An outsider might think that all construction jobs are pretty much the same and require similar tools and equipment. The reality however is that each job has its own unique requirements. The machinery you use on one site might not necessarily be needed on another job.
With that said, it might not always be necessary to have an excavator on hand, so buying one may not be the best investment. When you do need one, you can use the vendors offering excavator hire Melbourne project managers recommend for local jobs. But how do you pick the right machine?
Choose the Perfect Excavator Based on Your Job Needs
Excavators are among the most used pieces of equipment on just about any construction site. The main reason is that they are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of accessories to get more than one job done.
Since they’re available in a wide range of sizes, it’s important to choose the right excavator for the job. Here are a few tips from our experts to help you choose the right one.
- Match the Excavator to Your Job Site
For starters, it’s important to note that while excavators look similar, different models have various features to offer. Some of these features are specifically designed for certain jobs and terrains.
An excavator should be able to dig, lift and carry materials around the job site. The first factor to consider when you’re about to hire an excavator is what type of terkrain you’ll be using it on. Some important specifications to look out for include:
- Weight: An excavator that’s too light won’t get the job done efficiently. On the other hand, an excavator that’s too heavy may end up damaging the terrain. Here you need to focus on the maximum operating weight to cover the operator, equipment and load options.
- Engine power: Opt for an excavator that will be strong enough to easily get around the jobsite and perform the required tasks. Compare the strength of the engine to the digging tasks expected. Certain jobs may require you to choose units with stronger engines.
- Bucket capacity: The bucket accessories are among the most requested accessories to enhance an excavator’s functionality. Our experts recommend comparing the job that needs to be done with the types of buckets available.
- Consider the Size of the Excavator
A crucial factor to consider before hiring an excavator is the size of the machine. This is especially the case if your site is smaller than usual job sites or if there are narrow passageways to maneuver in and around.
While excavator categories are based on average sizes, keep in mind that specifications may differ between manufacturers. Our experts suggest keeping the following criteria in mind regarding sizes.
- Standard: Models that are between 10 and 45 tons fall into the standard category. These sizes are the most versatile excavators and can easily work in any space and with most job types. They’re also easy to transport and their durability means they can tackle just about any job, with or without accessories.
- Mini or compact: These types of excavators are among the most favoured options to hire and purchase. The top reason for this is that they are the most mobile. Their weight varies between 2,100 pounds to just under 10 tons. Mini excavators are the perfect machines for jobs that have narrow spaces to manoeuvre around. They also require the least amount of power and won’t do any damage to sidewalks, yards or roads where they work.
- Large: Excavators that weigh up to 95 tons are considered the largest currently on the market. These giants are best suited for work in urban environments or areas where there are slopes and hills to work around. The only real issue with these machines is that they need a huge trailer to be moved around.
- Experts Recommend Using a Mini Excavator
As with the cherry picker hire that many project managers rely on, the excavator hire process is quick and simple. With that in mind, our experts recommend opting for a mini excavator hire wherever possible. Benefits include:
- Smaller footprint.
- These machines are considerably easier to work with.
- Less impact on the environment as these models cause less ground damage.
- Easy transport since mini excavators can easily be loaded onto the back of a utility truck to transport between job sites.
- Lower transportation weight because many mini excavators have a general operating weight of fewer than 10,000 lbs.
Final Thought
There’s no doubt that excavators are the perfect machines to get a variety of jobs done on the average construction site. Different accessories make these machines very versatile and allow for more than one job to get done with a single machine. Hire the right excavator and a variety of accessories and see how much work gets done on your job site in record time!