Excavator Buyer’s Guide: 4 Important Tips You Don’t Want to Miss

Buying machines to add to your construction fleet is an important endeavour, as these machines will be the centre of your operation; however, any time you purchase a piece of heavy equipment, especially one that is new, it necessitates an incredibly significant investment.

Heavy equipment isn’t cheap. Therefore, ensure that you have made the right call on the item you purchase, as you will use this machine you have acquired for many years.

This logic certainly applies to the purchase of a new excavator, as although excavators are a handy piece of equipment to have on hand, they also come in such a wide variety, so it is crucial to do your research and know the particulars of what you are looking for before you invest in one of these versatile machines.

What are some of the most important things to consider before buying an excavator?

There are plenty of essential factors to consider when you start searching for the perfect excavator to add to your operation. Keeping these tips in mind while shopping around for an excavator that is the right match for you will ensure that you end up with a machine that best suits your needs and affords you the best return on your investment.

The following are some of the most essential things to think about when buying an excavator:

1. What Size Do You Need?

As excavators typically come in one of three sizes—-mini, standard, and large—one of the most crucial decisions you must make before buying one is what size best suits your needs. Any excavator under 7 tons is considered a “mini.” These excavators are best for small jobs and tight spaces. They require the least power and will do the most minimal damage to the surfaces you work on.

Any excavator between 7 and 45 tons is generally considered “standard-sized” and is typically quite versatile, working well for most job types and spaces. They have a significant amount of power, so you may have to do some repair work to the spaces you use them in because they can do some damage.

Large excavators are usually anywhere from 45 to 80 tons and are industrial workhorses. These machines don’t work well for jobs in compact areas. Yet, they provide a good option if you need sheer size and power.

2. What Hydraulics and Attachments to Get

A hydraulic system determines an excavator’s lift strength and responsiveness. An excellent system will allow it to work faster throughout the work cycle. So, another consideration should be the type of hydraulic system your new excavator has.

All kinds of attachments are used and switched out on excavators, from buckets to augers to hammers to rakes, which is what makes them so versatile. For this reason, it is also essential to keep in mind the attachments that you intend to work with and learn about the hydraulic flows required for each of them.

Make sure that you carefully choose the attachments to purchase for your excavator, as this will be a factor in determining the amount of use you can get out of it and the type of jobs you can use it for.

As you are looking into different excavator options, it is a good idea to inquire about each machine’s coupler options, as this will determine the scope and types of attachments it can handle.

3. What Transportation Will It Need?

It is always important to consider transportation during the purchase of a new excavator, or any new machine for that matter, as depending on the fleet you currently have, you may need a new trailer to be able to haul it.

Other related factors are whether you must travel on weight-limited road bridges, get to/from job sites and whether your drivers need additional certification. You may need an attachment for your trailer, and if that is the case, it is essential to know about it ahead of time so that you can plan accordingly and work it into your budget.

4. What Are the Controls Like?

Regarding excavator controls, a consideration is whether the machine adheres to International Standards Organization (ISO) standards or Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) standards, since it will make a big difference.

If a machine employs ISO standards, usually the right-hand controls the stick and bucket motion, and the left-hand controls the swing and the boom; however, if a machine operates according to SAE standards, this will be the exact opposite. Since most operators prefer one set of standards or the other, it is a good idea to consult with your operators before making this call.

In some cases, certain excavators can switch between these two operating modes, so if you get your hands on such an excavator, you will never have to worry about running into problems with your controls.

How Great West Equipment Can Help You Get Your Hands on the Perfect Excavator for Your Needs

If you are searching for excavators for sale in BC and you want to find one that perfectly suits what you are looking for, Great West Equipment is the best place to start your search, as we have a large stock of excavators made by some of the best manufacturers in the industry.

We carry excavators of all types and sizes and an assortment of attachments. So, no matter what job you have ahead of you, we are confident that we have the perfect machine to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a new excavator or a used one, we can accommodate your preference, as we have a sizeable selection of new and used equipment, all in great condition.

If you are uncertain about any of the factors mentioned above and do not know which direction to head in when purchasing your new excavator, one of our knowledgeable heavy equipment experts will answer your questions and guide you in the right direction.

We will do whatever it takes to ensure that you are satisfied with the machine you leave our lot with, as our ultimate goal is your success and satisfaction. We also understand that purchasing new heavy equipment is a significant investment. Therefore, we even offer equipment financing options to make the transaction easier on your budget.

For more information about our excavators for sale in BC or to learn more about the other types of heavy equipment in our inventory, call Great West Equipment at 1-833-730-0613 or contact us here.