What is a 360 Excavator?
Excavators are an essential piece of heavy machinery used for all kinds of construction tasks, like trenching, earthmoving, and site clearing. 360 excavators are a popular choice due to their ability to rotate a full 360 degrees. In this article, we’ll look at what a 360 excavator is, what they do, when you should use one, and how to choose the right one for you.
A 360 excavator is a digger that can rotate its upper structure (i.e. the cab, boom, and bucket) a full 360 degrees. This can be useful for various construction and landscaping tasks like site preparation and trenching. With both wheeled and tracked undercarriages available, 360 excavators are great for operating on all surfaces, including uneven ground. JCB tracked 360 diggers are especially useful for areas where little repositioning is required for digging, lifting or loading.
How does an excavator turn 360 degrees?
If you’re wondering how can an excavator turn 360 degrees, the answer is relatively straightforward. Instead of a font-mounted loader, it uses a swing motor and hydraulic pump to power the boom, arm, and bucket on a central swivel joint, allowing it to pivot horizontally, as well as vertically.
What does a 360 excavator do?
There are many different applications of 360 excavators, including landscaping tasks like digging foundations, paths, and patios, shaping ground levels, and moving soil and debris. 360 excavators are also commonly used in demolition, quarrying and construction applications – along with large-scale utilities for tasks such as digging trenches for water and gas pipes, electrical cables, and drainage solutions.
360 micro excavators – like the 8008E CTS – offer a flexible solution for controlled rotation in compact spaces.
How is a 360 excavator different to a normal excavator?
The difference between a 360 excavator and a non-rotating excavator – or Backhoe Loader – is the 360 excavator’s flexibility and reach versatility. While Backhoe Loaders are extremely sturdy and functional – thanks to their tractor-like design, front loader, and rear excavator – they are restricted when it comes to rotation. 360 excavators can swing a full rotation, and therefore don’t have to be repositioned as often.
That isn’t to say one type is ‘better’ than the other. They both have their own benefits. For example, Backhoe Loaders are often better for smaller-scale jobs like street works, property development, and agriculture. There’s also the added benefit of having wheels, making them faster and easier to transport compared to 360 tracked excavators.
It’s all about choosing the right kind of machine for the job – both have their strengths and are just better suited to different applications.
When should you use a 360 excavator?
If your primary job is excavation, then a 360 excavator is often the better option. By being able to rotate a full 360, it can dig, lift, and deposit without the need for repositioning. This is great for digging trenches, cutting foundations, and large-scale earth moving.
Backhoe Loaders are considered more versatile in terms of travel, as they’re road legal, which can be beneficial when moving between or around sites.
How to choose a 360 excavator
When choosing a JCB 360 excavator, it’s important to take everything from size and weight to tailswing and power into consideration.
You’ll also need to consider the size of the job you need to use the excavator for. If it’s a small domestic job, then a large 20-tonne 360 excavator probably isn’t the way forward.
Including mini and micro excavators, our 360 excavators range from 1 tonne, all the way up to 52 tonnes, and a dig depth of up to 8.36m.
Remember, it’s all about choosing the right machine for the job; not necessarily the biggest and the ‘best’ model on the market.
Find all JCB 360 excavator specifications on our product page to choose which one might be best suited to you.
How much is a 360 excavator?
Prices for 360 excavators vary depending on size, spec, configuration and more. For an accurate 360 excavator cost, you’ll also need to factor in things like running cost, services, maintenance, and attachments, as well as just the product price. To view pricing across the mini excavator range, visit the JCB Machine Store.
Should you purchase or hire a 360 excavator?
Hiring a 360 excavator can be a smart choice for one-off, short-term or varied projects, giving you access to the latest models without the added costs of maintenance, insurance or storage. Hire rates can differ depending on how long you need the machine, so it’s worth comparing options to find the best value.
However, if your workload is consistent, long-term, or requires specialist attachments for different jobs, buying a 360 excavator is often the more cost-effective solution. Ownership means your machine is ready whenever you need it, can be branded to suit your business, and tailored exactly to your requirements. You’ll also benefit from strong resale value – JCB machines are built to last – along with complete control over servicing, operation and full access to local dealer support.
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