Excavation is the first and often one of the hardest stages of any construction process. It's essential for laying the foundation on which a building or other structure is to be constructed. As the name suggests, excavators are heavy construction machines that are specifically designed and built to tackle excavation tasks. These pieces of equipment come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used along with multiple attachments to perform various tasks, including grading and site preparation. Excavation machines generally feature a boom, bucket, arm, rotating cab (also called the house) and the drive system (comprising the undercarriage and movable tracks). 

With the huge variety of excavation equipment found on the market these days, you may struggle to match the right machine to your job. That's why you should do a little research before making a decision. Think about these variables to ensure you select the right rig for your excavation job.

Excavator size

As already pointed out, excavators come in different sizes to be used in tackling jobs of different sizes. The more digging you need to do and the heavier the weight of the material you intend to carry, the bigger your machine should be. Smaller rigs are suitable for shallow digging and lifting smaller loads that don't require the power of a larger machine.

Why is it important to pick the right machine size for your job? An excavator that's too small for your job will struggle to get the job done fast and efficiently while one that's too big will only add to the cost of your excavation operations. A correctly sized machine will provide the right blend of power and efficiency, allowing you to complete the task on time while using the least amount of energy possible.

Operating environment

The conditions of the worksite can also determine which kind of excavator you should choose. Factors such as the job location's physical size, slope, and soil characteristics, as well as the location of existing structures or infrastructure, can impact your choice of excavation equipment. The equipment you select should not only be easy to operate but also provide a safe and reliable performance.

These are just but a few of the many different factors to be considered when selecting a machine for an excavation job. If you'd like to learn more about the selection process for an excavator, you should contact an excavating professional near you.