Excavators are important heavy machines required in the construction sector. They often come in various shapes and sizes, and their functionalities may differ from model to model.
With many options out there, it might be a challenge to choose the right one for your project. But by understanding the following factors, it will be much easier to make the right decision:
The operator’s comfort is perhaps the last thing you consider when buying an excavator. But while job and budget requirements determine what you will end up purchasing, the operator’s well-being must be your top priority, too.
Why is that?
When operators sit on uncomfortable seats for many hours, they develop back issues or become fatigued. According to Torrent Mulchers, fatigue is an issue for operators since it minimizes their mental capacity, making them unmotivated and less productive.
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Hydraulics and Attachments
Hydraulic systems drive the machine’s responsiveness and lifting strength, enabling the equipment to work much faster throughout. It will be best to consider all the attachments you want to work with and be familiar with the hydraulic flow needed for each.
Equipping yourself with a brush cutter for excavator and other attachments can give you the versatility you need to leverage the entire investment. Make sure to inquire about the coupler options of the machine. With this, you will determine the variety and scope of the attachments you may use.
Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better when it comes to machines like excavators. Understanding the size of the excavator you want, be it large, standard, or compact, is important.
Buying too small excavators may lead to performance issues as they lack the digging depth or power required to do the job. Purchasing too large excavators will also be regarded as overkill.
The investment amount, which goes into large excavators, be it transportation means, maintenance, or the machine itself, is important and must be considered carefully.
Luckily for purchasers, there are different configurations within every size category; thus, it doesn’t need to be an issue to narrow down to the sizing needs.
The scope of the project is vital, especially when buying new excavators. To make the right choice, look at the hydraulic system of the machine.
A powerful hydraulic system will allow for efficiency and improvement in productivity as it matches the required power. Plus, you need to consider the zero-house swing or zero-tail swing features of an excavator.
Zero-tail swing allows excavators to move quickly while minimizing accidental impacts on nearby objects, while zero-house swing helps operators prevent hitting the sides and front of an excavator when operating the equipment.
The cost of maintenance is obviously higher for a used excavator than for a new one. If you purchase a new one for $79,000 with an approximate lifespan of around 10,000 hours, it can cost you about $7.90 per hour. This cost doubles for used excavators.
To Wrap Up
Excavators are valuable and versatile machines to have at a construction job site, and buying one may reap a lot of long-term benefits. Although there is a minimized upfront fees linked with buying used excavators, there are benefits that come with purchasing new ones.
Interesting Related Article: “A Guide to Excavator Attachments: What You Need to Know“