What Size Excavator Do I Need for Small Operations?

excavators from Bobcat

Whether you’re in the construction industry, landscaping business, or utility profession, you know that the use of different excavator sizes and weights determines your operation’s efficiency. When it comes to projects with small working areas or detailed plans that require careful actions, you can count on a mini excavator to get the job done.

If you’re a business owner who thinks that your organization can benefit from an excavator, but still doesn’t know what are the different sizes of mini excavators, and which configuration is right for you then, we’ve made this article to help you make an informed decision.

What are Mini Excavators?

Compact excavators can perform the tasks that a regular excavator can do but with more finesse. Whether it’s drilling, digging, or transporting materials, the mini excavator can do it all. Adding this tool to your arsenal will maximize your operation’s productivity.

Aside from optimized productivity, the compact excavator’s tare allows it to go through constructed areas with minimal risk. Take for example, the terrace forestation task in Turkey that required the delicate work of a mini excavator so that no harm will happen to its ecosystem. The mini excavator executed the task smoothly even with the steep terrain conditions.

In addition to the benefits we’ve mentioned, the compact excavator can be transported without difficulty from site to site, making it a valuable investment if your firm is working on multiple projects.

What Can I Use My Excavator For?

Excavators can be used for a variety of tasks ranging from detail-oriented tasks like drilling holes for posts and digging trenches to general tasks like, land clearing and material transfers.

The compact excavator’s functions are further optimized depending on the attachment used. Below are some additional features you can avail of to make improve operations.

Hydraulic Breaker with Nail Point

Often used for demolition operations, hydraulic breakers can easily break through concrete and rocks.

Grapple

The grapple attachment allows your operators to safely handle and move heavy materials with ease. Grapples are commonly used for land clearing, landscaping, and construction.

Ripper

If your operations are stunted by hard terrains, the ripper will help you breach the solid exterior. This attachment only has a single point of contact and is best used for trenching operations.

Power Tilt

Avoid objects by digging around and underneath them with ease. The power tilt accessory will allow you to effortlessly scoop out land without damaging surrounding items, making it an excellent tool to have for digging for shaped swimming pools and ditches for pipework.

Grading Blade

Leveling your project’s terrain can be a pain without the right tools. With the help of the grading blade add-on, you can accomplish this task effortlessly.

Flail Mower

If you often perform clearing operations for your clients, a flail mower extension will allow you to execute this task efficiently. The attachment will help you clear the vegetation in your working area in a shorter time.

Auger Drive Unit

For projects that need precision like burrowing for trees and lamp posts, the auger drive unit attachment will help your team accomplish the task accurately.

excavator sizes and weights

What Size Excavator Do I Need?

The mini excavator’s versatility is matched by the number of configurations available. For example, the diverse excavators from Bobcat can weigh between 1,177kg and 8,891kg, not including the load of the attachments.

The weight, capabilities, and accessories available for compact excavators will vary according to each manufacturer’s standard. Because there are numerous options available in the market, you should ask yourself the following questions to know what excavator you’ll need for your business.

Below are some questions you can answer to help you narrow down your choices:

What will the mini excavator be used for?

What towing capacity is needed?

How deep do my operators need to dig?

What tools or attachments can my business benefit from?

How much space does the project site have?

Does my company have the right tools to transport the excavator?

What safety features would I like my equipment to have?

What terrain will the compact excavator be used for?

Once you’ve answered the questions above, you’ll have a better idea of the excavator size you’ll need for your organization.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Business

Purchasing a mini excavator is a huge investment that needs thorough planning. Now that you have an idea about the excavator size you need, you’ll have to plan out your budget and dealership choices next.

Finding a dealer that has your best intentions at heart and possesses ample product knowledge is a crucial part of the purchasing process. A trusted compact excavator dealer, like CMI Equipment, can help you navigate this purchase with confidence and ease.

If you’re ready to expand your business’s equipment arsenal, feel free to contact us for a free quote.