In comparison to all the machinery that is used within the scope of a construction project, choosing the correct excavator is considered to be the most important machinery. This is mainly due to the fact that besides the primary role of the construction vehicle which is generally used to excavate and/ or move large objects, they are also used for a wide variety of other functions that are critical to the project. There are a range of excavator hire options, most excavators generally consists of 2 primary parts which include the driving base attached to a significantly powerful boom arm that projects an attachment that are specifically designed for excavating. This boom arm is controlled by an operator/ driver from within a small cab that allows him or her to manoeuvre the arm in a number of ways that make these machines critical for ‘prepping’ construction sites.

The excavator works on a specially designed hydraulic system that generates copious amounts of hydraulic force to control the mechanical arm of the machine. As for mobility the chain wheel system is applied allowing the entire vehicle to move over rugged terrain quite easily. However, it is important to note that these machines are ‘needed’ in both large and small-scale constructions projects and hence they come with a variety of sizes and capabilities. From small housing projects that require cut and fill to mega projects that require large objects to be moved or drilling to be done as these machines come with a wide variety of extra functions. The point is that excavators are used to excavate and this basically means moving construction material, removing construction material and also breaking hard ground among others. Among the more basic functions that make excavators such an important element for construction projects include the fact that these machines are able to dig trenches, holes and prepare foundations. Excavators are also used to perform demolitions, material handling, landscaping, brush cutting and forestry work. The machines are also often used for general precision works such as lifting, moving and placing cables and pipes or for river dredging and mining.

Modern day ‘high-end’ excavators still have similar capacities to traditional excavators, but with far more extensive and versatile abilities. From swamp excavators that practically float on swampy terrain to the spider excavator that looks like something straight out of a high budget sci-fi movie, excavators are crucial towards just about any construction project. Therefore, based on the fact that there are various type of excavators each with their own advantages and disadvantages, it is important for project managers to be able to understand the scope of projects more thoroughly prior to engaging the services of an excavator and its driver. This approach would ensure that budgets for the projects are kept to the minimal and there is no undue resource waste. Just as the old adage goes about using the right tool for the right job, the same applies to excavators simply because excavators are not cheap and actually have a significant impact on project budgets.