Keywords: types of excavator machine, crawler excavator, excavator crawler
crawler excavator/excavator crawler
Also called crawling diggers or tracked excavators, crawler excavators are tracked vehicles that are used to dig, grade, load or move earth and large objects. Crawler excavators represent the majority of available models and are considered to be one of the fastest-selling earthmoving equipment in the country at the present. In fact, as per Off-Highway Research India, crawler excavators are expected to account for nearly 31 percent of the construction equipment market share by 2022. Thus, crawler excavators have a bright future ahead.
Critical Factors
Crawler excavators are largely used at construction sites for works such as digging trenches, holes and foundations as well as for handling materials, moving earth, demolition, dredging, etc. So, if as a contractor or construction company owner, you are also planning to buy a crawler excavator, then below are five factors that you should definitely consider…
Machine stability
This is another important factor to be considered before selecting any heavy equipment like a crawler excavator. Generally, crawler excavators are the best for heavy-duty digging and lifting applications as they can maintain great contact with the ground due to their tracked undercarriage, thereby, creating a stable machine (as against the wheel excavators that depend on their tires, a dozer blade, and outriggers for their stability). In fact, the tracks of the crawler excavator offer excellent traction and a good mass distribution over their entire contact surface.
Ground conditions
Accessing ground conditions is extremely important while selecting the type of excavator needed at the jobsite. Generally, crawler excavators work very well when used for excavating, grading, and site development. For these applications, they can be fitted with various attachments. Some crawler excavators are even designed with reduced-tail-swing configurations which make them good for limited-space commercial or residential jobsites or new road and bridge construction projects. If the ground condition is loose or slurry, you should definitely select a long crawler excavator with a wider track shoe configuration for higher adaptability.
Maintenance requirement
As the crawler excavator’s are designed for use in rough and uneven tough underfoot conditions, their undercarriage consists of many moving components and wear items that need to be maintained for the machine to function properly. Hence, you should consider the maintenance cost of crawler excavator before making the purchase decision
Attachment versatility
Before making the purchase decision, you should also consider the ability of the crawler excavator to be paired with a variety of attachments as this can help you to perform different tasks at the jobsite. Various common attachments for crawler excavator include hydraulic breaker for demolishing existing structures and concrete or asphalt, grapple for land clearing, clamshell for material unloading, quick coupler for faster work tool change over, a trenching bucket to dig foundation footings or excavate for underground utilities, or a plate compactor to finish trenches.
Transportation cost
Crawler excavators as against wheel excavators do not have wheels and hence, cannot be transported easily by road. So, if you need to move your crawler excavator between various jobsites, then you need to account for its transportation cost before only. In fact, for transportation, the crawler excavators need to be matched to appropriate-sized trailers. Thus, the transportation cost associated with a crawler excavator is high as compared to wheel excavators. However, in cases of usage of crawler excavator in mining or quarries, the equipment need not be moved as it will be needed at one location only for entire of its life. That said, typically crawler excavators are used when you don’t have to move the equipment too much in uneven areas or on soft ground. Further, the travel speed of a crawler excavator does not exceed 6km/h, so they are used for applications where the excavator does not have to travel frequently over significant distances
Besides the aforementioned considerations, there are several other factors to take into account when purchasing a crawler excavator. One of these factors is the presence of innovative equipment equipped with smart technologies. With the market introducing new models, there is a growing emphasis on equipment integrated with electronic intelligence, GPS systems, and telematics. Additionally, advancements are being made to improve communication between the engine and hydraulics, leading to enhanced workgroup efficiency and fuel economy. Hence, as a contractor or construction company owner, it is important to consider whether the crawler excavator you are considering to purchase incorporates intelligent and smart features.
Furthermore, the cost of the crawler equipment is a crucial aspect to consider in relation to your budgetary constraints. It is essential to find equipment that fits within your allocated budget. Therefore, multiple factors need to be taken into account when selecting a crawler excavator.
If you are seeking highly efficient crawler excavators that offer stability, versatility with various attachments, low maintenance requirements, and excellent performance, Sany Group’s excavators should be a top consideration. Sany excavators are known for their fuel efficiency, reliability, durability, extended lifespan, and exceptional productivity, which can maximize your gains. Equipped with the Dynamic Optimization Matching Control System (DOMCS), Sany excavators ensure optimal fuel efficiency by matching the engine with the external load demand. Sany offers a range of excavators, including small, medium, and large models. Therefore, Sany’s crawler excavators excel in meeting all the aforementioned criteria, making them an ideal choice for your needs.