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Need to find the right excavator for your next job, but don’t know where to start? All the different excavator types and sizes on the market can be a lot to remember\u2026but don\u2019t worry. We\u2019ve got you covered!<\/p>\n
In this guide, you’ll learn the different types of excavators on the market from the most common to excavators purpose-built for specific job types.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what to know and look for to make the best decision for your team.<\/p>\n
An excavator’s size and maximum operating weight matter, because a machine too light can reduce performance or pose a safety risk, while excavators that are too heavy can potentially damage a site.<\/p>\n
Always factor in must-have specifications based on the worksite conditions you expect. In addition to a machine’s size, you should consider the following factors when choosing an excavator:<\/p>\n
With these specifications in mind, be sure to select the right type of excavator or mix of excavator types to suit your needs.<\/p>\n
Most excavators fall into one of two types\u2014wheeled and tracked. Some excavators are classified by their operational controls or the nature of their boom or arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A wheeled excavator is ideal for roadwork and urban excavation because operators can<\/em> easily and quickly maneuver on flat surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Compared to crawlers that travel 4 to 6 miles per hour (mph), wheeled excavators can reach speeds of up to 20 mph<\/a>.<\/p>\n While crawlers excel on uneven surfaces by distributing weight more evenly, you can<\/em> make a wheeled excavator more stable in certain conditions by using outriggers. For a delicate job that requires keeping a well-manicured lawn in-tact, consider a wheeled excavator.<\/p>\n A crawler or tracked excavator operates on rubber or steel tracks; many excavators can be classified as crawlers regardless of size. You may need a crawler if you regularly lift heavy soil or debris using hydraulic-powered mechanisms on uneven terrain. While tracked excavators move slower than wheeled excavators, they provide the balance and stability you need for certain job sites.<\/p>\n Consider a crawler for heavy-duty construction, landscaping, or mining projects where terrain may be soft, muddy, steep, or uneven.<\/p>\n A demolition excavator like the Cat\u00ae 340 Straight Boom is ideal for any demolition job due to its auxiliary hydraulic options. Features like smart mode on the 340 can improve fuel efficiency up to 15% by idling down in cases where hydraulic power isn\u2019t needed.<\/p>\n Demolition excavators also contain deluxe cabs for added protection, comfort, and safely; some can even tilt up to 30 degrees for added comfort during demolition tasks.<\/p>\n A long reach excavator is ideal for industrial demolition jobs and heavy-duty digging. They work well for breaking or crumbling walls, and they are the best option if you need to demolish a structure near a body of water. Long reach excavators are essentially tracked excavators characterized by longer boom and arm sections that provide up to 100 feet of horizontal reach.<\/p>\n To help you determine what excavator you need based for your job, review our excavator size comparison chart.<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Wheeled Excavator<\/h3>\n
Crawler or Tracked Excavator<\/h3>\n
Demolition Excavator<\/h3>\n
Long Reach Excavator<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nExcavator Sizes<\/h2>\n