When you need a heavy excavator for any type of construction project, there are several things to consider. Like anything related to your business, excavators are a considerable investment, so making a smart choice is important. You need to consider whether the excavator is suitable for your immediate needs, but also keep an eye on the future because, ideally, you don’t want to be upgrading your excavator too frequently.
Case is one of the world’s most recognised heavy excavator brands for good reason. The name is known for durability, power, and performance – three things that are crucial to most construction industry professionals. Depending on your needs, there’s a Case heavy excavator for the job. But what should you consider before making a choice?
Excavator size and weight
There’s a lot that you can tell about an excavator by its size and weight. Typically, larger excavators are more powerful and have a greater lifting capacity. This isn’t a strict rule, but it’s generally the case. Ideally, your excavator needs to be powerful enough to complete your work, but compact enough so that maneuverability isn’t an issue.
This is where you need to consider the type of work you’re doing and the sites you’re working on. Larger machinery is usually more difficult to move, especially in cramped spaces. Think carefully about the size and weight of your excavator before purchasing. If you go too light, the machine may not be able to perform tasks comfortably. Go too big and you might limit where you can use it.
Engine power
Naturally, much of an engine’s performance comes from the engine. Quality engines usually deliver better performance, but you also need to consider engine longevity. An excavator that’s powerful for a few years and then becomes a nightmare with endless repairs is a bad investment long-term. So, you need to look for engine reliability as a major factor, too.
We’ll touch on fuel efficiency later, but it’s a consideration when choosing your engine size. If your excavator is far too powerful than you really need it to be, you’ll waste fuel unnecessarily. By the same token, if the engine isn’t powerful enough, it may need to work harder to complete certain tasks, which also results in poor fuel efficiency.
Attachment compatibility
Naturally, the more you can do with your excavator, the more value for money you get. This is where attachment compatibility really comes into play. As you know, excavators can perform a range of functions other than simple digging. The ability to switch attachments effectively turns your excavator into another machine.
Without this flexibility, there’s less you can do with your machinery. So, when choosing an excavator, always look for the types of attachments you can add. Even if attachments aren’t an immediate need right now, they may be a requirement later on.
Fuel efficiency
All construction professionals should be looking for ways to become more fuel-efficient. The less fuel you use, the lower your operating costs are. By using fuel-efficient machinery, you can essentially increase your profits.
Fuel efficiency is also an environmental factor. For those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and lower emissions, cutting the amount of fuel they use is a great place to start. Therefore, prioritising fuel efficiency in your new excavator delivers double benefits.
Technology and features
Of course, technology and features are also a major consideration. Especially when it comes to safety features. If you choose an excavator with great modern features, you’ll likely experience greater comfort, better fuel efficiency, and better performance. But be wary – with more technology and features comes a greater risk of faults. So, don’t be seduced by machines offering fancy-sounding technology that doesn’t benefit you.
Maintenance requirements
Most machinery requires regular servicing to remain in top working order. However, the length of downtime created by regular servicing can differ considerably between excavators. For example, where are the maintenance access points? The faster they can be accessed, the quicker your servicing is completed. Case excavators make maintenance easy, so you can always be assured of reduced downtime.
The other aspect of maintenance to consider is the even more frequent checks you should do on the machinery. Visual and other minor checks should be conducted before each day using your excavator, so if these checks are faster to complete, your excavator saves you time and money.
Need help choosing a heavy excavator?
Earthmoving Equipment Australia specialises in Case heavy machinery. This isn’t limited to excavators; we also supply Case skid steers, loaders, dozers, graders and more. As you trusted local experts for all types of Case construction machinery, we’re the ones to call if you need help. Whether you need to buy equipment, parts or accessories or need advice on choosing the right heavy excavator, our team is always here to help. Contact Earthmoving Equipment Australia today to find out how we can help.
FAQs?
What factors should I consider when selecting a Case heavy excavator for my project?
Consider project scope, terrain, digging depth, attachment compatibility, and budget to choose the right excavator.
How do I determine the appropriate size and capacity of a Case heavy excavator for my project?
Evaluate project needs in terms of digging, lifting, reach, and manoeuvrability to match with excavator capabilities.
What are the key features and options available in Case heavy excavators, and how do they impact performance and efficiency?
Features like advanced hydraulics, operator comfort, attachment compatibility, and fuel efficiency technologies enhance excavator performance and efficiency.