Ever wondered what those giant heavy machines that you have seen at construction sites are? These movable machines resemble a crane and are used to carry and move objects easily. They consist of a rotating arm with a bucket on one end and a square-shaped cabin for the driver.
Without excavators, it would be impossible to carry out the construction task. They are used for multipurpose activities like digging, moving construction materials, moving waste, demolitions and many more. Excavators also come in different shapes and sizes depending upon the needs of the project. Let us go through the 5 most commonly used excavators.
Top 5 Commonly Used Excavators.
1. Crawler Excavators
This type of excavator comes with specialised rotating chain tracks that work on any terrain: rough, smooth or hilly—one of the main reasons they are considered all-rounders. As the terrain is not a limitation, they can be used for digging, mining, and lifting heavy objects and can also be used to even out rocky surfaces. The only limitation they pose is being slow compared to wheel-based excavators. Overall, crawlers provide good balance and stability while carrying out tasks.
2. Wheeled Excavators
As the name suggests, these excavators run on wheels rather than tracks. The wheel boosts the speed of the excavator. The upper structure is similar to that of a crawler. The disadvantage of this excavator is its unsuitability for uneven grounds. Hence, it is mainly used for city projects and runs on even tracks. The wheels increase the ability and control of the machines.
3. Suction/Vacuum Excavators
These excavators are used for digging and cleaning debris, mainly for underground projects. Pipes are inserted into the target area, and a high-pressure water jet is released. This method diminishes the chances of damage. Once the water wets the earth, the pipe is used to carry the debris. Although these vacuum excavators can go up to 200 miles per hour, they are impractical for large scale projects as the diameter of the pipes is usually around 30 cm or less.
4. Dragline Excavators
They can simply be considered upgraded crawler excavators with different mechanisms. These are very big and can only be used for extensive civil engineering projects. The machine consists of different ropes that help it to drag and hoist. Both these ropes help to control and induce the bucket in different directions. These dragline excavators are suitable for underwater projects as well.
5. Long-Reach Excavators
These excavators have long arms that can extend from 40 to 200 feet. This long arm is beneficial because it can reach inaccessible areas. The arm also acts as a safety mechanism for projects that run the risk of damage. These machines can easily be manoeuvred to demolish structures. However, since the arm is so long, it cannot fit in small or limited spaces.
Wrapping It Up.
While looking for an excavator, consider the different project requirements. If you need excavators for a large- or small-scale project, consider the duration and the cost. Then, choose between renting and purchasing. Select the option that falls within your budget and suits your purposes.
