Compact excavators are undoubtedly among the more versatile machines that are out there in the market and most that fall into the compact excavator category typically weigh less than 10 tons.
These machines have become exceedingly popular not just within the realm of construction projects, but they are also gaining traction in other areas which include farming, warehousing, landscaping, and agriculture and as well as utility work.
Compact excavators are among the most frequent category of excavator hire machinery from construction equipment rental companies mainly attributed to their maneuverability, lower cost, and ability to work spaces that are congested or narrow where standard sized machines are unable to fit.
Among the key features and mechanics that drive the popularity of the latest compact excavator models start with the size and maneuverability of these machines. The main advantage of compact excavators is the size which easily allows these machines to fit into narrow spaces such as residential backyards which is the reason as to why compact excavators are frequently taken for hire for home improvement projects.
These machines also afford low ground disturbance as many of these models are fitted with rubber tracks and coupled with their lighter weight, generally exert much less pressure on the ground when compared to machines with tires or steel tracks. These features make them perfect solutions for working on landscaped surfaces. The versatility with of the latest compact models is attributed to the ability of the new models to accommodate attachments.
Compact excavators are capable of being fitted with a motley range of attachments ranging from buckets, hydraulic hammers and breakers, augers, grapples and more which enable these machines to manage a diverse range of tasks easily. Another factor that enhances the versatility of compact models these days is the boom swing which is a key feature. The independent boom swing design of compact models allows operators to be able to dig parallel to the tracks and around obstacles without having to reposition the machine.
Other factors include the backfill blade which is in essence a standard feature where a hydraulically controlled blade is attached to the undercarriage of the machine allowing operators to use it for backfilling, grading or levelling surfaces. The blade also functions as a stabilizer for the machine.
Most compact models also come with either a zero or reduced tail swing design which in general means that the cab and engine section stays within the circumference of the tracks when the cab is rotated by operators which naturally reduces the risk of the machine hitting objects around it when working within tight spaces.
Last, but not least is the ease of use and transportability of the latest models. Most compact excavators are fitted with easy-to-use interfaces which allow even inexperienced operators to manage the machine easily and most fit snugly unto a pickup truck making them easy to be transported from one project site to another.
Most construction equipment rental companies offer drop off and pick services for compact models due to this very reason.