Excavators (13)

You will want to consider several factors like dig depth, lifting capacity, budget, worksite, counterweight, bucket capacity, and hydraulic attachments when deciding on the right excavator for your job.

Excavators come in three general sizes:

• Mini or compact excavators weigh less than 6 metric tons (13,227 pounds) and fit well into small spaces, so they’re ideal for indoor projects.
•  Midi excavators weigh between 6 tons (13,227 pounds) and 10 tons (20,000 pounds). Like mini excavators, they work well in small spaces, but can also tackle more standard construction work and provide additional power if you need it.
• Standard excavators can weigh from 10 tons (20,000 pounds) to 45 tons (90,000 pounds). They are commonly used for commercial construction and can handle multiple types of tool attachments.

A mini excavator is more maneuverable and can work in places a standard excavator can’t, such as crowded job sites and parking lots. They also work well for smaller projects such as sewer repairs and water line installations. Mini excavators can be used for jobs that range from plowing snow and landscaping work to digging holes for swimming pools.

Standard excavators, also known as crawlers, offer more power and additional reach. They can be used for digging trenches, mining, and major landscaping or construction projects. They’re also able to handle multiple tool attachments and are a good fit for commercial construction jobs.

Excavators are larger and heavier than backhoes, and typically have more power. Their cab can rotate in a complete circle, while a backhoe can only pivot across a range of approximately 200 degrees.

Backhoes are on wheels instead of tracks, making them more mobile. Because of their size and mobility, they’re slightly more adaptable, though they’re typically only suitable for medium-sized projects.

Excavator attachments include a wide selection of buckets, blades, and other attachments, including: rock buckets, side-discharge buckets, multipurpose buckets, rollout buckets, utility buckets, snow blades, heavy scrapers, augers, rippers, trenchers, and tree shears.