
There are two main categories of excavators, one is the tire excavator and the other is the crawler excavator. Both configurations have their own pros and cons, and you first need to determine which configuration best suits your needs.
It is then necessary to determine whether you need a “standard” excavator or one with a special configuration. There aren’t many structural differences between different excavators, even when switching from one brand to another. An excavator is a versatile machine that usually just requires changing tools depending on the job that needs to be done. However, some configurations are suitable for specific conditions.
For example:
1. The arm of the demolition excavator can be reached to the top of the building using demolition tools. The cab is usually protected from damage by falling materials and can be tilted upward so that the operator can see where he is. working.
Zero-tail swing excavators can rotate without exceeding the surface of the machine, allowing them to work near walls without the risk of contact. Walking excavators are equipped with articulated “legs” that allow them to work on steep or rough terrain.
Multipurpose excavators have an arm with additional joints to increase the range of movement, thereby increasing the machine’s versatility.
There are also road-rail models for working on railways, amphibious models for working on bodies of water, etc.
The main selection criteria for an excavator are its size and power. The dimensions of the machine are characterized by its operating weight (for example, we can say: a 10-ton excavator).Available in a variety of sizes, from the smallest models of less than 1 ton to surface mining excavators of over 100 tons.
You need to choose an excavator that suits your needs. A model that is too small may not be able to do the job required, and a model that is too large may be too cumbersome and expensive. The weight of an excavator can give an idea of the overall size of the machine, but it’s important to make sure the arm can reach the maximum distance it has to work. Most manufacturers provide diagrams in their technical documentation that represent the movement of the robotic arm to indicate the maximum height and depth that can be achieved.
Another important factor is the power of the engine, which powers the hydraulics that power the robotic arm and the tools mounted on the arm. The engine is related to the size of the machine, but may vary, with a more powerful engine capable of performing more difficult jobs.
Most excavators are equipped with diesel engines, although in recent years we have seen the emergence of some hybrid diesel/electric engines equipped with energy recovery systems.
Therefore, excavators must comply with the anti-pollution standards prevailing in the country in which they are used, most notably the US classification system and European emission standards. Once you have determined the main features of the excavator you need, you can also choose an excavator based on criteria such as ergonomics of the driving position, comfort, work aids or noise levels.