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3 Rules of Thumb for Smarter Excavator Selection
Avoid Costly Mistakes with These Three Simple Tips
Shopping for an excavator? Size and horsepower are top priorities, for sure. But even more important is picking the right setup for the work you do every day — without overspending or under-spec’ing.
Here are three common-sense guidelines to help you narrow your options, avoid costly mistakes and make sure your next excavator is a solid match for your applications.
Rule #1: Pick Your Bucket First, Not Your Machine
Your bucket is your starting point. It’s the most common excavator configuration — and the limiting factor for productivity.
- First, identify the loose density of the heaviest material you typically need to move. Include the weight of your bucket’s ground engaging tools (GET) in your calculation.
- Then, determine the bucket size and capacity needed to handle that material efficiently.
- Now, choose an excavator model that can handle the bucket and the load — not the other way around.
Working underground? Bucket width is critical for safety and efficiency inside cave-in protection systems. A bucket that doesn’t fit can lead to extra excavation, wasted bedding material and unnecessary backfill.
Rule #2: Check Net Lift Capacity, Not Just Lift Capacity
Lifting power is another key selection factor. Always check an excavator’s lift capacity against your heaviest anticipated load: a sewer manhole box, a cast iron pipe, a heaped bucket or even a tree stump. You want a machine that can handle that weight without overtaxing the hydraulics or wasting fuel.
To determine the right net lift capacity — and the right-sized excavator — follow this formula:
- Check the rated lift capacity of the excavator you’re considering.
- Then subtract the weight of any attachment that’s heavier than standard.
- What you’re left with is the true net lift capacity.
Also, make sure to consider the excavator’s operating weight. Sufficient mass is what keeps the machine stable during lifts. But don’t assume bigger is always better. Right-sizing the machine for your application will give you more efficiency.
Rule #3: Size the Stick for the Work
Stick length affects both your reach and your breakout force. Here’s the tradeoff:
- Shorter sticks deliver more digging power.
- Longer sticks give you more reach but less force.
If you need the best of both, look for models with a long roller frame option and additional rollers. And don’t forget the counterweight: choosing the right one helps keep your machine balanced and productive.
Bonus Tip: Attachments Matter
Your excavator can do a lot more than dig. Versatility is one of the primary reasons most contractors add these machines to their fleets. With nearly 400 Cat® attachments available, you can turn an excavator into a jobsite multi-tasker: ripping, hammering, compacting, loading and more.
Just make sure the machine you’re considering comes with the right hydraulic setup and controls for the tools you plan to use. A quick coupler is also worth a look if you need to swap attachments frequently on the job.
More Questions? Your Dealer Has Answers.
These tips can help you size smarter — but the best decisions come from pairing real-world jobsite needs with expert advice. Your local Cat dealer has the know-how to help you pick the right combination of excavator size, stick, bucket and attachments to match your workflow, your budget and your business goals.
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