Meta Description: Are you confused about which type of mini excavator to choose? Either conventional or Zero tail swing? Read the expert guide to know which is suitable for your commercial project’s needs!
It is a concept that people prefer to use mini excavators in construction and other industries. This machine is very versatile and affordable. So you may use it in handling the digging, lifting and loading of many objects. However, there are two types of tail swings. One is conventional, and the other is zero tail swing. So it is up to you to choose the one that best suits your project needs.
There are many factors that help you to differentiate between the two. So you should consider all these factors to choose the right mini excavator. It is possible for you to boost the productivity of your job site. For this, you need to evaluate the conditions of the job site and implement a Zero tail swing excavator.
Conventional VS Zero Tail Swing Mini Excavator:
Maybe both of these excavators are new to you. Maybe you have never heard which HIXEN brand excavators are best. So you must read this article to know the difference between the two. This article will highlight some benefits of both excavators. This way you can easily choose the one according to your needs.
Once you get an idea about both excavators, then it is the right time to assess your site to make the financially best decision. This way, you may boost the productivity of your project. Now explore both these excavators separately.
What is a conventional tail swing excavator?
Commonly conventional tail swing excavators are the best choice because of their counterweight. It is more beneficial than the rotation of steel tracks. Through counterweight, you may keep your machine in balance. This way, the centre of gravity is equal to the centre of rotation. It means operators don’t need to top off the excavator to load and unload objects. However, conventional excavators have less centre of gravity. But if the machine is large, it requires large counterweights.
When you increase the load capacity and arm length, then it may help in the fitting of extra counterweight in an excavator. It is the reason why large counterweights are present in specialized excavators. Size does not matter for the machine. But it helps to incorporate the counterweights.
What is a Zero tail swing excavator?
It is another type of mini excavator, but it is different from conventional. The main difference is that it can rotate the body within tracks. Commonly zero tail swing excavators are designed to counterweight the balance of the machine. This way, the machine maximizes the distance. However, there is no more room for counterweights. So it affects the load capacity of the machine.
Benefits of conventional Vs. Zero tail swing excavator?
When it comes to considering the digging performance, then nothing is better than a conventional excavator. When you have an excavator with large tail swings, then it has more leverage and boosts the output and capacity. It means conventional excavators are a great option for open projects with less or no obstacles. Moreover, conventional excavators are good for lifting heavy weights.
Cons of conventional excavator vs Zero tail swing?
When you have to remove a lot of debris and other materials from the work site without obstacles, then you must choose the conventional excavator because it is the super option. However, it has a tail swing and a sheer size. So it is commonly not used in areas close to buildings. It means if you use this excavator in such a situation. It may cause damage to your machine or work site.
Benefits of Zero tail swing excavators
When you have to work in tight and small places, then nothing is better than investing in zero-tail swing excavators. The machine has only a few centimetres more counterweights compared to conventional machines. It is why the machine is used in many built areas. Moreover, it has a lot of loading capacity.
Cons of Zero tail swing excavators
When you have to choose a mini excavator, you must consider the efficiency of the machine. It is said that zero tail swing excavators have less efficiency compared to conventional. The reason is that conventional excavators have much capacity to handle large and heavy objects. But make sure to choose an excavator with more access and available space.
The main drawback of zero-swing excavators is that you face difficulty accessing and maintaining the machine in case of something goes wrong. However, small excavators have small spaces where all the parts are present. So, it becomes channelling to maintain the machine.
Attachment versatility
Maybe you think that conventional excavators are more versatile compared to zero excavators. However, both excavators have different sizes and lifting capacities. That is why zero excavators have less versatility. While if you operate this machine with many attachments. Then it is the best option to perform tasks efficiently.
The following are some famous attachments that you may have with zero swings:
- Hydraulic quick hitch
- Hydraulic breaker
- Land rake
- Hydraulic post knocker
- Hydraulic wacker plate
What is Common About Conventional and Zero Tail Swing Mini Excavator
Changing any machine is necessary to keep it updated according to the latest requirements. You may compare yesterday’s machine with today’s machine. You will know how much efficient and comfortable today’s excavator is.
There are many new features and advancements in today’s excavators. These include many tail swings, cab comfort, joysticks, maintenance upgrades, angle blade and rollout of depth.
Automatic climate control:
The main feature of the latest excavator is automatic climate control. So, it allows drivers to maintain the climate according to their needs. As a result, the excavator will keep the cab temperature steady.
Improved visibility:
Another feature is enhanced visibility. Now the cab of the machine is designed in a way that suggests people to easily and clearly see the job site, attachment and other things.
Adjustable, heated seats:
Now the excavators are coming with man adjustment points. So, these can easily adjust the position of the seat and give a comfortable feel. Moreover, now the excavators have heated seat features that keep drivers warm. So, they efficiently focus on the tasks in the winter.
Reduced vibration:
Thanks to the latest technology that has reduced the vibration in the machine during operation. This way, it creates a comfortable and peaceful environment.
LED lights:
Now the excavators have LED lights that give bright and far-reaching illumination. So, it is the best option when you work in low light.
Connected stereo:
Now the excavators have the best-connected stereo system. So, operators can easily plug in the device and listen to some tunes.
Improved angle blades
Now the excavators have improved angle blades. This help to get a smooth grade compared to old blades.
Now operators may angle the blade to almost 25 degrees left and right. So they can easily find the right position to work. This way, the angle provides more stability while lifting heavy weights and trenching holes.
Telematics
The major feature of today’s excavator is that it comes with a telematics system. So, it helps to keep the uptime and allows owners to check the condition, location and productivity of the machine. This way, operators can control the machine when they receive the notifications.
Which is more expensive to hire?
When you buy or rent an excavator, either conventional or Zero tail swing. Then it is the best investment that can boost the project’s productivity. When we talk about the cost of both machines, then you may know that it may vary based on the attachments and other factors such as classes.
Commonly the zero tail swing excavator is considered a special machine. So it is more costly for a weekly hire rate. But it is not necessary in all cases. Suppose the company is operating a new regular machine. Then the price of such a machine is competitive. The reason is constant change in the design and building of the machine.
In simple words, zero-tail swing excavators are more special. So these machines are most costly compared to conventional machines. While you may also explore many other differences when working with a company.
What to Check While Buying Tail Swing Mini Excavator:
Though the name suggests. Mini excavators are small in size and less in weight. Moreover, these are versatile and easy-to-transport machines on trucks. That is why people prefer to use mini excavators in almost every project. There are many zero-tail swing excavators that give you 360 degrees of rotation. At this stage, CAB doesn’t bump against obstacles.
Commonly the weight of a mini excavator ranges between 4,000 pounds to 18,800 pounds. The following are some important features that allow you to choose the right excavator:
Engine power & cab design
Engine power in compact excavators is the best way to determine the degree of push at the wheels. Not only horsepower determines engine power. There are still many ways which include the number of cylinders and torque speed.
Suppose we talk about the cab design. Then make sure to buy an excavator with a closed cab instead of an open cab. This way, the operator may protect himself from flying debris and tough weather. It means the operator may operate the machine in a comfortable and peaceful environment.
Tail configurations
There are three tail configurations. One is a zero-tail swing; the other is a minimal tail swing, while the last one is a conventional tail swing. The most famous among all these types are zero tail swing. At the same time, the conventional tail swing is the least popular. At the same time, the minimum tail swing lies between the two in fame.
Tracks
Commonly excavators have wheels or tracks. Tracks are made of rubber or steel. Rubber tracks are less damaging to your work site. At the same time, steel tracks are more damaging.
Attachments
Due to attachments on a mini excavator, it becomes a more versatile and useful machine. These include many bucket types, augers, thumbs and hammers. All these are common attachments.
Differences in Application and Maintenance
When we talk about the benefits of both excavators, then no doubt you may find a conventional tail swing excavator more beneficial for your construction jobs. The reason is that this excavator has more lifting capacity and bucket and arm breakout capacity. Moreover, the counterweight of this machine is hanging. It means you may enjoy more leverage with a conventional excavator. Not only this, the conventional excavator has a wide cab and is easy to operate. In addition to this, the conventional excavator is less costly than the Zero excavator.
When you have to work in open places where you don’t need to machine to do anything, then it is the best option to choose zero excavators. It is helpful to load trucks and move dirt. When you choose a conventional excavator, it provides more flexibility and strength during operation.
When you need to choose between the two, then you must consider the job site and benefits of both machines. So make sure to know whether the excavator is a good option for doing jobs. Don’t think of maneuverability at this stage. Make sure to choose an excavator that is the perfect match for all types of jobs.
Suppose you have to operate on sand and gravel without leaving the pit. Then make sure to use a conventional excavator. So make sure to cover all the needs of the site and project. It allows you to win many bids and customers.
Final Verdict:
Now is the right time to choose an excavator according to your needs and the project’s needs. All the above-mentioned benefits of both excavators made your decision so easy. Commonly people prefer to use a Zero tail swing excavator. The reason is that it is versatile and is used as a traditional excavator.
This excavator is an ideal choice when you have to work in small or tight areas. In comparison, there are no weight and space restrictions. Then you should consider using a traditional excavator because it has maximum power and lifting capacity. So don’t waste your time finding and testing other excavators. Make sure to choose any of the excavators from both of these!
