# Advanced Gear Guide: Excavators - **Type:** Tradie Guide Excavators are a great piece of equipment for speeding up jobs and cutting down on manual labour time. At Hirepool we have over [17 different sizes of excavators available](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers.md) for hire, from mini 1-tonne excavators all the way through to large 30-tonne commercial options. Whether you are tackling a job on a smaller residential project or getting into a large scale commercial job, we’ve got something to help you [get the job done smarter](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/10-jobs-you-can-do-smarter-with-a-hire-digger.md). In this guide, we are going to take a look at the different models available, the benefits of each, and how the latest technology in excavators can benefit you on site. In this guide you’ll find trusted advice on: [What can excavators be used for](#what-can-excavators-be-used-for) [How to choose the right excavator for your job](#how-to-choose-the-right-excavator-for-your-job) The [types of excavators available for hire](#what-types-of-excavators-are-available) [Mini excavators](#mini-excavators) [Battery-powered excavators](#battery-powered-excavators) [Tail swing options](#tail-swing-options) [Large excavators](#large-excavators) [How to operate an excavator](#how-to-operate-an-excavator) [How to change excavator attachments](#how-to-change-excavator-attachments) [Source](https://www.constructionequipment.com/R920) ## What can excavators be used for Excavation equipment helps you to move earth and material quickly making these heavy-duty beasts a fantastic addition to any job site that needs to stay on time and on budget. ### Large scale projects Some large-scale jobs would not be possible without excavation equipment, and hiring one is a great way to get in, do the work, then bring in more gear to the site for the next stage. [Large excavators](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/339b-excavator-20-to-24-tonne.md?addToCart) can be used on a project site for clearing ground to make way for new structures or shift large quantities or volumes of material such as gravel, fast. With strict timelines, it’s critical that this kind of work be done efficiently. ### Small sites or residential jobs [Smaller excavators](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/331a-excavator-towable-limited-tail-swing-1-5-to-1-7-tonne.md?addToCart) do all the hard yards for you with digging, knocking down smaller structures or transporting building material from A to B. Our smallest excavator is the [Takeuchi TB108](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/330z-excavator-towable-standard-tailswing-0-9-to-1-4-tonne.md) weighing in at 922kg. It’s great for retaining walls, laying a trench, breaking up concrete with an attachment, levelling the ground, excavating for a pool and much more. Work that might take a few people to complete, can be done easily with one piece of equipment. Using an excavator can also save your team physical strain, meaning you can save your energy for the rest of the project. Whether you are building a new shed or starting a [landscaping project](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/nz-landscaping-done-smarter-huia-landscapes.md), it’s well worth considering hiring an excavator to save you time. ## How to choose the right excavator for your job [Choosing the right excavator](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/what-excavator-do-you-need-for-your-job.md#:~:text=Excavators%20or%20diggers%20are%20a,and%20without%20too%20much%20effort) is important not only to ensure you have the power and size to do what is needed but also to ensure you don’t make an error with other issues such as access and safety. Some of the things to consider when choosing an excavator are: ### Height reach Look at how high or low the area is that you need to dump material to. You need to make sure the excavator can reach up or down that far. [![excavator-load](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/ikifj2qc/excavator3.jpg?width=1362&height=768&mode=max)source](https://www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment/earthmoving-compact/article/10533835/trench-bench-and-slope-safety) ### Distance reach Check how far you need to reach in terms of distance. Different excavators have different reach lengths, and moving the whole excavator is not always a feasible option with site space. ### Material volume or quantity Look at how much material you need to move. You may need to use a larger bucket to get the job done faster, rather than doing multiple small loads. ### Material weight It’s important to consider the weight of what you are moving as each excavator will have the maximum capacity it can carry. For example, a load of timber is far different in weight to a load of metal, so be sure to get an excavator with the right load weight. ### Depth of dig If you are using an excavator for digging, check how far down you need to go. Depending on the type of excavator you use, the digging depth can range in capability from 1680mm to 8140mm. ## What types of excavators are available Hirepool has both standard excavator gear that can be hired by anyone and specialist excavators which require a special license to operate. Generally speaking, anything above 7-tonne is classed as specialised gear. Hirepool has a range of excavator sizes, that range in capability with weight capacity, tail swing and reach options. We’ve also got options to suit different types of terrain and working environments. ### Mini excavators [Mini excavators](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/330z-excavator-towable-standard-tailswing-0-9-to-1-4-tonne.md) as the name suggests, are the smallest type available. The benefits of hiring a mini excavator include: - **They are towable** This makes them easy to get to site for a quick digger hire option. Hirepool refers to mini-diggers as small and they are generally transportable on trailers up to 1.9 ton. * **They are compact** The smaller size means they can squeeze into tighter areas, which also helps with site access. + **Great for smaller jobs** At a very reasonable price point, a mini excavator can do the physical work quickly, helping to reduce labour costs. Whether you are pulling out a small tree stump or landscaping, mini excavators have the power for both. - **No special license needed and easy to use** This makes a mini excavator an easy-to-hire option, especially for those that might be new to excavation work. * **Can be delivered to site by Hirepool** For the ultimate convenience and time-saving option, just ask the team at Hirepool for a delivery option. You can also pick one up with a [trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/specialised-equipment-trailers/614b-trailer-for-equipment-tandem-axle-up-to-1-8-tonne.md) if you have a tow bar. ![richard-mills-excavator-tail-swing](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/dy1pp2f0/rich-in-the-excavator3.jpg?width=1596&height=1197&mode=max) ## Tracked Excavators A tracked excavator is designed for digging applications, however, when equipped with the appropriate attachment like a hammer or crusher, these excavators are great for demolition and large mining sites. It is important you know the scope of your project before making a decision on which tracked excavator to use. The benefits of hiring a tracked excavator are: **Better traction, stability and safety** If an excavation project of yours is based on uneven, sloped, or soft terrain, a tracked excavator with its low center of gravity and tracked undercarriage is the most suitable option. Extending the tracks base on one of these excavators provides the driver with better stability and ensures you can safely navigate a worksite. Be aware that narrowing the track base leads to less stability with the machine. **Bigger digging depth** Track excavators compared to wheeled excavators of comparable size, can dig more deeply as they sit lower the ground. **Versatile on uneven surfaces** The tracks on these excavators cannot be punctured by stone, rocks, raw materials, that are found on worksites. Uneven ground can exacerbate these problems, but a tracked excavator can negate this problem. ### Battery-powered excavators Adding to the range of excavators at Hirepool, we now have a battery-powered excavator, which is a great piece of modern technology sure to impress. The benefits of hiring an electric excavator include: - **Zero emissions**Not only can you reduce your exposure to petrol-powered equipment, but the environmental footprint is far superior with a battery-powered machine. This may be especially appealing to businesses or clients who want to make a change in that space. * **Noise reduction** This is great for areas where you need quiet equipment such as residential areas or within metropolitan areas. + **Great for small areas** With a width of 980 - 1330mm, this excavator is ideal for projects where you don’t have much room to move. - **Impressive run time** The battery-powered excavator runs for an incredible 4 hours which provides plenty of work time with fewer fumes and noise. * **Modern safety features** Enjoy a safer worksite with a rollover, tip over and fall over certified canopy, A protected boom work light, and a polycarbonate front screen for protection. ![battery-powered](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/jt0oaoez/batterypowered.jpg?width=1229&height=804&mode=max)[Source](https://www.ivtinternational.com/news/construction/jcb-launches-trio-of-vehicles.html) ### Tail swing options Excavators have a tail that swings in the opposite direction, with its purpose being to provide a counterweight. [Zero tail swing excavators](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/334k-excavator-zero-tail-swing-5-to-6-4-tonne.md?addToCart) are ideal for smaller areas where you don’t have much room. [Standard tail swing models](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/335a-excavator-standard-tail-swing-7-to-8-4-tonne.md?addToCart) are most common and allow for good reach. [Limited tail swing models](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/335b-excavator-limited-tail-swing-8-5-to-9-9-tonne.md?addToCart) allow for a small amount of swing which still allows for good manoeuvring. ### Large excavators The [large excavators](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/339h-excavator-limited-tail-swing-20-to-25-tonne.md?addToCart) available at Hirepool will not only save a business significant cost in purchasing and storage but also the convenience of hiring for only the time needed on a project. Newer model excavators also include many modern features which can make long days on the job a lot more comfortable, safe and practical. Large excavators are ideal for trenching, moving large quantities of material and earthmoving for construction or large-scale landscaping. You will need a WTR (Wheels, Track & Roller) licence endorsements if driving or operating an excavator on a road, this applies to all WTR equipment. The tracks endorsement applies to all excavators in the Hirepool range & not just the larger ones. This can get tricky as the definition of a road includes: - Street - A motorway - A beach - A place to which the public have access - All bridges, culverts, ferries and fords firming part of a road or street or motorway. The benefits of hiring a large excavator include: - **Great size range** The large excavators range from 10-tonne to 30-tonne meaning there are options for any kind of project. Medium diggers would range for 3 ton - 9-tonne. * **Great for large commercial jobs** Time is money on a large commercial job, so a big excavator will help you to get the job done efficiently. + **Can be used with a range of bucket sizes** Some large excavators can be used with different bucket attachments, from standard, narrow or wide, all at no extra charge so you can get the job done smarter. - **Reduced fuel consumption** Newer models now feature reduced fuel consumption, which means less cost for your project. * **Modern safety features** This includes a rear camera, large side mirrors, anti-slip steps and platforms, guard rails on the upper structure and powerful lighting. + **Low noise & vibration levels, great visibility** Long days on the job are much more comfortable with these fantastic features, increasing personal health and safety on the job. Enjoy a fully adjustable heated air suspension seat and air conditioning with climate control - talk about comfort on the job! - **Super-long reach and two-piece boom** A super long reach means you can stay parked in one spot and get the job done more efficiently. ![large-excavator](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/yzojrjfu/excavator5.jpg?width=1234&height=824&mode=max) ## How to operate an excavator 1. From the cab, the operator can use the pedals and the joysticks to move the excavator through a full range of movements that may involve multiple combinations from the levers/pedals. 2. The operator will use the boom, stick and bucket to load and scoop materials 3. The operator will then be able to move and position the machine, with the joysticks, that best suit the conditions of the worksite. Due to the way the machine can rotate 360 degrees, it can make the loading and placement of the material easier. Some of the machines may have a blade fitted which can also be used to move or clear material. 4. The operator can move the excavator on its tracks or wheels within the worksite or loaded on a transporter/trailer if it is small enough, to change locations. ![large-excavator-bucket](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/0dtmnbaz/excavator6.jpg?width=1476&height=986&mode=max) ## How to change excavator attachments Excavators can also be fitted with different attachments to suit the job at hand. These come in various sizes and include options such as buckets, rippers, hydraulic breakers and augers. Generally, all Hirepool excavators come with 2-3 buckets and have manual or hydraulic quick hitches to easily change them. The standard attachments on most of Hirepool's excavators are a narrow/trenching bucket or a spade, a standard bucket and a wide (cleaning) bucket. On most of Hirepool’s machines, the wide cleaning bucket is a hydraulic tilt bucket. Some machines will have a tilt quick hitch which means any bucket that is fitted has tilt capability New models include a quick hitch option to make attachment changing faster. There are several different types of quick hitches on these machines, so it is best to familiarise yourself with the one you’re using before changing any attachments. All Hirepool models have a quick hitch. Here is a general guide on changing attachments: 1. Place the bucket on a level surface (it should be on the ground to ensure safety so it doesn’t fall on anyone). 2. Remove any manual locking pins. 3. Go back into the cab and press the quick hitch switch which will cause a release.Some machines have a switch that can be used to move a locking pin or ram, allowing the hitch to remove the unit. 4. Turn the bucket inwards and lift it up to ensure it has fully disengaged. It is recommended that the bucket is in a position that will not require further movement when free of the hitch. 5. Curl out and lower the bucket carefully so it drops out of the hitch. On the newer models of excavators, some attachments have hydraulic hoses that you have to take off before changing. Some also have a ratchet inside the machine cab to take off the attachment from the hitch The older models have a two-pin system which may require that the bottom pin be removed. 1. Line up the hitch with the top pin of the attachment and roll/curl inwards to connect. 2. Turn the switch in the can into the lock position or refit the pin or ram into position. 3. Put the safety cover back over the quick switch if relevant 4. Place the bucket back down to the ground to a square position, put the lock pin or red tag back in here. Connect any hydraulic hoses that are needed to operate the next unit. ### Following the instruction for your excavator model Depending on the type of excavator you have, the instructions for changing the attachments can vary slightly, and some larger excavators require experienced hands to get the job done. The best port of call is to ask your rep at Hirepool what they recommend, so you can ensure your whole team is kept safe on-site. Models such as our 30-tonne excavator also have [operator manuals](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/media/uitl4hik/10-20181031095031_pts_184.pdf) explaining the instructions if you ever need a refresh. ## Hire your excavation equipment from Hirepool and get the job done faster Check out the [Trade hub page](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/trade-hub.md) for more ways to work smarter. [Visit us in a branch](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/branches.md) or [online](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers.md) for all your excavation needs. Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/advanced-gear-guide-excavators