What are Excavators Used for?

Excavators are widely used in construction, mining, environmental landscaping, and forestry 
sectors. Their main purpose is typically related to digging and moving soil. They are 
responsible for tasks such as foundation excavation, road construction, and building 
demolition. As heavy equipment, excavators significantly reduce the workload by completing 
tasks in a much shorter time compared to manual labour. Additionally, these machines can be 
used for various purposes with different attachments. Due to their different sizes and types, 
each excavator has its own range of applications and purposes. 
For example, mini excavator models are used for digging and drilling in small and narrow 
spaces. They are among the most preferred models due to their versatile use. We can see these 
machines in small-scale applications such as landscaping. On the other hand, larger excavator 
models are predominantly used in industrial tasks, earthmoving, heavy lifting, and projects 
such as road and tunnel construction. These machines weigh between 45-80 tons.

Excavator selection should be done based on the site and industry requirements, considering 
the appropriate size and combining it with the right attachments for more functional use. This 
can provide significant convenience and efficiency in terms of work.

Features of Excavators:

● They are robust and durable, designed for heavy-duty tasks. They enable easy 
completion of various different jobs.

● Depending on the intended use, they may need to be equipped with different 
attachments. For example, a demolition excavator may require a hydraulic breaker 
attachment, or a digging and trenching excavator may need an auger attachment. 
● Only excavator operators with a G driver's license are authorized to operate these 
machines. 
● Excavators come in two different types of movement systems: tracked (with crawler 
tracks) and wheeled. The most suitable and safe model should be chosen based on the 
terrain conditions, whether it is flat or rough. 
● They are commonly used for land clearing, demolition, digging, construction sites, 
foundation excavation, and earthmoving tasks.

Types of Excavators:

Excavators come in different types, categorized based on the nature of the work, movement 
systems, technical specifications, and tonnage. Let's briefly discuss the varieties of these 
machines: 
Crawler Excavator: These are heavy-duty machines that move on tracks, mainly used for 
rough and muddy terrains. They are preferred for mining and heavy construction tasks due to 
their stability. Crawler excavators cannot travel long distances on their own and require 
transportation by a carrier vehicle. 
Wheel Excavator: Designed to move on wheels, these excavators are suitable for flat asphalt 
surfaces. They offer advantages such as easy mobility without the need for transportation. 
They can perform tasks like transportation, loading, digging, and trenching. It's important to 
note that when working, the support legs should be firmly placed on the ground, and not 
solely rely on the wheels. 
Mini Excavator: These machines, weighing up to 11 tons, are used in small and narrow areas 
that require precision work. They are commonly used in landscaping and road construction 
projects that don't involve deep excavation. 
Long Reach Excavator: Also known as demolition excavators, these machines are used for 
demolishing buildings up to 200 feet in height. With a long arm and boom, this type of 
excavator is not suitable for confined spaces. They are used for tasks like excavating debris 
and reaching inaccessible areas. 
Suction or Vacuum Excavators: These machines are preferred for underground works and 
excavation projects that require a precise operation. They have water jets and high-pressure 
vacuum systems to clean dirt and debris. 
Zero Tail Swing Excavators: These excavators have excellent manoeuvrability in tight 
spaces. They are used for tasks such as pool excavation, residential projects, and small-scale 
cleaning. The attachments of this type extend from above the cabin, making them more 
convenient for challenging turns.

Are Excavators and Backhoes the Same Thing?

The difference between excavators and backhoes lies in size, weight, and functionality. 
Backhoes, also known as backhoe loaders have a smaller design. They are preferred for 
smaller tasks as they have less power and carrying capacity. Backhoes have similarities with 
excavators in terms of using almost the same attachments. However, the most significant 
difference lies in the rotation range. Backhoes have a rotation capability of 200 degrees, while 
excavators are designed to make a complete circle.

What to Consider When Buying a Used Excavator:

•  Analyze the type of work to be done and choose equipment that is suitable for it. For 
  smaller jobs, a large excavator may be excessive, while choosing a mini excavator for heavy 
  tasks will reduce your productivity.
•  Find out which attachments are included with the excavator you're purchasing and ensure 
  they are suitable for your specific job.
• The bucket is a crucial part of an excavator, so examine it carefully. If it shows excessive 
  wear and reduced cutting force, it may raise concerns.
• Check the working hour counter. The number of working hours is an important detail 
  indicating the equipment's usage life.
• Select an excavator with a bucket suitable for the type of soil you will be excavating.
• Pay attention to the tension of the tracks in crawler models and make sure they are 
  compatible with the ground you will be working on.
• Inspect the machine for signs of wear, cracks, and bending. These could indicate improper 
  maintenance of the excavator.
• Inquire about the equipment's service history and ensure that timely maintenance has been 
  performed.
• Examine the condition of the tires and check the manufacturing date on them.
• Prior to purchasing a used machine, research whether the model has sufficient parts support 
  in the market. It is important for the equipment to be operational in case of any future issues.

Used Excavators are at machinerymarket.com :

You can explore listings on machinerymarket.com for used excavator prices. By purchasing used 
equipment, you can save on your budget and increase the options for adding more equipment

to your workflow. You are at the right place to quickly and easily find machines from major 
brands like Cat, Komatsu, Volvo, and more! 
Make your offer on the equipment that suits you best and complete your purchase at 
advantageous prices. If you want to sell your equipment, you can create a free listing and 
reach buyers from around the world in no time.