How to choose the right small excavator

I. Define the operational requirements
1. Consideration of working conditions Operating environment: If the working site is narrow, such as indoor or space-restricted neighbourhoods, small excavators, with their compact and flexible advantages, can be better to play their role. In large outdoor projects, such as railway, road construction and other open sites, you need to choose a large excavator to meet the requirements of efficient operation and digging depth.
Operational tasks: For simple tasks such as earthmoving and foundation construction, ordinary standard small excavators can meet the demand. However, for complex municipal projects, such as pipeline laying, cable laying and other delicate work, you need to choose a small excavator with special attachments or more precise handling performance.
2. Workload and cycle Size of workload: if the workload is small and occasional use, leasing a small excavator may be a more economical choice; while for long-term, ongoing large-scale projects, it may be more cost-effective to buy your own equipment. And, it is important to choose the right tonnage and efficiency of small excavator according to the workload to avoid waste of resources or overloading of equipment.
Second, study the performance of the machine
1. Power system Engine power: Sufficient engine power can ensure the smooth operation of small excavator under various complicated working conditions. For example, when digging hard soil or climbing slopes, insufficient power will cause the machine to run slowly or even stagnate. Generally speaking, a more powerful engine is needed for the case of heavy work intensity.
Fuel efficiency: from the perspective of long-term cost of use, a small excavator with high fuel efficiency can save a lot of operating expenses. You can check the fuel consumption index provided by the manufacturer and refer to the actual use evaluation of other users.
2. Hydraulic system Pressure and flow: The pressure and flow of the hydraulic system directly affect the digging force and working speed of the small excavator. Higher pressure produces more digging force, and the right flow rate ensures efficient work. For example, when crushing hard materials such as concrete, the hydraulic system needs to provide high pressure support. System stability: A stable hydraulic system reduces the likelihood of malfunctions and ensures that the machine will work continuously for a long time. Knowing the brand and quality of the hydraulic system, as well as user feedback, can help assess its stability.
3. Digging and loading capacity Bucket capacity: Choose the right bucket capacity for the job. A smaller bucket capacity is good for delicate work and small material handling, while a larger bucket capacity is suitable for large-scale earthmoving projects, for example. Digging radius and height: these two parameters determine the working range of the small excavator. If there are obstacles in the working area or need to dig within a certain range, you need to consider whether the digging radius and height meet the requirements.
Third, pay attention to the size and weight
1. Ease of transport Machine size: If you need to transport a small excavator frequently, especially when travelling on narrow roads or under low bridges, then the external dimensions of the small excavator are crucial. Ensure that the width, height and length of the machine are within the transport restrictions to avoid unnecessary hassle and increased transport costs. Ease of disassembly: Some small excavators can be easily disassembled into several parts for transport and assembly at different job sites. This feature is very practical for users who need to transfer frequently.
2. Work stability Weight of the whole machine: Heavier small excavators generally have better stability, and are less likely to sway or tip over during the digging process due to their lack of weight. However, this will also affect the machine’s mobility and ease of transport, so it needs to be weighed according to the actual working conditions. Counterweight design: reasonable counterweight design can improve the stability of small excavators. Some high-quality small excavators will be optimised in structural design and counterweight distribution to ensure stable operation under different working conditions. To sum up, choosing the right small excavator needs to consider various factors. Define the operational needs, according to the working conditions, material types, operational tasks and workload and cycle to choose; study the performance of the machine, pay attention to the power system, hydraulic system, and digging and loading capacity; at the same time pay attention to the size and weight, consider the convenience of transport and work stability. Only after comprehensive weighing can you choose the most suitable small excavator for yourself.