Admit it, bigger is sometimes better. When you need to dig a large foundation, clear a big area or demolish a structure, a full-size excavator is probably the right equipment for the job. However, for other projects, a mini-excavator may be a perfect fit.
These more cost-effective machines can fit in tighter areas and enter worksites that have weight limits. Mini-excavators are well suited for dumping or trenching on muddy, narrow jobsites. They are useful for backfilling, leveling and grading. And, importantly, attachments add versatility and value to what the machine can contribute to a worksite.
With the right mini-excavator attachment, you can remove tree stumps, compact soil, dig a pool and more. You can complete tasks with a machine that is easier to handle than a full-sized excavator.
A good step in determining which attachment is the best course to add to a mini-excavator is to consult with an equipment rental provider. Here are some attachments to review that can help your company increase equipment utilization and save money in the process.
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Bucket
The bucket is the most used mini-excavator attachment. Buckets can be utilized for digging, moving earth and even demolition in some instances.
When selecting a bucket, consider the bucket’s weight and its carrying capacity.United Rentals
Compaction Accessories
Compaction accessories allow companies to pack down soil or asphalt with a mini-excavator instead of having to rent or buy compaction equipment.
Compaction wheels are used to compact granular soil and grade or level an area. When choosing a compaction wheel, consider the width of the space the machine is working in. Wheels with a larger diameter can make a job go faster, but they also weigh more. If you are working with a smaller mini-excavator, a wheel with a smaller diameter may be more suitable.
When compacting asphalt, you may want a vibratory plate compactor attachment. It can also be used for compacting soil and building foundations.
Hammer Attachment
If a mini-excavator is being used for demolishing a road, breaking up the ground or removing concrete fixtures, it will need a hammer attachment (also called a breaker attachment). A hammer attachment can be configured for an impact rate of anywhere from 700 to 1,400 beats per minute (bpm), making it customizable for different jobs.
Thumb Attachment
Just as the thumbs on an individual’s hands help someone carry and place items, a thumb for a mini-excavator can help a worker perform precision work. Excavator thumb attachments are used to grip and move items that might not fit in a bucket or that need to be placed with accuracy rather than dumped from a bucket. With a thumb attachment, a mini-excavator can be used to move small trees and logs, or to place boulders in a line for landscaping.
Power-tilt Attachment
If you are working in a small space, a power-tilt attachment can help reach around obstacles such as tree roots and utility lines without repositioning the mini-excavator. This attachment goes between the arm of the excavator and the attachment. It provides more flexibility with its 180° tilt and swing.
Power-tilt attachments are designed to fit with most mini-excavators and attachments,. But before you rent one, you should confirm that the attachment works with the equipment it will be using.
When shopping for mini-excavator attachments, it is important to choose those that will enhance functionality, not overwhelm the machine. Be sure to consult a rental equipment expert to find attachments that will fit both the machine and project.
