4 Frequently Asked Questions About Excavators

If you want to ramp up the efficiency of your construction operation by adding a machine to your fleet that can truly do it all, getting an excavator is certainly a step in the right direction. 

Excavators come in various sizes and configurations but primarily feature a boom, dipper (or stick), bucket, and cab. These are mounted on a rotating platform, known as the “house,” which sits atop an undercarriage equipped with either tracks or wheels to provide stability and mobility. 

These machines are powered by hydraulic systems that enable precise control over the movements of the boom, dipper, and bucket. This allows operators to perform a variety of complex tasks with efficiency and accuracy.

Excavators are often key to most construction, landscaping, forestry, and mining operations. They can be used for all kinds of tasks, such as digging trenches, holes, and foundations, as well as material handling, demolition, and dredging, to name a few.

They are especially versatile due to their various attachments, which enable significant shifts in their functionality. If you acquire an excavator, no matter what kind of project you take on, it is sure to become an indispensable part of your day-to-day operation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Excavators 

As with all types of heavy equipment, there are certain questions people typically have about excavators that they want answers to, especially before investing in this type of machinery.

Considering these questions may also help you decide whether or not to add an excavator to your fleet and how to pick the right one once you do. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about excavators, along with the answers:

1. What are the different types of excavators?

There are several different types of excavators that are each designed with specific applications in mind. The following are some of the most common types of excavators on the market:

Mini Excavators

Mini excavators are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for work in tight spaces, such as landscaping, residential projects, and utility work.

Crawler Excavators

Crawler excavators have tracks that provide extra stability and maneuverability, making them ideal for use on tricky surfaces, such as soft ground or uneven terrain.

Wheel Excavators

Wheel excavators feature four wheels instead of tracks. They are ideal for use on roads and other hard surfaces, as they can provide better mobility in some circumstances.

Amphibious Excavators

Amphibious excavators have the power to operate both on land and in water, which makes them perfect for projects like dredging rivers and lakes.

Long-Reach Excavators

Long-reach excavators are good for tasks that necessitate a longer reach thanks to their extended arms and booms. They are especially useful for dredging and demolishing tall structures.

Dragline Excavators

Dragline excavators are typically larger. They feature a hoist rope and dragline system that can be used in underwater projects for clearing dirt and soil or for road excavations or pile driving.

2. How do I choose the right excavator?

With so many excavator types and configurations available, choosing the right one for your needs is vital. Generally, the most important factors to consider when deciding between different excavators include the engine power, machine size, and bucket capacity, as these should be tailored to match the scale of your construction projects.

Beyond these factors, it is also crucial to find an excavator that is made by a reputable brand that will offer the most uptime for your investment.

3. How are excavators controlled?

Excavator operators can control these versatile machines using various joysticks and pedals within the cab. The way that an operator manipulates these controls is translated into precise movements through the hydraulic systems that power functions like lifting, rotating, and digging. 

The most commonly adopted control pattern in most excavators is ISO. This involves using the left-hand joystick to control swing (left and right) and the stick boom (away and close), and using the right-hand joystick to control the main boom (up and down) and the bucket motions (close and dump). 

In addition to these controls, a few brands – including Bobcat – offer excavators which feature advanced technologies like telematics and GPS, which help guide the operator’s movements for improved efficiency and productivity.

4. What are the most popular excavator attachments?

One of the best ways to maximize your excavator is to get a wide variety of different attachments. There are many different kinds of excavator attachments to choose from, and certain ones may prove to be more valuable than others.

One popular setup when you need to lift and move materials is a digging arm with a thumb or a clamp. However, there are also several types of attachments that can be used for various purposes. 

An auger attachment is a very popular option when your work involves digging even holes, while nitrogen or hydraulic breakers are best for breaking up hard rock and concrete. If your work involves compacting the ground, a plate compactor attachment is a must.

Other great attachment options include flail mowers, which are often used to clear away brush at the start of a project, and grading buckets to help finish up the project and create an even grade. If you’ve got a job to do, there’s likely an excavator attachment that can get it done. 

How Oaken Equipment Can Help You Find a High-Performing Excavator

Whether you are looking to purchase an excavator to permanently add to your fleet, or you are interested in an excavator rental, Oaken Equipment has you covered. We have a large stock of excavators ranging from 1-ton to 16-ton that are available for sale or to rent.

As Canada’s largest Bobcat equipment dealer network, we specialize in Bobcat machines and have all of the latest and greatest excavators made by this industry-leading manufacturer. 

Our collection of Bobcat machines includes a consistently rotating inventory of both new and used equipment that is of the highest quality. All of our machines are very powerful and efficient, and they are all built to last.

If you are unsure of the best excavator to buy or rent for your projects, one of our knowledgeable experts would be happy to help you select one with the right combination of dig depth, arm configuration, and tail swing style to perfectly align your tasks.

We have a large stock of specialized attachments to ensure your excavator is equipped to take on more specific jobs. We also offer competitive pricing to ensure that our valued customers get great equipment without having to spend an arm and a leg. 
For more information about our excavator rental options or to learn more about the different types of Bobcat excavators that we have in stock, call Oaken Equipment at 1-888-OAKEN-11 or contact us here.