Crawler excavators - Suitable for heavy use
Crawler excavators belong to the construction machinery category. There
they can be found in the subcategory earth moving equipment. The name crawler
excavator refers to the chassis. This is an integrated chain drive that moves
the excavator.
Compared to wheeled excavators, crawler or chain excavators are not
suitable for road traffic and usually have to be transported using low-loaders.
Despite this, crawler excavators are among the most versatile and useful
machines in the construction industry. They are often used on construction
sites to move heavy loads and dig trenches and pits for foundations. With their
sturdy tracks and powerful arms, they can easily move various materials such as
dirt, debris and rocks. The relatively high weight of chain excavators also
means high stability, which helps when moving heavy loads.
Chain excavators are not to be mixed up with bucket chain excavators. In
bucket chain excavators, the word chain refers to the conveyor that resembles a
bucket elevator. This bucket elevator is attached to the arm of the excavator.
In this article we will talk about the advantages and characteristics of
crawler excavators. This should help when choosing the right excavator when
buying or renting.
Advantages of crawler type excavators
• Versatility: Crawler excavators can be used for different types of jobs,
such as road construction, site development, building erection, building
demolition and more. They are also capable of moving heavy loads over rough
terrain.
• Power: They have relatively powerful engines that can generate large
amounts of force and torque via hydraulics to move the excavator's arm and set
the tracks in motion.
• Efficiency: Tracked excavators are very efficient due to their high
performance and can move large amounts of materials in a short time. This can
help construction projects complete faster and reduce costs as fewer man hours
are required.
Important considerations when buying or renting a crawler excavator
• Size: Choose the size of the crawler excavator according to the type and
size of your construction projects. Smaller crawler excavators can work in
tight spaces and may be better suited to smaller construction projects, while
larger crawler excavators may be able to move heavier loads. Chain excavators
have the advantage that they can rotate on the spot thanks to the chain drive.
• Performance: Check the crawler excavator's performance and ensure it has
sufficient power and torque to meet your needs. It is also important to check
that the engine meets the latest environmental standards to reduce
environmental impact.
• Safety Features: Check that the crawler excavator has sufficient safety
features to avoid injury. Features such as warning signals, safety rails and
steps should be in place.
• Cost: Compare the costs of different crawler excavators and make sure you
find a model that fits your budget. Also consider the operational costs such as
fuel consumption, maintenance and repairs that may arise over time. However,
the transport costs of the crawler excavator must always be included in the
considerations.
• Rental or purchase: Consider whether it makes more sense to buy or rent a
crawler excavator. If you use a crawler excavator frequently and want to own it
for the long term, buying it may be a better option. However, if you only need
it occasionally or only for a specific project, renting it can be a more
economical option.
• Servicing and Repairs: Make sure you have the knowledge and skills
required to service and repair the crawler excavator. If you don't have these
skills, look for a rental company or dealership that offers maintenance and
repair services.
• Training: Ensure that you and your employees have the knowledge and
skills required to operate the crawler excavator safely and effectively. If
those skills aren't there, look for opportunities like training and
certification. Make sure the employee has a crawler excavator license before
moving it for the first time.
Conclusion
Crawler excavators are an indispensable machine in the construction
industry. They are versatile, powerful, precise and efficient. When considering
buying or renting a crawler excavator, you should consider size, performance,
safety features, cost, maintenance and training. By carefully looking at these
factors, you can ensure you find the right crawler excavator for your
construction projects and that you and your team can work safely and
effectively.