Meta Description: Do you want to buy the best mini excavator for your commercial use? Read the expert guide to know when and how you should buy a reliable excavator for business purposes.
Now, mini excavators are more in demand on job sites. The reason is that these are versatile, small in size and less weight. With time and improvement in technology, these machines are also improved. Now, mini excavators are the best way to get something productive. These are worth investing in for businesses of all sizes. You can use a mini excavator for an efficient job in tight sites.
The most common issue everyone faces is finding the excavator that best suits the site. However, there are many available options in the market. So, it would help to consider some factors before choosing the right excavator for your job.
Mini Excavator Sizes: How to Choose the Right Size for Your Project
Though a mini excavator has many benefits in almost every site, it is necessary to choose the right mini excavator for your job. You may want a large excavator to handle each task. You may want a small excavator to perform small jobs. So, it is important to know which size suits your project best.
There are many classes of excavators based on weight. A small excavator has a size of almost 10 tons, but it is expansive. This excavator doesn’t have a single name, mini excavator. It has many other names that different manufacturers use. So, know the job description and location before choosing the mini excavator.
What size mini excavator do I need? Factors to consider
Make sure to choose a machine based on your digging and lifting needs. Always find a machine that is easy to move from one place to another and fits best in all job sites. The following are some factors that you must consider before choosing the mini excavator:
Operating weight
To calculate the lifting capacity of the excavator, you may check the operating weight. It considers the height and radius of the lift. Moreover, it also helps to know the pressure an excavator will exert on the ground.
Dig depth
By knowing the dig depth of the machine. You get an idea of how deep an excavator can dig.
Reach
You may also know how far an excavator can reach the ground.
Dump height
It is a height on which a machine can dump the load.
Bucket breakout force
It is a force that a bucket exerts on the machine. It means if the force is high. Then the machine can dig more.
Dimensions
All the dimensions, such as height, width and length, can affect the machine type. This way, you can get an idea of moving the machine from one part to another. Commonly, licensed drivers transport large excavators.
Swing
A swing is a space where an excavator can turn around without hitting anything. Those who have to work in small areas should consider boom and tail swing.
Best uses for different mini excavator sizes
Though there are many sizes of mini excavators, so, you need to choose the right size according to your project’s requirements. When you know about the scenario and how much you need to lift and dig, then you can easily select the right size.
Mini Excavator size: 1 to 2 tons
A mini excavator of almost 1-2 tons is the right option for small or tight spaces. These may be digging, planting and demolition. However, the use of a mini excavator is simple and easy. So, you can now quickly and easily transport it from one place to another. However, the size of these excavators is small and lightweight. So it always protects the project site.
You may call a 2,000-pound excavator a micro mini excavator. It is the best for small landscaping and digging projects because it can dig almost 6 feet deep.
While if you have to perform large jobs such as levelling and grading. Then it would help if you chose a mini excavator with almost 3,000-4,000 pounds. It is the best option to dig almost 7-8 feet deep.
Mini Excavator size: 3 to 5 tons
A machine of this size is most versatile and best for all types of projects. However, this excavator is the best option because of its functionality. So, you can use it to remove stumps, level a driveway and dig a hot tub.
You may also use this machine for small projects. But this machine has comfortable and bigger counterparts. Moreover, this machine has many easy-to-use attachments.
While if you use a 6,000-pound mini excavator. Then it is the best option to dig almost 9 feet deep. It may also help you to dump loads for 10 feet.
Mini Excavator size: 5 to 10 tons
A mini excavator of this size is the best option for large jobs. These may include installing a swimming pool, digging a trench, placing footing and demolition. Commonly small excavators of this size can dig for 10 feet deep. At the same time, large excavators of this size are able to dig 15 feet deep. However, this machine is large in size, so you can’t use it in tight spaces.
Considering a Backhoe Instead
Don’t think that an excavator can only help in digging and excavation. It is used in many other projects. But the best option is when you use the excavator with a backhoe instead. However, backhoes are the same as excavators. But these are small and controllable. Moreover, it also has many attachments so that you can use it in any project.
Test It Out
When you consider all these factors, then it becomes easy for you to understand the needs of your project. Now, it is time to choose the right machine for your project. For this, consider getting help from a professional.
Though each excavator has different styles and sizes, so it is up to you which size is the best match for your project. Before choosing the machine, make sure to call a rental associate. This way, you get an idea of how to test the equipment.
How to Check the Quality of Your Mini Excavators?
Though mini excavators have many uses in different job sites. But the important thing is to consider the right excavator for your job. Please rent or buy a mini excavator with less than 2,000 hours on it. This way, you can use the machine in the best form and for many years.
When it is time to choose the mini excavator, then you need to consider some steps that help you to buy a high-quality machine. For this, you may conduct an inspection to check the quality of the excavator.
Inspect the Exterior
First, you need to check the exterior of the machine. This may be checking of boom and body for large dents or cracks. You may also check the repair welds and paint of the machine. This way, you can get an idea about the condition of the machine. It also helps you to know whether the machine is prior to the damage.
When it is time to check the body, check the connection of booms, sticks and buckets. This way, you make sure that these are strong and intact. Moreover, you must check the tightness of all pins. Not only this, check if there is any crack around the connection. Suppose you see any damage in these connections. Then make sure to fix it. Otherwise, it will cause safety risks.
When you inspect the bucket, make sure that it doesn’t have any bending. If you notice any bending, fix this issue soon.
Check For Hidden Damage
After checking the exterior of the machine, it is time to check for hidden damages. For this, you need to check all the other parts of the machine. However, you need to invest more in replacing the tracks. So, always choose an excavator with only or less than 50% wear. It is optional that all tracks are expensive to replace. But the tracks with mechanical issues are most likely to be noticed.
Moreover, you also need to check the other parts of the machine to check if there is any dent, rust, damage or wear and tear. If you properly use the undercarriage of the machine. Then you will never notice any of the above signs when the undercarriage of the machine is damaged. Then it requires almost half of the machine repair. So, please choose the machine in better condition.
Check the Engine
When you are going to buy a used excavator, then it is good to check the condition of the engine. Choose a machine with less engine life as some people don’t care for it because they consider it less damaging. But it is a serious issue that you need to address. Otherwise, a bad engine will cost you more because of cracks and leaks. Moreover, you should also check the battery life and condition.
Do an Operational Test
Once you have done an inspection of the machine. Now, it is the time when you need to do an operational test. This way, you get an idea of whether your machine is in good condition. Moreover, it helps you to know about potential hazards, malfunctions and faults. The following are some operational tests:
- Simulating digging cycles
- Swinging the boom
- Opening and closing the bucket
- Extending the stick
Suppose you notice any fault in the machine and think that the machine is not an accurate option. Then you are not bound, so you can move on to another machine.
Moreover, you need to check the track to see whether the excavator can move left, right, forth and back. Not only this, check the alarm and control of the machine.
When to Buy Excavators for Farming or Commercial Use?
Though you may explore many types and sizes of heavy machinery for your job, these may be compact track loaders, wheel loaders and mini excavators. So, it becomes difficult to choose which is the best for your job. Make sure to use a mini excavator when you have to perform small jobs in tight places. This machine is the best option for small jobs as it can rotate at an angle of 360.
The plus point of a mini excavator is that it comes with many types of attachments. This way, you can easily perform farming and agricultural tasks. Moreover, the mini excavator is fuel efficient. So, you can save your cost when you prefer using this machine. It is the best option to use in many agricultural jobs and daily projects. Commonly, this machine is used in construction, landscaping, and removing soil, debris and fences.
Before choosing the model of the excavator, you need to check the type of surface. Suppose the surface is almost even. Then you can choose a mini excavator with wheels while the surface is challenging. Then you should prefer tracked machines.
Final Thoughts:
Another name for mini excavators is compact excavators. However, the name suggests that this machine is small in size. But still, it has much power in it. You must be thankful for improved technology. That is why this machine is becoming famous day by day. Though the machine is versatile, it has a lifespan of almost 10,000 hours. This lifespan may increase or decrease based on maintenance.
Though excavators come with many attachments, most of these are only useful in construction, renovation and cleaning work. So, make sure to rent an excavator with not many unnecessary attachments.
