An excavator refers to heavy construction equipment used to excavate or move larger objects. It has a boom, bucket, dipper and a cab fitted on a rotating platform. The equipment is available in various sizes like mini/midi size, medium size, and large excavators.
The midsize excavator is the most common type used in the construction industry. The best midsize excavator can be more powerful than mini excavators, and it is smaller in size than large excavators. Here are the top applications of the midsize excavators
Digging of Trenches
The excavator digs the trench by removing the top layer of the soil up to 4 to 8 inches. The removed topsoil is kept separate to avoid contamination with other earthen materials found deep inside the ground.
In the next stage, the excavator digs the first cut into the earth to reach the full desired length of the trench. The digging of the trench is done in tiers and involves removing twice as much of the soil widthwise. Generally, a wider shovel bucket is used to dig trenches.
Landscape Grading
The excavator is also used for the landscape grading process. The excavator operator sculpts the ground or levels it to prepare an area for a project. Before beginning construction of any type, grading is performed to create a leveled ground.
The grading in landscaping can create a space for paths, plants, and other elements. It is also used to control water flow from an area.
Demolition
Most construction companies use the best midsize excavator because it is a powerful, steady, and highly work-efficient machine. You may also need bulldozers and loaders along with excavators for more significant demolition tasks.
Excavators can be used to demolish different types of structures like concrete, steel, or mixed material. Hydraulic excavators are perfect for demolishing small buildings.
Long-reach excavators can be used for various tasks as they can be fitted with different types of attachments. These excavators have a long arm attachment and boom section ideal for challenging demolition tasks like breaking walls and solid structures.
The long arm allows the operator to complete the demolition task safely. The breaker attachment provides the excavator with hundreds of pounds of impact energy into stone, concrete, and other rigid materials. Excavators designed for demolition come with stability and safety features for a safer job site.
Forestry Work
In forestry work, the midsize excavators are primarily used in digging and carrying heavy objects. The machine performs all heavy-duty work that reduces the burden and tasks of workers.
Forestry work generally involves clearing trees out of the way when creating buildings or houses in the middle of the forest. Aside from moving roots, boulders, and heavy lumber, excavators are also used to create right-of-way for pipelines and outline transmission lines.
The excavator can also maintain roadside appearances with the help of an attachment called brushcutter mulchers. With the right attachments, the excavator can also be used for controlling vegetation from the ground up.
The grappler attachment enables the excavator to carry more enormous trees one at a time. Excavators are also used to cut and shear in forestry work. Shears, mulchers are primarily used as attachments when managing greenery and trees.
Material Handling
With the clamp attachment, the excavator gets transformed into efficient material handling equipment. The clamp attachment allows the operator to pick materials that would not fit in a bucket. Some models have elevated cabs for better visibility while performing jobs. They also have heavy counterweights for stability during material handling.
Lifting and Placing of Pipes
Excavators are also used to handle concrete pipes and similar structures. To perform lifting jobs safely, you need to check the hydraulic excavator’s load chart that provides crucial information on the lift range and the lift height range.
The equipment can be used for over-side and over-end lifting. If the capacity of the excavator is sufficient to handle the load safely, you can use the excavator for lifting and placing pipes.
Experts mention the rated capacities of the hydraulic excavators do not exceed 87% of the hydraulic lift capacity. If your job and rated capacities are bumping into each other, you need to consider using a large excavator for lifting jobs.
River Dredging
The excavator is also used for small-scale dredging. The river dredging is generally performed by long-reach excavators installed on barges and paired with dredging buckets.
The excavator loads the material onto material handling barges which are then moved to an off-loading area. The excavator for river dredging is designed for amphibious applications, and they feature roller chains and long attachment arms to navigate the excavator safely in a wet environment.
To sum up, these are some top applications of the midsize excavator. This is a sweet spot in size and capacity which makes it suitable for most projects.