Excavators – How to choose the right machine for your job
With over 80 years’ experience, JCB is a global pioneer in excavator manufacturing. Offering a versatile range of powerful excavators, from 1-tonne mini models to large 52-tonne tracked diggers, there’s a machine for every job. But with such a diverse range to choose from, it can sometimes be a challenge to know which one is right for you. This article breaks down the different types of excavators so you can find the perfect machine to meet your needs.
What is an excavator?
An excavator is a heavy construction machine used for digging, trenching, earthmoving, and other landscaping tasks. They typically consist of a rotating cab; an undercarriage with either tracks or wheels; a large arm – or ‘boom’ – to provide lifting power; and the bucket at the end of the boom for digging, scooping, and carrying debris. All JCB excavators are built with power, precision, and stability in mind, with class-leading durability for long-lasting performance.
What are the different types of excavators
If you’re wondering how many types of excavators there are, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. But to put it simply, there are two main kinds of excavator: tracked and wheeled. Tracked excavators are perfect for working on sites with unstable ground like loose gravel or slippy mud, as the tracks will dig into anything. Wheeled excavators, on the other hand, are easier to transport, making them more suitable for moving between sites.
As well as the difference in undercarriage, excavators can also be classified by size. Here’s a slightly more detailed breakdown of the different types of excavators.
Excavators by size:
Micro excavators
Commonly referred to as compact excavators, these usually weigh under 1-tonne. Considered to be the most versatile and popular type of excavator in the UK, they’re easy to transport and operate well on low ground pressure. Micro excavators are often used for groundworks, drainage, landscaping, and small construction projects. The 8008E CTS is our latest electric 1-tonne excavator, which offers unmatched power in compact spaces.
Mini excavators
A smaller, more compact digger, used for a wide range of construction and landscaping tasks. Designed for more restricted access e.g. indoors or small gardens, mini excavators weigh around 1.5 - 4 tonnes and often feature retractable undercarriages. Because of this, they’re popular in utilities, landscaping, and residential work. Small, powerful, and perfect for landscaping, the 16C-1 Mini Excavator is a 1.5 tonne digger that’s tough to beat. Another great option, especially for those who prioritise safety, durability, and comfort is the 18Z-1.
Midi excavators
Midi excavators bridge the gap between mini models and full-size machines. These 6-10-tonne machines often have more digging force and longer reach than smaller models, while still being relatively easy to transport. They’re becoming increasingly popular for urban construction due to their balance of size, power, and compactness. Some options of midi excavators include the 85Z-2 (a robust 8 tonne excavator built for the toughest environments); the 90Z-2 (a powerful, durable midi, built for tough jobs); and the 100C-2 (10-tonne midi excavator – built for long-lasting performance).
Large Excavators
Anything over 10 tonnes is considered a large excavator. Used for major construction, infrastructure, and demolition projects, a big excavator can bring an extra level of productivity compared to midi and micro excavators. JCB’s large excavators range in weight from the 14-tonne 131X all the way up to the 520X, which weighs 52 tonnes.
Excavators by undercarriage:
Tracked excavators
Tracked excavators move on steel or rubber tracks, giving them excellent stability and traction on soft, uneven or rough ground. You’ll often see a digger with tracks on a construction site, as they’re the most common excavator type.
The 520X is the biggest JCB excavator in our range at 52-tonne, and is expertly engineered for the toughest jobs. Then there’s the 420X – a heavy-duty excavator that’s been through rigorous development to deliver new levels of performance and productivity, from mass excavation to demolition. And the 28-tonne 245XR has reduced tailswing, maximising its ability to perform safely in tight environments.
Explore JCB’s Range of Tracked Excavators
Wheeled excavators
Wheeled excavators move on rubber tyres instead of tracks, meaning they’re road friendly and can travel faster than tracked excavators. They’re popular for urban work, utilities, and jobs that require frequent repositioning. The JS145W is built for comfort and versatility, while the JS175W has a robust steering column, and is designed for the toughest applications.
Explore JCB’s Wheeled Excavators
What is an excavator used for?
So, those are a few different types of excavators, but what does an excavator do? Typical applications include:
- Groundworks and foundations e.g. site clearance and preparation.
- Trenching and utilities work e.g. water and sewage lines, electrical works, and gas pipe installation.
- Landscaping and land preparation e.g. vegetation removal and uprooting stubborn tree stumps.
- Demolition and site clearance e.g. structural demolition and waste/debris management.
- Material handling and loading e.g. truck loading and sorting through waste.
- Road construction and maintenance e.g. earthmoving and excavation, trenching and drainage.
While the above tasks cover a lot of what excavators can do, it is only a selection. These machines are incredibly versatile and can handle a wide range of construction jobs.
How to choose the right excavator for your needs
There’s plenty to consider when choosing the right excavator for you. First, you’ll need to measure up your site and decide on your size range and operating weight. For example, are you working on a large site that requires heavy construction, or a domestic property that needs some light landscaping? In addition to this, it’s important to consider access – is it restricted at all? All these factors will determine the size of excavator you need to be looking for.
Next, you’ll want to think about what kind of undercarriage you require. Does your work site have a large amount of loose ground or a slippery, muddy surface? In this case, a tracked excavator would be better suited. But if you need to travel on road surfaces between sites, a wheeled excavator is worth considering.
It’s not all about size and undercarriage either. It’s important to think about the typical applications and tasks you’ll be using it for. It’s no use purchasing something that doesn’t do what you need it to do. Likewise, attachment compatibility and versatility are key, especially if you require your excavator for a range of different tasks.
Excavator cost considerations
While the purchase price is the main cost consideration, it isn’t the only one. The price of excavators varies depending on all sorts of factors, including size, spec, and configuration. In addition to the purchase price, there may be added specialist features – like long reach and advanced hydraulics – that will need to be considered.
And it’s important not to forget about the running costs, for example, fuel efficiency and consumption. This is where you might want to consider an electric digger. JCB’s range of mini electric excavators don’t compromise on performance. They are 100% electric, with zero emissions – perfect for operators and businesses working towards net zero. We created the world’s first fully-electric mini excavator with zero emissions, and from there, have continued to innovate and develop a full range of 100% electric machines.
Additionally, there are routine services and maintenance requirements that add to the cost of an excavator, as well as the cost of wear parts like tracks, buckets, and cutting edges. Choosing an E-TECH machine means less servicing, less maintenance, and overall lower operating costs – giving you significant savings.
Explore JCB’s Excavator Range
JCB has been a global pioneer in machinery for over 80 years. We use the most advanced technology to build our excavators, so you can trust that every single one is engineered to the highest standards to ensure it stands the test of time.
From ultra-compact 1-tonne mini diggers to 52-tonne high-performance machines, our versatile range makes it easy to find the best excavator for any project, no matter what size.
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