Are you in the market for a new excavator? Choosing the right features can be challenging since every project is different, and there are many options available. Excavators come in different sizes, support different levels of hydraulic power and fall into different price ranges.
Thankfully, finding the best excavator for your next project comes down to several simple questions. Your work and heavy equipment budget can guide you in making the best choice. Use this excavator buying guide to learn more about your options and ultimately select the right excavator for you.
What to Look for in a New Excavator
If you’re looking for a new excavator, you must consider several questions before purchasing. The right excavator depends on factors like the project terrain, size and budget. While most excavators can handle most jobs, the best option will increase your efficiency, keep operators safe and offer a high return on your investment.
What Size Excavator Do You Need?
Excavators are grouped by weight into three sizes — mini or compact, midsize and large. Choosing the right size can make your project efficient and safe. To decide on the best size for you, consider these factors:
- Maneuverability: How much room do you have to work? If there’s not much room, a mini or midi excavator may be the best choice.
- Lifting capacity: How much weight do you need to lift? If you’re moving a lot of heavy material, a larger excavator offers more counterweight, allowing you to handle heavy loads safely.
- Storage and transportation: Where will you keep the excavator? Do you have the right equipment to haul it to and from your project location?
Matching the size of an excavator to the size of a job is often a good solution. While mini excavators are a good fit for small jobs, large excavators can move material more quickly, making them ideal for large jobs. Ultimately, the right size depends on your budget, storage facility and project needs.
Should You Get a Wheeled or Tracked Excavator?
In most cases, a tracked excavator is the best choice. They’re better for rough terrain since they have a large surface area and good grip. They’re also extremely stable, which is important for many jobs. However, wheeled excavators can move faster than heavy machinery with tracks. They’re faster to reposition and don’t cause nearly as much damage to asphalt or concrete, so they’re a good choice for urban jobs.
What Excavator Features Should You Look For?
Your excavator must be compatible with the attachments you want to use. Attachments like grapples, augers and hammers use a hydraulic system, and not every system has the same power. Before choosing a new excavator, check that the attachments you plan to use are strong enough for the project and match the excavator’s hydraulic system.
Another feature to consider is operator comfort. Newer excavators are designed to be ergonomic, allowing operators to work quickly and for longer periods. Reducing operator fatigue makes work more efficient and keeps employees safe because they can work longer without getting tired or making mistakes.
Technological upgrades like grading assistance and telematic systems can help streamline project workflow, so they’re worth looking into. These tools give you more data to work with and can assist operators so they can focus their energy and attention on other parts of the job. Of course, you may need to train operators if excavating equipment has new features.
How Much Should You Spend on an Excavator?
Larger excavators tend to be more expensive than small models. However, they can help you complete large projects quickly, making the initial financial investment worth it. To determine the right budget for a new excavator, consider the following questions:
- How quickly will this excavator pay for itself?
- How many projects will I use it for this year?
- Is there a smaller model that can do the same job?
Factor fuel, storage, transportation and maintenance expenses into the cost of a new excavator. Purchasing new equipment is just the first step in ownership. Once you have heavy equipment, you need income from projects to cover the cost of keeping the excavator in good condition.
Benefits of Buying New Excavators vs. Used Excavators
There are pros and cons to both new and used excavators. New excavators are often more expensive but have less wear and tear and may last longer. Conversely, used excavators cost less upfront but don’t have updated technology and may require more repairs and maintenance.
The best choice for your project depends on the following:
- Your equipment budget
- Length of the project
- Access to repair services
For long-term projects and larger budgets, a new excavator offers greater reliability and advanced features. However, with access to the right repair services and a lower budget, a used excavator can also be a good investment. Work with what you have to make the best decision for your projects and your company’s future — investing in an excavator, whether new or used, can benefit your business in the long run.
How to Buy a New Excavator
Understanding your needs is the first step to buying a new excavator. Once you know the size and power you need in new machinery, you can create a budget to help you find the best option for upcoming projects. The choice between a new or used excavator will depend on what you’re willing to spend upfront and the kind of projects you need to complete.
Once you’re clear on what you need, the next step is to connect with a trustworthy dealer who sells equipment from a reliable brand. Heavy equipment companies pride themselves on creating machinery that lives up to their brand name and everything it represents. If you want equipment that’s durable, reliable and safe to operate, purchase machinery from a brand that shares those values.
If you can, it’s best to buy excavators from a dealer who also offers equipment parts and maintenance services. That way, you already have a relationship and support system ready before you need to call for repairs. Preventive maintenance can extend the life of your machinery and reduce breakdowns that interfere with completing projects on time.
Find the Excavator You Need from Thompson Machinery
Looking for the right excavator for your next project? At Thompson Machinery, we’ve been serving the construction, power and agricultural industries since 1944. Whether you want to buy, lease or rent heavy equipment, we have a wide range of excavators and other equipment options to meet your needs:
We are the exclusive Cat dealer for West Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and North Mississippi. It’s our goal to invest in stronger communities by offering superior services and building lasting relationships. We know your work matters, and we’re here with the services and support you need to succeed.
Contact us online to learn how we can meet your needs, or give us a call at 800-228-3644 to talk with one of our representatives today.