Improving Manufacturing Processes

In a residential excavation project, an excavator is an indispensable workhorse that aids in digging, moving obstacles, backfilling, and even levelling the ground. Since buying an excavator is a huge investment, buyers should do their research on the different specifications, makes, and models suitable for the job. With the advancement in technology, excavators come loaded with many features that help ease tasks. This article offers tips to beginners for buying a suitable excavator for residential excavation projects.

Hydraulic System — Excavators rely on the hydraulic system to provide power to the machinery, which helps to perform work. An excavator with a powerful hydraulic system will increase productivity by doing excavation tasks with ease during the entire work shift. Therefore, when determining the hydraulic power needs for an excavator, you have to assess the tasks that the machine will be performing. Hydraulic systems are crucial in enhancing the energy created for performing work as required. Too much hydraulic power for small tasks might be unnecessary and expensive because such equipment may be expensive to acquire. 

Excavator Configuration — Excavators have three main support options that enable their swinging motion, namely the zero tail-swing, conventional tail-swing and reduced tail-swing. In the former configuration, the excavator housing movement is limited to within its tracks. This configuration enables the operator to maneuver safely in areas with obstacles such as utility lines and walls. In the zero tail-swing configuration, the excavator can maneuver slowly, especially when turning. Therefore, this option reduces the chance of an accident occurring as a result of the excavator hitting an adjacent object. In tight spaces, a zero tail-swing excavator is ideal because it is configured in a way that prevents the tail from hitting the sides or front of the machine while in motion. In the reduced tail-swing option, the movement of the housing is limited to a few inches beyond the tracks. In the conventional tail-swing option, the housing extends beyond the trucks when the excavator rotates. The conventional tail-swing excavator works better in a large open space where strength and extra lifting capacity are vital.   

Size — The size of an excavator that you need for a residential excavation project will depend on the shape, scope and size of the worksite. Also, consider the type of work and type of terrain you will be dealing with. Furthermore, the scope of work also determines the type of attachments required for the excavator. It is advisable to go for an excavator that makes it easy to switch attachments based on the task at hand. Mini or compact excavators are suitable for places that require delicate excavation, especially in tight spaces. Alternatively, standard excavators, which range from 7 to 45 tonnes, are common in job sites that require massive excavation work.

To learn more about using excavators for residential projects, contact a residential excavation service in your area.