Photo by Bendigo Smart Hire

If you know anything about working in the construction industry, then you’ll be aware of how time-sensitive some projects can be. Therefore, the goal is always to find the most efficient machinery to get the job done. 

It’s no wonder then that many business owners and project managers rely on the excavator hire Bendigo construction companies use to get all types of jobs done. Have you hired an excavator before? Are you looking to hire one for the first time? Keep reading as we highlight a few simple pointers to make the process quick and easy. 

Mini Excavators Make Light Work of Tough Tasks

If you look around the average job site, you’ll most certainly find one, or even a few, mini excavators. This is because this versatile machine can easily perform a wide range of jobs in record time. Here are some top pointers to consider.  

1. Assess Your Needs

To a novice, one mini excavator may look very much like another. However, it’s essential to point out that these machines are designed to perform different tasks in specific terrains. That said, the first step in hiring a mini excavator is to establish the exact reasons you need it. This will ensure that you hire the best machine for the job. 

Start by assessing the type of terrain the machine will be working on as well as whether you will need it to dig or just lift and carry rubble away. With the right accessories, the average excavator can easily perform both of these tasks. 

The most significant specifications to keep in mind are listed as:

• Engine power: Our experts advise that it’s essential to pick a machine where the strength of the engine matches the type of digging you expect it to do. The excavator that you choose should also be able to easily drive over and around the terrain of your job site. It may be necessary to opt for a model with a stronger engine to perform the required tasks efficiently. 
• Weight: It’s key to note that an excavator that’s too light will struggle to move heavier materials. A heavier machine, on the other hand, may cause significant damage to the terrain. To counter both of these issues, experts recommend focusing on the maximum operating weight that should include the load it’s picking up, equipment (accessory the machine is using to dig), as well as the weight of the operator. 
• Bucket capacity: Excavators can be used with a wide range of accessories. These come in the form of buckets and digging tools that are attached to the front of the excavator. The buckets and accessories you choose will depend on the work that needs to be done. Renting different accessories allows you to use one machine to do multiple jobs. 

2. Excavator Size Does Matter

Another factor that makes it easy to find the best unit for the job is that they’re available in a range of different sizes. A huge plus here is that no matter what size you’re opting for, modern mini excavators are designed to fit into smaller, narrower, spaces. Here’s a breakdown of the size pointers to know:

• Standard: Excavators with a weight range between 10 and 45 tons fall into the standard category. These machines can easily be used with or without accessories, depending on the job. They are simple to transport and are well known for their durability and versatility. 
• Mini: Also referred to as compact excavators, these models are the most preferred options to purchase and hire. Their general weight ranges between 2,100 pounds to up to 10 tons. Mini excavators are ideal for work in smaller spaces and do the least ground damage. This makes them ideal for work on construction sites, sidewalks and roads. They are also the preferred choice for homeowners to use for work in residential spaces such as swimming pool installation. 
• Large: If your job type requires a larger model, the good news is that there are large options to choose from. These weigh between 10 and 95 tons. These larger machines are ideal for work in urban projects where space isn’t an issue. Their strength is ideal for work on hills and slopes. Transporting them requires a large trailer or truck. 

3. Mini Excavators are a Top Choice

No matter how big or small the job is, experts suggest opting for mini excavators because of the versatility they offer. Some of the key benefits of using these machines are:

• Offer a lower transportation weight with an average weight of less than 10,000 lbs. 
• Lightweight design allows for a smaller footprint on the terrain. 
• Significantly less ground damage. 
• It can be easily transported on a small truck. 

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see why excavators are so popular on job sites of all sizes. By combining the right capacity with the different accessories, you’ll be able to get a wide range of jobs done. Speak to your rental agent to hire the best excavator for the job at hand and watch your job get done as efficiently as possible!