Excavators are a staple of construction sites. They’re used to dig trenches, move material and work at high elevations, just a few uses. While they all share the same primary function, excavators can vary in size and features depending on where they’ll be used. This article aims to help in choosing the right excavator for your needs. Here is a list of the various types and their components.
The boom of the excavator
This is the long arm of an excavator. It can be articulated to reach high places, lift loads, dump them, and pick up and move large objects. For example, to dig a trench, you might use your boom to extend it out over the ditch so that you can scoop up soil from below with your bucket.
The house of the excavator
This component houses three essential parts: the cab, engine and hydraulics.
- The cab is where you sit and operate your machine.
- The engine is what powers everything from the steering to your hydraulic system.
- Hydraulics form the main power source.
The house represents how vital these three parts are to running your machine efficiently and safely. It’s also a great reminder that teamwork makes all the difference, no matter how big or small you are.
The undercarriage
This component comprises a slew bearing, roller frames and tracks.
- The slew bearing is the large metal cylinder that supports the excavator’s weight when working in its highest position.
- The roller frames are small wheels that roll along the ground as you move across them.
- Tracks are larger tires that move your machine forward or backward with ease.
Hydraulic features
The hydraulic system allows an excavator to perform all its diggings, lifting and dumping functions. It consists of various pumps that pump oil throughout the machine and a series of valves that control where the oil flows.
The hydraulic system uses two oil forms to transfer power: hydraulic fluid and motor oil. Hydraulic fluid moves the pistons in each cylinder while motor oil lubricates them.
The versatility of the excavator
An excavator needs to be versatile so it can do its job. These are some of the types of excavators:
- Crawler-type
- Wheeled or tracked
- Swing yarder and boom type
There are also different sizes of excavators, ranging from small to large. The size depends on the type of job that needs to be done and the space available for operating machinery. Excavators come in sizes ranging from small machines that fit through doorways to giant machines used for mining. Smaller, more compact machines are great for digging holes for fences or posts, but they won’t be able to handle large construction projects such as building a house. Larger models are better suited for these jobs because they have more power and capacity. For example, suppose you are working on a large construction site with plenty of room for manoeuvring heavy machinery. In that case, you will want to use an excavator with wheels because it gives greater stability than other types, such as crawlers or swing yarders (which aren’t used indoors).
However, if your work requires navigating through tight spaces or uneven terrain, then using one that has tracks on its feet would be appropriate. This kind allows for greater balance when moving around obstacles like rocks or dirt piles without flipping over due to unstable footing conditions.
If you’re looking for a new machine to help with your construction projects, there’s no shortage of options available. An excavator is a versatile tool that can be used for many different jobs, including digging, lifting and moving heavy objects. Excavators come in all shapes and sizes, so choosing the right excavator that fits your needs shouldn’t be too tricky!