Excavator Specifications: A First-Time Buyer’s Roadmap to Success

Excavator is the leading and primary product in the construction equipment industry. The demand for excavators is rising with the rising demand of the construction equipment industry. The excavator comes in various specifications, which include shapes, sizes, and attachments. Specifications play a key role when it comes to choosing an excavator. The specifications should match the requirements, and the business should buy accordingly.

When a business plans to acquire an excavator, it must focus on the specifications. Understanding the specifications of a machine is important because it must coincide with the scope of work. It is a challenge to navigate through complex specifications and understand them.

A business that is new to this industry needs consultation and guidance in understanding the specifications to meet the requirements of the business. Desi Machines is a platform of experts who guide its users throughout the process of acquisition. Our expert will analyze the job type and its requirements and will suggest a suitable model for the business. In this blog, we will analyze the specifications of the excavator and its capacity in detail so that buyers can get an idea before choosing a model.

Excavator Specs – A Simple Guide for First-Time Buyers

• Engine Power: The engine power of an excavator depends on the size of the machine. The smaller the size, the less the engine capacity, and vice versa. It is generally measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (hp). A mini excavator’s engine capacity ranges from 13-50 hp, a mid-size excavator ranges from 50-120 hp, and the large excavator’s engine capacity is 120 hp and above. For example, the JCB 30 Plus is a mini excavator that has an engine capacity of 24.7 hp, whereas the JCB 315LC HD is a large excavator with an engine capacity of 221 hp. Mini and mid-sized excavators are used for landscaping and utility works, and large excavators are used for mining, demolition, and large-scale construction work.
• Operating Weight: Excavators come in various sizes – Mini, Small, medium, large, extra-large excavators, and long-reach excavators. Mini or compact excavators are excavators with a capacity of 0-6 tons and are generally used for landscaping, trenching, and small demolitions. Small excavators are excavators with a capacity of 6-15 tons. Medium excavators are called mid-size excavators with a 15-25 tons capacity. They are generally used for medium-sized construction, utility, or road maintenance jobs. The large excavators are used for large-scale projects. They have a capacity of 25-50 tons and are generally used for massive workloads, and digging at greater depths. Extra-large excavator which has a capacity of more than 50 tons generally used in mining and massive excavation. Long-reach excavators are heavy engine-powered and are used in dredging, demolition, deep excavation, and reaching areas where it is hard to access.
• Digging Depth & Reach: One of the important specifications of the excavator is the digging capacity of the excavator. This specification focuses on tasks like digging, trenching, or foundation work. Different excavators of different sizes have different digging capacities. A mini excavator can dig up to 3 meters, a mid-size excavator can reach up to a depth of 6 meters, and a large excavator can dig up to a depth of 8 meters. The deeper the excavator can dig, the more it is suitable for foundation work. The longer the reach of the boom, the more effective the excavator is when the machine cannot be moved.
• Bucket Capacity: The bucket is the attachment at the end of the arm used to dig, scoop, and carry materials. It comes in various shapes and sizes, designed for specific tasks. The bucket has teeth or cutting edge which is required to break through rocks. The size and shape of the bucket affect productivity so choosing the right bucket type is very crucial. The bucket capacity determines the amount of materials it can hold. The larger the bucket size the more it can carry and move it to another place hence increasing the productivity while smaller bucket size increases precision and is ideal for tight spaces. The bucket capacity of a mini excavator ranges from 0.025m³ – 0.15m³, the mid-size excavator ranges from 0.15m³- 1m³ and the large excavator ranges from 1 – 5m³.
• Hydraulic Flow and Pressure: The hydraulic system of an excavator is a complex network of high-pressure hoses, pumps, valves, and cylinders that is responsible for the movement of the boom, arm, and bucket. The operator uses these components to lift material using hydraulics. The hydraulic system determines the system’s ability to exert force. It is generally measured in liters per minute (LPM). The higher the hydraulic flow, the faster and more powerful operations such as digging, lifting, and material handling are done. The hydraulic pressure is also very important in breaking stones and lifting heavy loads. The hydraulic flow of the mini excavator is between 30-90 LPM, the mid-size excavator is between 100-250 LPM, and in the case of a large excavator it varies between 300-600 LPM.
• Undercarriage: The undercarriage is used to support the machine’s weight, providing stability and movement. The undercarriages include tracks and wheels depending on the excavator type. Tracks are used in rough and uneven terrain to improve traction. The excavator attached to the tracks is called a crawler excavator. A wheeled excavator provides better performance on smoother surfaces such as asphalt. While the track excavator lacks mobility, the wheeled excavator is easily movable from one place to another. The undercarriages also come with features like adjustable width and detachable tracks to cope with various job sites to give maximum output.
• Swing Gear: Swing Gear is an attachment loaded at the base of the excavator to provide a 360-degree swing of the excavator. This specification is very much essential as it allows the excavator to work in all directions without moving the machine. It enables the operator to reach different work site areas without repositioning the excavator. It increases productivity as the excavator can work in any direction without moving the undercarriage.
• Travel Speed: The travel speed determines how fast the excavator can travel across the work sites. It is generally measured in km/hr. Higher travel speed is preferred in large job sites so that the excavator can move quickly. Slower speed is adequate for smaller job sites and where work is dedicated to a confined space. The travel speed of a mini excavator ranges from 2 to 5 km/hr., a mid-size excavator ranges from 4 to 7 km/hr, and a large excavator is 4 to 6 km/hr.

Extra Tips – How to Spot Hidden Features in Excavator Specifications

Apart from these specifications, the buyer should consider other features while selecting a model for the job. We refer to these as hidden specifications, but it is equally important and contributes to the overall productivity.

Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance Cost

Fuel efficiency is very important because it affects your operating cost over time. While buyers mainly focus on engine power, the understanding of fuel consumption is equally important. Modern excavators are equipped with advanced technology which offers fuel efficiency and optimal performance. This reduces operating costs for machines that are used frequently.

Aftermarket Add-ons and Accessories

Excavators come with accessories that boost their performance, versatility, and functionality. Hydraulic attachments like breakers, grapples, or augers are used and safety attachments like cameras and modern lighting are used.

Warranty and Service Option

Excavators come with a warranty and after-sales service option. One has to read the warranty agreement carefully before buying. Availability of service centers decreases the risk of downtime and machine failure. Regular maintenance checks, servicing, and replacing damaged parts will make the excavator run longer.

Conclusion

An investment in the excavator is huge and analyzing carefully all the specifications and understanding the job requirements is very necessary. Desi Machines has a team of experts who guide you to identify the best excavator that suits your tasks. Desi Machines will give you the best deals as it deals with top brands in the country and in large quantities. It will guide you throughout the process of selecting and buying. It also offers finance and insurance options.