Excavators come in all shapes and sizes, with varying features and capabilities. Choosing the right excavator hire can save you time and money and improve productivity, but choosing poorly can have the opposite effect. Considering the importance of having the right machinery for your job, we’ve put together a guide on what you need to consider for your next excavator hire.
Understand the project scope
Before you even start searching for an excavator, you need to clearly understand your requirements. All construction jobs are different, and the excavator you choose for digging trenches won’t be the same as you would use for large-scale earthmoving or civil works. So, your first step is to consider every project application that will utilise an excavator. In effect, you want to understand the heaviest or most complex need, and hire an excavator that can handle it. This way, in theory, it should also be more than capable of handling the less intensive tasks.
However, be wary of hiring above your needs because larger, more powerful machines may not be able to work in tight spaces. So, it’s a matter of finding a machine that can handle all tasks from smallest to largest.
Choosing the right machine size
You can find excavators in a range of different sizes, from compact mini excavators to heavy-duty machines capable of the biggest jobs. Below is a guide showing the standard weight ranges for excavators in the construction industry, and the jobs they’re most suited to.
- Mini Excavators (1-6 tonnes): Ideal for small-scale projects, especially in urban or city areas where they may be required to work in tight spaces. Mini excavators are also used for jobs where more precision is required.
- Midi Excavators (6-10 tonnes): Midi excavators are usually used on mid-scale projects where a combination of size and power often needs to be balanced with manoeuvrability. They’re still compact enough, but offer more power than mini excavators.
- Standard Excavators (10-45 tonnes): Perhaps the most common, especially on large-scale construction sites. Due to their increased size, power and lifting capacity, they can handle bigger jobs. Standard excavators are extremely versatile, whether digging foundations or lifting heavy materials.
- Large Excavators (45+ tonnes): Large excavators are the only option when power is of utmost importance. They’re usually used in mining operations, large-scale earthmoving and infrastructure projects. They lack the turning radius of smaller counterparts but boast significantly more power.
As we mentioned above, getting the machine of the right size for your needs is crucial. If it is too big, you may lose valuable manoeuvrability while also wasting money. If it is too small, the machine may not be sufficient to complete the required work.
Consider your working environment
Every construction site is different, and a few factors might impact your choice of excavator. Perhaps most important is the terrain. You might need a tracked excavator if your excavation occurs on rough, uneven surfaces. However, a wheeled model might be better on more even surfaces.
Secondly, consider the size of your job site and any space constraints you might have. Smaller excavators are better when working in tight spaces as they turn more easily. Another thing to consider is how the weather might affect working conditions. Some sites are quite easy to navigate while dry, but much more difficult while wet, so this needs to be considered to avoid unnecessary delays.
Maintenance requirements
Whenever you hire an excavator, you must consider the maintenance requirements. This is especially important for long-term hires when regular maintenance is required. Firstly, does the hire agreement include servicing? You should also consider the availability of parts in case of emergency repairs. And most importantly, does the hire company provide timely support for such issues?
It also doesn’t hurt to do some research on the durability and reliability of certain brands. This can help you make an informed choice because the more time your machine is out for servicing, the less time you can use it for your project.
Safety features
Safety is paramount in the construction industry, so you should consider an excavator’s safety features. Most modern machines come with a huge range of safety features to keep operators and those around them safe. Some features include emergency shutoff controls, Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) and Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS). Always ensure that any equipment or machinery you hire meets Australia’s safety guidelines and contributes to a safe working environment for your team.
Need help finding the right excavator hire?
Solution Plant Hire is your trusted expert in excavator hire. Whether you need something small and compact for city construction or a heavy-duty machine for a mining project, we’re here to help. We maintain a wide range of excavators to suit all types of projects. Plus, our professional maintenance team keeps all our machines in great working order, before, during and after your project. To get the right excavator hire every time, contact the team at Solution Plant Hire today.