Compact excavators also commonly referred to as mini or midi excavators (especially excavators below 2T range) that are easily available for hire have come a long way within the last decade in terms of power, versatility and efficiency.
The competitiveness amongst leading heavy machine manufacturers within the small excavator category is quite intense due to the high demand for smaller excavators. The high demand for excavators below the 2T category is primarily driven by demand by contractors involved in projects located in urban settings which are usually congested rendering larger excavators above 2T impractical options for projects in urban environments.
Most two tonne compact excavator hire machinery comes with a motley range of features which include among others retractable tracks (making the slimmer to move through narrow passages), short tail or zero tail swing models (that allow such machines to work close to walls and other structures without risk of collision), load sensors (that optimise cycles) and even grade assist technologies which allow even excavator operators with limited experience to grade expertly.
Apart from design and technological features, another aspect of excavators within the 2T sphere is the ability of the latest models to accommodate a range of hydraulic tools (most models come with hydraulic coupling links). These hydraulic attachments transform these excavators into multipurpose machines that allow them to be used by operators to do more than just digging and moving materials around the project site.
Hydraulic attachment tools such are in essence specialized implements that link to an excavator’s hydraulic mechanism in order to be able to perform various tasks which include among others demolition, grading, clearing, drilling and material handling, just to name a few.
Hydraulic attachments harness the hydraulic pressure of the excavator that deliver the required force and torque for these specific functions, that enhances the level of versatility and as well as the productivity of the machine within the scope of a given construction project.
Among the more common excavator hydraulic attachments that are readily available for hire include hydraulic hammers, compactors, augers, grapples, rippers and crushers.
Construction equipment rental companies generally offer a range of hydraulic tools separately from the machine and rates for these hydraulic attachments differ based on type, model and duration. Due to this, it is imperative that contractors plan the hire for excavators and hydraulic attachments meticulously.
Have a good grasp of the project flow would enable contractors or project planners to take excavators along with hydraulic attachments for hire based on a ‘as and when needed’ basis which would optimise productivity and keep project budgets under control.
Taking these machines for hire and leaving the idling at project sites would result in significant increases in project costs and this in turn would lower the margins.
Although smaller excavators cost less to hire, it is important to realise that in the long run improper planning and scheduling would naturally cause delays and unnecessary cost increases by the time a given project is completed.