ForConstructionPros.com

Excavators have long been the mainstay of many construction fleets, and the numbers are increasing. U.S. consumption of hydraulic excavators is expected to reach nearly 30,000 units this year (up over 15% from 2003), with more than half of those units consisting of compact models (under 20 tons). There are also 29 primary excavator suppliers in the market today — making a careful comparison of operating capabilities even more critical.

But spec'ing an excavator goes beyond comparing numbers. Many other factors can impact excavator performance, with one of the biggest being maintenance. Proper preventive maintenance is essential to keeping these machines in peak operating condition. However, maintenance that is difficult to perform often doesn't get done.

We've asked excavator suppliers to provide a description of features specifically designed to reduce maintenance requirements and/or make service easier to perform. You'll find many of their responses included with the spec listings.

Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Inc. designs and manufactures more than 30 excavator models ranging from less than 2- to 360-ton operating weight. Various configurations of front ends and undercarriages and an array of buckets and other work tools are available. The new rubber-tired C-Series excavators feature high mobility and the ability to work on paved surfaces. Several tracked excavators feature a reduced swing radius for enhanced ability to work in tight areas.

Bobcat Co.

Bobcat G-Series excavators offer improved service life of the undercarriage components and boom. Tighter tolerances on pivot points at the base of the boom and on the boom swing cylinder give all models improved wear characteristics. Improved tempering methods also extend the service life of the excavator track rollers.