Eastern ,ILL

I haven't bought a trailer to haul my Kobelco 210 on yet. A friend of mine who has run a hoe for years said all he ever used was one with
ramps to haul a 45-50,000 lb machine on. He said if I was worried about loading, to weld two, 5" x 1/2" plate steel on edge, in the center of the trailer, to use as a guide and so it wouldn't slide to much either way. Has anyone ever done this? Detach trailers just seem to be to expensive
For no more than I want to move.

Skipper

Posted 11/17/ 08:20 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

NoTill - 11/16/ 19:42

Forget the thumb and just buy a claw. Thumb will end up breaking your stick and a claw can toss and pile better.

Got any pictures of the claw? Skipper

Posted 11/17/ 08:32 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: RE: Lots of excavator questions.

moline - 11/17/ 05:22

He said if I was worried about loading, to weld two, 5" x 1/2" plate steel on edge, in the center of the trailer, to use as a guide and so it wouldn't slide to much either way.

I've thought about that but haven't done it. I was thinking a couple real heavy bridge planks bolted in place. Slid our dozer of the side a couple times trying to load on frost and wet tracks. (detach trailer) One time moving it too but I don't like to talk about that!!

Only problem with anything raised on the bed it would interfere with side loading which we do occasionally with the excavator ......not the dozer!!! tc034

Posted 11/17/ 14:46 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: Lots of excavator questions.

If you are proficient at all running an excavator you dont have to climb ramps. I climb the machine up the initial incline
And then pick the machine up level with the trailer deck with the boom and walk the machine on the trailer while holding level with the
boom. Most of the time i have somebody on the on the trailer watching to keep me centered since you are backing up while loading. It may not sound simple but after you load this way a couple of times its no big deal. Much better than climbing and breaking over center climbing up. IMO. your mileage may vary.

Tom
NE ARK Varment

Posted 11/17/ 23:57 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Doosan

Ontario's West Coast , Huron County

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