Excavators, also called diggers, are immensely powerful machines that can remove soil for a variety of purposes. Whether you're in the mining, road construction, or commercial building business, an excavator can be a key tool to help you get more done in less time and accept contracts of a larger scale. Here are 5 types of construction excavators:

Backhoe

This is the most common excavator in current use. The backhoe excavator uses a bucket (hoe) which is turned toward the operator. This bucket is attached via a long arm (called a boom) that pulls the soil toward the driver / operator. This ensures a clear view of the situation for the operator. An added benefit of a backhoe is that the cab can often rotate a full 360 degrees, allowing for adaptability in a variety of circumstances.

Dragline

These excavators are larger than backhoes and operate somewhat differently. They are utilized in projects such as mining and civil engineering. The standard models are called on-site draglines that are large and heavy. They drag the materials with a clench arm and metal chains. They are often used in conjunction with cranes for maximum efficiency. The downside of a dragline is that it can damage roads because of its weight. Therefore, it is often transported in separate parts and assembled whole again on the work site.

Suction Excavators

Suction, or "vacuum," excavators use a pipe with air pressure to carry loose soil and debris. A water pipe can be used in conjunction with these to ensure that the ground is soft and malleable. Suction excavators are very useful when brute force is not ideal and a rather careful selection of the materials and areas that need to be modified is the best approach.

Long Arm

Also called "long reach," this excavator has a boom arm that is used to break down materials into smaller sections. This is great for demolishing old buildings and walls.

Crawlers

These excavators boast high horsepower ratings and are useful in mining applications, among others. Their compact size and great power allow for a great amount of efficient movement in a small space, such as cavernous openings on coal sites.

Often times, excavators are grouped under one category. However, depending on the job at hand, it is helpful to use certain types. Whether you need to work the mines, demolish old buildings, or rearrange dirt for landscaping purposes, there is a perfect excavator that can meet your needs. For more information, contact a professional like those at Scott Equipment.