What to ask when choosing a compact excavator

Choosing the appropriate compact excavator for your landscaping business can feel quite daunting, especially considering the vast array of manufacturers and specifications available.

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Compact excavators are indispensable machines on any job site due to their multifunctionality and their capacity to minimize the reliance on manual labor.

Should you be contemplating the addition of one to your machinery pool, or if you're in the market for a new unit, consider the following critical questions that will help you refine your choices.

Is a compact excavator necessary for my operations?

This may seem obvious, but investing in equipment involves a significant financial commitment, making it essential to avoid acquiring something that isn't truly beneficial to your operations.

Compact excavators are versatile tools ideal for various tasks, including digging ditches for irrigation, clearing brush, leveling land, and digging holes for trees, provided the correct attachments are employed.

“When the machine is adequately suited for the task, the possibilities are virtually limitless," states Jeff Jacobsmeyer, a product manager for Kubota. "Sophisticated load-sensing hydraulics with adjustable auxiliary flow enable the operator to fine-tune the flow rate for any given attachment.”

Common attachments, such as buckets and thumbs, are essential for compact excavators, allowing users to handle irregularly shaped materials and debris efficiently. Other frequently used attachments include augers, hammers, and a range of bucket sizes.

If you've been regularly renting a compact excavator for most of your projects, this suggests a good opportunity for increased utility following a purchase, potentially allowing you to take on more jobs thereafter.

What specifications should I prioritize?

After confirming that a compact excavator suits your needs, several specifications warrant evaluation.

The specifics of your projects will determine which specifications are most relevant, but two crucial considerations are the excavator's listed dig depth and lifting capacity.

Jacobsmeyer reports that landscapers typically do not need to utilize the maximum digging depth. A model with a approximately 10’ dig depth covers the necessary range for over 95% of tasks.

“Think about the dig depth and lift capacities required for your current tasks, but keep in mind that your workload may evolve to include larger undertakings,” advises Justin Steger, inside district manager for compact construction equipment at John Deere. “Choosing an excavator with the ability to lift and dig 25% more than your current demands will facilitate future growth without necessitating frequent equipment replacements.”

While specs can sometimes be misleading, Steger points out that engine horsepower is often one of these “look at me” metrics. It’s critical to verify whether the horsepower figure is gross or net, with net horsepower offering a more realistic performance metric.

"Hydraulic horsepower might be of even more significance than engine horsepower," Steger claims. "Since compact excavators operate hydraulically, a high engine horsepower machine with less effective hydraulic pumps may not deliver the desired performance compared to a model that has slightly lower horsepower but superior hydraulic efficiency."

According to Jason Boerger, marketing manager for Bobcat Company, a machine's hydraulic system has a more substantial impact on its overall performance than any other factor. “Hydraulic horsepower in operational conditions is vital for gauging machine performance, influencing both cycle times and attachment efficacy.”

Lee Padgett of Takeuchi emphasizes the importance of flow rate and hydraulic oil volume within the system. “Higher flow rates allow for a greater variety of attachments, and increased oil capacity helps keep temperatures down, enhancing the durability of hydraulic components,” he notes.

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Another critical point to consider is the scope of your projects, affecting the type of tail swing that is most suitable. Options include conventional, reduced, and zero tail swing, each with its advantages and downsides, according to Steger.

Key differences hinge on the machine’s upper structure rotation, how far it extends past the tracks, and the width of the tracks themselves.

Conventional tail swing models typically possess a narrower undercarriage, offering superior accessibility compared to their zero tail swing counterparts that feature wider undercarriages for enhanced stability. "Moreover, conventional designs provide roomier operator cabins and better maintenance accessibility," Padgett adds.

Machines with conventional tail swing normally present the best lift capacities, with the rear extending 6-20 inches during operation.

Reduced tail swing excavators extend a maximum of 6 inches beyond the tracks, making them ideal for environments with limited maneuverability.

“While minimum tail swing models may slightly compromise side stability, operators are less likely to damage the rear of the machine or surrounding areas, given that the weight is positioned closer to the excavator's center,” Jacobsmeyer explains.

Zero tail swing excavators can be utilized in confined workspaces, although they may also feature reduced reach, dig depth, and rated operational capacity. Ultimately, the ideal tail swing configuration depends on the specific nature of your job sites.

For weight classifications, compact excavators typically range from 0 to 6 metric tons, while mid-sized excavators can weigh between 6 to 10 metric tons.

Landscapers most frequently opt for units in the 3-4 metric ton class.

This size is generally the largest compact excavator that can be transported on a trailer without necessitating a commercial driver’s license, as per Jacobsmeyer. Its compact dimensions facilitate operations in close quarters, minimizing collateral damage during underground repair work or renovations near existing landscapes or structures.

What are the additional advantages?

Although specifications like dig depth, lift capacity, and tail swing design are vital considerations, they are not the sole factors to account for.

One aspect that might seem trivial is the comfort of the operator cab; however, after a lengthy day of operation, your teams will appreciate features that enhance the overall user experience.

“Elements such as air conditioning or a suspension seat might appear unnecessary for digging tasks, yet they significantly improve operator comfort, reduce fatigue, and can enhance productivity,” notes Padgett.

Another consideration you may not have fully accounted for in your purchasing decision is dealer support.

“Downtime can be costly for landscapers, so finding a dealer with readily available parts and reliable service support is essential for maintaining your operations,” suggests Steger.

When can a demo be conducted?

Lastly, remember to test out the compact excavator you’re considering purchasing. Although specs provide substantial information, certain performance aspects can only be evaluated through hands-on experience.

“Hydraulic flow and auxiliary hydraulic flow are critical, depending on the attachments you intend to use, but I would argue that the ability to perform multiple functions simultaneously is the most crucial aspect that may not be represented in spec sheets,” Steger indicates. “Assessing how the hydraulic system operates in unison while maneuvering the bucket, arm, boom, and swing is something you can gauge effectively through a demo.”

Your local compact equipment dealer may assist by bringing an excavator to your landscaping site, allowing you to evaluate its performance in real-world scenarios like trenching or lifting heavy rocks.

“While specifications are vital for narrowing down options when purchasing a compact excavator, they should not be the sole consideration,” Boerger emphasizes. “It’s crucial to get into the machine, operate it, and assess its feel and performance. Just like test-driving a car before purchase, you should also demo a compact excavator.”

As previously mentioned, compact excavators can be made more versatile with various attachments, such as hammers, shears, augers, trenchers, grapples, mowers, mulchers, and other hydraulically driven tools. It's crucial to consider factors like pressure, flow, and overall weight of attachments to guarantee optimal performance.
 
“You must ensure the attachment is well-matched to the machine,” Caldwell advises. “For instance, an auger lacking sufficient pressure will struggle with torque and prove ineffective. Thus, taking the time to research and consult with your Takeuchi dealer representative is vital.”
 
Takeuchi recently launched a comprehensive suite of products through its Takeuchi Attachment Program, specifically designed for compatibility with their compact excavators, wheel loaders, and track loaders. More than 40 options are available, allowing for tailored machine configurations to match your unique job applications.
 
“Beyond standard buckets and hydraulic thumbs, commonly utilized attachments include tilt buckets for ditching and finishing work,” states Ian Webster, SMS Equipment Sales Representative in Light Construction. “Hydraulic pin grabbers are gaining popularity for quick bucket swaps as operators look for ways to boost productivity. Breakers, augers, and screw pile drivers are also widely used.”
 
Webster emphasizes that a machine’s cooling capacity is another important consideration when using attachments.
 
“Can it effectively dissipate the heat produced by attachments?” says Webster. “If not, it may be worth exploring options for adding additional remote-mounted cooling packages to address the issue.”

For further details, please contact us as your go-to Compact Excavator Attachments supplier. We are here to provide expert advice.