Excavators are among the best known in the field of works. Different types exist like vacuum excavators, hydro excavators; it is sometimes difficult to navigate and to know which machine to use for which types of work. Why use a tire shovel rather than a crawler excavator? When to favor the use of a mini-excavator? Do I need a long reach excavator? A professional, if you are required to hire this type of equipment on an ad hoc basis, then scoop hire is right choice for you and this article allows you to sort out and remember the essentials about these machines.
The main types of shovels and their uses:
When you need to lift heavy amounts of soil or other materials, the use of the excavator is essential on your sites. These are popular earthmoving machines which are mainly composed of an attachment, most often a bucket, an arm, a rotary cab and movable tracks or tires. These components provide digging power and mobility, allowing this heavy construction machine to perform a wide variety of functions.
But what are hydraulic excavators for?
They are used by construction and industry contractors, whether in mining, road construction, buildings or to carry out demolition work. There are many types of shovels: when renting this type of machine, you need to take into account its size and speed, as well as working conditions, such as the available space and the type of soil for example. We will show you these different types of excavators by specifying the type of work most suited to each.
Crawler excavator:
Unlike wheeled excavators, tracked machines are often used in mining and heavy construction. Also known as excavators, they use hydraulic mechanisms to lift heavy debris and dig the soil. The tracks allow access to uneven, hilly terrain and thus, for example, to climb hills without risk, taking care to analyze the elevation of the slope before, of course. If this machine is slower than the wheel excavator, it offers better balance and greater stability. Attention, if the soil type is fragile, the tracks are not suitable, you will have to opt for the shovel on a tire to avoid any damage.
The drag line (mechanical shovel with cables):
The drag line is a larger excavator that does not work like the previous ones. It is a lifting cable system that will ensure the excavation and not an arm + bucket system. The bucket is attached to 2 cables, one from the top, and the other from the bottom, attached to a drag line rope that goes from the bucket to the cabin. In other words, the lifting cable raises and lowers the bucket, while the sling pulls the bucket towards the driver.
The drag lines being very heavy and bulky vehicles, they are often mounted on site. The unique system of this type of machine is commonly used in large-scale civil engineering projects, such as in canal construction or in surface mines.
Wheel excavator:
On sites where the soil is more fragile and where the machine requires frequent movement (being faster than that on tires), the wheel excavator is more suitable. It is also a more manageable machine which, on the other hand, makes it possible to perform the same work. Be aware that the tire shovel can be equipped with stabilizers to prevent it from overturning. A blade is also installed on the chassis which gives it greater stability and makes it possible to level the ground or fill in the trenches.
Long reach excavators:
As the name suggests, the long-reach shovel has a longer arm and boom than the conventional shovel. It allows you to reach places with restricted or remote access that is difficult to reach. The extendable arm of this machine allows it to reach more than 27 meters long when unfolded.
Ideal for demolition projects, it is particularly useful for constructions behind a body of water. In summary, it is designed to overcome all types of obstacles. As with other excavators, different acc Main accessories of the mechanical shovel:
Many accessories like Final Drive Motor 6677666 and equipment adapt to excavators to make them very versatile machines.
The hydraulic cylinders, jibs, arms and accessories provide digging and holding functions, while the upper part, the cabin, allows the driver to steer the machine. The rotating platform provides the mobility necessary to lift and remove debris generated by the work. In addition to the different types of buckets, other accessories are very often used such as the auger, the BRH, the grapple, the clamp and the quick coupler also called Morin clamp accessories can be attached to the arm for other types of work.
Can a shovel be used for demolition work?
The excavator can be a good ally for demolition work. Some of its accessories have been specially designed for this purpose. For the demolition of a house, it must be ensured that the size of the machine is adapted to the scope of the work and the size of the house. It is essential to take into account the constraints of height, access and the type of material to be demolished.
Do not confuse backhoe and backhoe loader:
Backhoe loaders are commonly used on construction sites, but they are often confused with backhoes. Although they have similar digging and lifting capacities, these two machines differ in size, weight and functionality.
The special feature of the backhoe loader is its ability to carry out the work of both the loader and the backhoe. This versatility can be useful, but be aware that a backhoe loader will have less working power than a backhoe.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
