Excavation work can be daunting and time-consuming, especially when you don’t have the right tools for the job. One of the most important pieces of equipment in your arsenal is an excavator bucket. But with so many different types available on the market, how do you know which one is best suited for your project?
Whether you’re digging trenches, moving materials or demolishing structures, selecting the right excavator bucket can make all the difference between a successful project and a frustrating waste of time and money. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect excavator bucket for your next excavation mission!
There are many different types of excavator buckets to choose from, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. When you’re choosing an excavator bucket for your project, it’s important to understand the differences between each type so that you can select the right one for the job.
The most common type of excavator bucket is the general purpose bucket. These buckets are used for a variety of tasks, including digging, loading, and carrying material. General purpose buckets are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different excavators.
Another common type of excavator bucket is the digging bucket. Digging buckets are designed specifically for digging operations. They typically have a pointed bottom that helps penetrates the soft ground and teeth or cutting edge that helps break through hard ground. Digging buckets are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different excavators.
A third type of excavator bucket is the specialty bucket. Specialty buckets are designed for specific tasks, such as dredging, grading, or sorting material. Specialty buckets are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different excavators.
Are you looking for the most efficient way to move earth or dig trenches? Look no further than an excavator bucket! But with so many types available, how do you…
When it comes to excavator buckets, there are many different types and sizes to choose from. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which bucket is right for your project. In this article, we will discuss how to evaluate project requirements in order to choose the right excavator bucket for the job.
There are a few factors you will need to consider when evaluating project requirements:
The size and capacity of an excavator bucket are determined by the width of the bucket, length of the bucket, and the volume of the bucket. The width of the bucket is measured in inches, while the length is measured in feet. The volume is measured in cubic yards.
When it comes to choosing an excavator bucket, size and capacity are two important factors to consider. The width of the bucket will determine how much material can be scooped up at one time, while the length will determine how far the excavator can reach. The volume is important for determining how much material can be hauled in a single load.
There are a variety of different sizes and capacities of excavator buckets available on the market today. To choose the right one for your project, it’s important to first assess your needs and then compare different models to find the best match.
An excavator bucket attachment system is a key component in ensuring that your equipment can handle the demands of your project. There are a few factors to consider when choosing an excavator bucket attachment system, including:
The type of excavator you have will dictate the kind of bucket attachment system you need. For example, if you have a mini excavator, you’ll need a mini excavator bucket attachment system. Similarly, if you have a full-size excavator, you’ll need a full-size excavator bucket attachment system.
The size and scope of your project will also dictate the kind of bucket attachment system you need. If you’re working on a small construction site, for instance, you won’t need an industrial-grade bucket attachment system. Conversely, if you’re working on a large construction site or demolition project, you’ll need an industrial-grade bucket attachment system that can handle the heavy loads.
Finally, your budget will play a role in choosing an excavator bucket attachment system. If you have a limited budget, there are still quality options available; it just may take some time to find the right one for your needs.
Choosing the right excavator bucket for your project is important for two reasons: material and build quality. The material of your bucket will determine its durability and performance, while the build quality will affect its overall lifespan.
When it comes to materials, there are three main options: steel, aluminum, and composite. Steel is the most common choice for excavator buckets because it is strong and durable. However, it is also the heaviest option, which can impact fuel efficiency. Aluminum is a lighter alternative to steel that offers good strength and durability. Composite buckets are made from a combination of materials, including steel, aluminum, and synthetic polymers. They are often lighter than steel buckets and can offer better wear resistance.
When it comes to build quality, there are a few things to consider. First, check the welds to ensure they are strong and well-done. Second, look at the teeth or cutting edge of the bucket – these should be made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand heavy use. Finally, examine the overall construction of the bucket to ensure that it is built tough and will last for years to come.
Most excavator buckets will require some level of maintenance in order to keep them functioning properly. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your excavator bucket:
There are a variety of environmental and regulatory considerations to take into account when choosing an excavator bucket for your project. First and foremost, you will need to consider the local regulations in your area regarding the use of excavators. In some cases, you may need to obtain a permit from your local municipality in order to use an excavator on your project site.
Additionally, you will need to take into account any environmental sensitivities in the area, such as wetlands or endangered species habitat. If you are working in an environmentally sensitive area, you may need to use a specially designed bucket that minimizes the impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Finally, you will also need to consider the long-term effects of your choice of excavator bucket. For example, if you are working in an area with groundwater contamination, you will want to choose a bucket that is made from materials that will not leach chemicals into the water supply.
The first step in any equipment purchase is understanding your needs and what you hope to achieve with the new addition. For excavators, this process begins with a thorough analysis of the return on investment (ROI) that the machine will bring to your project. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when evaluating ROI for an excavator bucket:
1. What is the expected lifespan of the bucket?
2. How often will the bucket be used?
3. What is the cost of ownership (including maintenance and repairs)?
4. How much material can be processed per hour/day/week?
5. How does the bucket compare to other options on the market?
By taking all of these factors into account, you can get a clear picture of whether or not an excavator bucket is a good investment for your project. If you have any doubts, be sure to consult with an experienced excavator operator or dealer before making your final decision.
With a little bit of research and understanding, you can choose the right excavator bucket for your project. These buckets come in many shapes and sizes, each designed for different jobs or environments. You should always consult with an expert before selecting the best bucket to make sure it fits your needs perfectly. Taking these steps will ensure that you have the right tool for the job and get the results that you need from your excavation project.
JIANGTU Excavator Bucket is the perfect choice for grading and leveling earthwork. Obliquely manipulate this excavator attachment to the precise angle required, so that you are more efficient in handling work, and do not have to constantly reposition your excavator.
As one of the leading Excavator Buckets manufacturers in China, JIANGTU has a full range of excavator buckets for machines from 1.5-25 tones. Included in the range is thumb bucket, tilt bucket, skeleton bucket, clean up bucket, grab bucket, rock bucket, ripper bucket, mini-excavator buckets.
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As every contractor and operator knows, there are equipment brands that you love and are loyal to. Whether it's because of experience, preference, relationships, or fleet management, finding a brand and sticking with it can reduce the number of decisions you have to make to run your business.
However, sometimes the brand you prefer might not have a model that fits your needs. This can be especially true with excavator brands, of which there are 15 you will see commonly throughout North America. These top excavator brands in North America are CASE, Caterpillar, Develon (formerly known as Doosan), Hitachi, Hyundai, JCB, John Deere, Kato, Kobelco, Komatsu, Liebherr, Link-Belt, SANY, Volvo, and XCMG.
As you know, choosing excavator brands and models is incredibly important for your construction site. An excavator with the right features and specs could be the difference between finishing a job under budget or ahead of schedule.
Each excavator brand has a wide range of models, features, and benefits. In this blog, we'll do excavator comparisons for each brand including their history, product offerings, and differentiators that may make you reconsider what to look for when buying or renting an excavator.
There are a few key factors to consider when comparing excavator brands but priorities may change for every operator, project manager, foreman, and owner. These factors include:
Brand Familiarity: This typically has a positive correlation with serviceability and reliability. Also, knowing the brand increases word of mouth and trust in a brand. Brands with more familiarity typically mean they are more reliable.
Cost of Ownership: Whether it's the upfront cost or knowing how much a brand may cost to upkeep, budgeting the total cost of ownership (TCO) is important.
Product Offerings: This includes both the range of models and specs of each machine, as well as how many models have a lower tail swing, or whether they have specialty excavators for projects like dredging, demolition, forestry, and more.
Attachments and Versatility: Excavators can be equipped with different attachments like buckets, grapples, augers, and more, which allow them to accomplish more jobs. It's important for contractors to know which brands allow for quick, easy attachment switching to increase efficiency.
There may be other important factors, including whether you're planning to rent or buy, the excavators' safety features, and the job's specifics. Fortunately, most of the brands we will be covering have many of the factors considered above. All machines below have some form of roll-over protection and falling object protection structure (ROPS and FOPS).
This blog is designed to give an overview of each brand and some of its key features. Please make sure to contact a DOZR sales representative before renting and a brand sales representative before purchasing.
Navigate to the top excavator manufacturers below:
Now that we've covered what's important, let's get into the key details for each excavator brand. Some features and benefits listed below are optional and add-ons.
CASE is a staple in the industry, having manufactured construction equipment for more than 180 years. Founded in Wisconsin in 1842, they started building machines for farmers. By 1912 they were making road-building equipment and started making excavators in 1967.
Now, CASE manufactures 19 excavator models in total. All 19 models are full-sized excavators with six of them being their newer E series models, three having short radius builds, four designed for heavy-duty jobs, two specialty excavators, and the remaining four are their older D series models.
CASE excavators have great fuel efficiency which helps to reduce operating costs. Advanced technology, in combination with their Tier 4 Final engines, also helps with increased performance and efficiency.
Related: Check out CASE's excavator sizes and specs.
The newer E series models have enhanced hydraulic performance, more engine power and reactivity, and better grade control. This includes both 2D and 3D technology. These new models also have a 10-inch LCD display that allows easy access to controls and information.
The screens also display both side and rear-view camera angles to give a better view for the operator. The cabs of the E series have also focused more on operator comfort so that, no matter the size of the operator, they can find a position that works best for them.
Their short-radius models, the CX145D SR, CX245D SR, and CX354E SR are designed for big projects that have little space to maneuver. These models are ideal for projects like road work where the space for turning is limited.
CASE also manufactures two specialty excavators, the CX290D LC MH and CX290D LC Scrap. The MH stands for Material Handler. These excavators have longer arms and booms, as well as additional protection for the undercarriage. This helps protect the machine from waste and scrap.
There is a reason that the term "Caterpillar Yellow" is so popular, and that's because brand loyalty to Caterpillar is one of the most common in the industry. Similar to CASE, they started by creating machines for farmers to help optimize their work. Since then, they've continued to innovate and expand their product lines. By 1972, CAT was making their first hydraulic excavator, the 225.
Now, Caterpillar has one of the biggest excavator product lines on the market with 34 small, medium, and large excavators. Of these, seven are wheeled, two have long-reach capabilities, and four are designed specifically for demolition. One of the benefits of CAT's website is that you can organize their products by a few features including maximum productivity, cost per hour of operation, and productivity.
Their GC models are known as their "Game Changer" models which are more durable, reliable, and better on fuel. The UHD models, the 340 UHD and 352 UHD, refer to "Ultra High Demolition". These machines have longer booms and arms allowing for demolition at higher heights. They also have two straight-boom demolition excavators, the 340 Straight Boom and the 352 Straight Boom, which are made for low-level demolition.
Related: Check out Caterpillar's excavator sizes and specs.
The 340 and 352 can also have long-reach capabilities. These make them great for projects that require being at a long distance including dredging or offshore work. These long-reach machines and demolition excavators have the option to be controlled remotely to increase operator safety.
All Caterpillar excavators are controlled using CAT controls and have updated cabs to make operation comfortable. CAT is constantly innovating to find ways to decrease fuel consumption, provide industry-best vision, and lower maintenance costs. Many of their machines can do their routine maintenance test from ground level, increasing operator safety. Some engines also do not require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), lowering operating costs.
Many CAT excavators also have some great technology features. These include Cat Payload which gives you a weight estimate of the material the excavator is carrying in real time. You can also upgrade your machines to Cat Grade, making it easier to edit and make grade designs. Their Product Link™ feature also gives accurate data about location, fuel usage, machine hours, and idle time.
Develon is the recent rebranding of Doosan, which has a history dating back to 1937. Founded in Korea, their first product was the articulated dump truck which was produced in 1970. By 1978, they had produced their first crawler excavator. And by 1991, they officially entered the North American Market.
Currently, Develon has 17 crawler excavator models and three wheeled excavators. Their crawler excavators have great swing torque that allows them to swing uphill, making them great for operating on slopes and giving them enhanced backfilling capabilities. They can also be configured with long arms, depending on the model.
Related: Check out Develon's excavator sizes and specs.
Their D-ECOPOWER technology, which is only available on some units, increases productivity while also saving on fuel. They also have an optional 360-degree view monitoring system which gives a full, real-time display of the machine and its surroundings, increasing operator confidence. The windows are also large and provide great viewing for loading and unloading activities.
As for Develon excavator cabs, they have simple controls as well as comfortable seats, and lots of space to move. This allows operators to have the space to feel free and gives them enough space for their legs, arms, and head, decreasing the natural fatigue that would take place throughout the day.
Standard on all their -7 Series models is easy-to-read touch screens and displays. The information on these displays includes critical equipment information like cameras, machine settings, and things like radio and Bluetooth.
As for their wheeled excavators, they have four outriggers that provide more balance and stability to the machine. This allows for better control when backfilling and leveling. The machines are also extremely comfortable because they ride smoothly and the large, ergonomic cabs decrease vibrations.
Founded in 1970, Hitachi Construction Machinery is a Japanese company part of the larger Hitachi Group. However, it wasn't until 2015 that it became a North American brand when they bought out Kawasaki. In 2021, Hitachi ended its joint agreement with John Deere for manufacturing and distributing excavators in the Americas and built its own hydraulic excavator.
Today, Hitachi manufactures 32 excavator models. Seventeen of these models are made for heavy-duty applications like mining while the other 15 are standard crawler excavators.
A portion of Hitachi's crawler excavators is their newer ZAXIS-7 series which are their machines that have an ultrashort tailswing. This gives them increased mobility and maneuverability on sites and projects with limited space. These models are the ZX135US-7, ZX245USLC-7, and ZX345USLC-7. The hydraulic systems on these excavators are also better which helps reduce fuel and make their performance stronger.
Related: Check out Hitachi's excavator sizes and specs.
The rest of Hitachi's excavators are their ZAXIS-6 series which are still great machines. These models have ECO, Power, and High Power modes to change the performance level depending on what you're moving. They also come with large cabs to give the operators a better environment and more control.
The Hitachi ConSite technology allows for real-time monitoring of oil levels and performance, allowing easy tracking of efficiency. The camera system on the ZAXIS-6 provides a 270-degree view of the area around the machine. They also have LED work lights that allow them to work at any time of day. They also have automatic sensors that shut down the machine if not working for 30 minutes.
Known primarily as a vehicle manufacturing company, Hyundai has also been manufacturing construction equipment and heavy machinery for quite some time. Their heavy equipment products include crawler excavators, wheeled excavators, soil compactors, rollers, articulated dump trucks, and more.
Hyundai has 16 crawler excavator models and 5 wheeled excavators. These machines have applications across several industries including agriculture, forestry, public works, landscaping, and recycling. The four pillars of Hyundai's excavator and machines are serviceability, comfort, safety, and productivity.
For comfort, their excavators have 8-inch, touchscreen monitors that give all the important information in one space. They also have spacious cabins and great airflow and climate control, making it easy for the operator to be comfortable.
As for their safety features, Hyundai excavators have all-side visual monitoring through their advanced camera system, optional LED lights to help perform during all times of day, and amazing visibility.
Productivity-wise, their excavators have short cycle times, one or two-piece booms, and great swing control. This helps the operator get more work done in shorter times while also having great control of the machine's movements.
Related: Check out Hyundai's excavator sizes and specs.
Hyundai has three models that are designed with reduced tailswing. These HX-A LCR models are better for working in tight spaces without losing any of the power of their other machines. They also have enhanced cab visibility and a lifting mode that can help improve productivity.
Their HX series as a whole has better heating capacity for the operator as well as more vents for air conditioning and heating. This increases the speed at which the cab can become warm on cold days and the speed at which it can become cold on hot days.
Hyundai has one long-reach model, the HX220A LR that is designed for projects that include dredging or obstacles that can get in the way of a shorter boom and arm.
Originally building tipping trailers for the agricultural industry in 1945, JCB has become one of the biggest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. Spanning four continents, JCB manufactured its first crawler excavator in 1964. Their first wheeled excavator hit the market in 2016 and were the first to bring a hydrogen-fueled excavator to market with the 220X.
Currently, JCB has six crawler excavators and one wheeled excavator in their product portfolio. These excavators are used across several industries including rail work, demolition, quarrying, and everyday construction.
Newer JCB excavator models have EcoMAX Tier 4 Final engines that use less fuel and higher torque. One of the positives of excavators with the EcoMax 74 hp engine is that they require no DPF or DEF, decreasing ownership costs. Fluid levels including engine oil and coolants are also automatically reviewed at every start, providing that information to the operator.
JCB excavators have 7-inch, colored displays that can be customized to show the most relevant information to the operator at any time. There is also the option to add LED work lights and additional safety rails.
In combination with the visibility from the cab, operating an excavator has never been safer. Depending on the job, you can also request wider or narrower tracks, ranging between 20 to 35 inches. They also can be requested with rubber street pads to protect sensitive environments.
JCB's 245XR and JZ141 are their machines with reduced tailswing, making them better for working in smaller, confined spaces like urban sites and road work. Some excavators like the JS145 can also be requested with long-reach booms and arms to help work on projects that require dredging or deep excavation.
JCB's wheeled excavator, the HYDRADIG 110W, is another option to consider, especially if you're doing road work or working on urban projects. This machine has great visibility for a wheeled excavator as the engine and ancillaries were moved to the back of the machine, which also gives it great 50/50 weight distribution.
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This model also has a five inch tailswing, allowing you to get incredibly close to walls and maneuver almost perfectly to where you need to dig. And with four-wheel, two-wheel, and crab steering, they operate and move much like telehandlers.
Most JCB excavators can also quickly interchange their attachments. This is thanks to their quick hitch technology. However, this is designed specifically for JCB attachments, so working with aftermarket attachments may not be as smooth and fast.
By now, everyone in construction, landscaping, and farming knows about John Deere. A brand with a history of more than 155 years, they have been a staple in heavy machinery longer than most. John Deere, often called just Deere, is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and manufactures farming, construction, and forestry equipment. Of course, some of that equipment includes their excavators.
Currently, the product line of John Deere excavators includes 17 models. Of these models, 14 are considered mid-size, of which one is wheeled (the 190G W), and three are large.
Their excavators come with a wide range of camera angles to provide the operator with as much visibility of the machine and its surroundings at all times. With integrated LED lights, the operator can work in any condition with complete safety.
Deere excavators have three power and digging style modes: High productivity, power, and economy. High productivity delivers more efficiency and better hydraulic response time to increase cycle time and performance.
The power mode is the normal operation mode with good power and balance. Lastly, economy mode helps reduce fuel consumption by reducing rpm. This mode is better for lighter work where full power is not required.
Related: Check out John Deere's excavator sizes and specs.
John Deere's suite of technology helps operators and fleet managers track productivity and efficiency. This includes providing information regarding machine location, utilization data, and alerts about fuels and oils with the overall goal of decreasing downtime and increasing results. Most of this data is accessible through the LCD monitor in the cab.
Excavators with John Deere can be picked with different track sizes, arm lengths, buckets, and hydraulic packages, depending on your needs.
Kato is a Japanese company with a history of manufacturing cranes and equipment since the 1950s. Their first hydraulic excavators were manufactured in the late 1960s. While not extremely prevalent in North America, they are starting to be more common, especially on the east coast.
Kato has three large excavator models in the North American market: the HD823MR-7, HD512LC-7, and HD514MR-7. Each of these machines comes with a great cab with lots of room for the operator, 7" LCD touchscreen monitors, and dual auxiliary hydraulics.
Related: Check out Kato's excavator sizes and specs.
The HD514 model has a compact tailswing that makes it great for smaller, more confined projects. It also has advanced safety features and great comfort. The HD512 is Kato's eco-friendly model while the HD823 has increased cycle time and performance. The Kato 823 also provides the most dig depth at 25' 3".
Another Japanese company, Kobelco has been building construction machinery since the 1930s. In 1963, they built their first wheeled excavator model and their first crawler excavator in 1967. By 2016, Kobelco had a manufacturing site in South Carolina to help serve the North American market with more efficiency.
Currently, Kobelco has six crawler excavator models ranging in size from 32,000 lbs to 84,000 lbs. They also have specialty models including two long-reach models, three high and wide models, and three models for demolition.
The long-reach models have maximum dig lengths of 52' and can work on a wide variety of projects including dredging, water reclamation, and more. The booms on these machines are longer to help improve efficiency and productivity for these applications.
The high and wide models are designed mostly for forest and hilly environments. They have great ground clearance for these spaces and increased track width that give them more stability. This also helps with lifting more weight.
The demolition models they have are designed for car demolition and building demolition. They are compatible with different attachments that allow for efficiency in both of these tasks.
Their standard models, of which there are six, as well as the specialty models have 10-inch displays to provide operators with accurate, real-time information at all times. This includes showing camera displays for increased awareness and visibility. The information on the screen is also customizable to the job and gives the operator greater control.
Lastly, the attachments can be easily swapped out and controlled from inside the cab. The operator has the ability to change the auxiliary flow rates in accordance with the attachment, allowing quick interchangeability. Mode settings can also be added or adapted to the operator's needs and preferences.
The third Japan-founded company in a row, Komatsu has really put their stamp on the North American construction industry. This has to do with their rich history here, having established their presence way back in 1970. They started producing hydraulic excavators in 1968 and haven't slowed down since.
Now, Komatsu is a worldwide brand with 36 excavator models in North America alone, not including their mini excavators. Within this product line, Komatsu excavators include 13 mid-sized models, 19 large models, and six models designed for large-scale surface mining and quarry projects.
The mid-sized models like the PC138USLC-11 are built for urban, confined spaces with their tight tailswing. This includes bridges, roadwork, and other residential areas. Many Komatsu models come with a Closed-Center Load Sensing System (CLSS) which helps with tracking the weight of the load and adjusting the hydraulic power and fuel consumption accordingly.
Related: Check out Komatsu's excavator sizes and specs.
Most Komatsu excavator models also have great maintenance capabilities including easy access to filters. This helps with daily tasks as well as changing out filters and different fuels that the machines require. All their excavators also come with KOMTRAX which is software that constantly keeps track of machine health and operational data like utilization and fuel levels.
Komatsu also has specialty models like super long front (SLF) models, waste handling (WH), material handling (MH), and surface mining. The SLF models have extended reach because of their longer booms and arms.
They are great for ditch cleaning, dredging, and water cleanup. Waste handling models have increased ventilation for working in environments with lower-quality air. They also have better ROPS cabs.
Material handling models have more stability and reach. Built specifically for scrap or stockpiling applications, they have booms and arms that are reinforced and built with steel alloy to increase power while minimizing weight. They also have reinforced frames and undercarriage to protect them from harsher environments and reduce wear and tear. The cabs also sit higher up to give a better view of the environment.
Lastly, Komatsu has surface mining excavators which range in weight from 440,000 lbs to 770,000 lbs. These have great cycle times and help move large quantities of rock and aggregate in a short amount of time. These are some of the toughest machines in the world and can work in any environment to get the job done.
Founded in 1949, Liebherr is a German company that started out designing and manufacturing cranes. By 1954, they were designing hydraulic excavators, the first ones in Europe. However, it wasn't until 1971 that Liebherr entered the North American market and it was in 1973 that the first excavators were built here.
Today, Liebherr has 27 crawler excavators in the North American market and seven wheeled excavators. In the 27 models, they have four compact, three demolition, four super mass excavation (SME), 13 standard, and two tunnel excavators. Each of these models has its own use case which we will cover below.
The compact models are the smallest models and are designed for small, compact spaces. While not as strong as the larger models, with a reduced tailspin and swing radius, they can get more done in smaller spaces.
Related: Check out Liebherr's excavator sizes and specs.
The demolition models come with a Liebherr Demolition Control (LDC) System. This is software that won awards back in 2015 as it gives operators the most amount of safety possible. This is achieved by giving data and information about the best position for demolition while also increasing stability. The demolition models also provide great visibility through both the front and roof of the cab, the main working areas.
Liebherr's SME excavators are available with a wide variety of boom choices and stick configurations to give the most amount of control to the equipment operator. Because of the amount of weight being lifted, these models also have safety procedures to prevent the boom from breaking and increasing downtime.
These models also have an enhanced undercarriage to protect them from the potential damages of heavy-duty projects. Pads are also available when operating on difficult terrain. Cabs are also raised to provide better views of the site and working area.
All Liebherr excavators, including the standard models, have comfortable cabs with 7-inch, touchscreen displays. Cabs are airconditioned and have great climate control for both hot and cold days.
Their machines prioritize safety and maintenance, making it easy to check and monitor critical equipment failures and making undercarriage protection a top concern.
A true-American company, Link-Belt has been manufacturing products since the early 1900s. Building both cranes and excavators, Link-Belt has a rich history in the American construction industry. They released their first hydraulic excavator in 1967.
In 1998, Link-Belt created their own specific excavator division headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Since then, they've continued to innovate their products and currently have one of the most specialized product lines of excavators on the global market.
Across all of their product lines, Link-Belt manufactures 44 excavator models. This includes six X4S, eight X4, four Spin Ace, 16 forestry, 4 material handling, 3 heavy duty, and 3 long front models. Each of these series has its own use case which we will get into below.
The X4S Series are some of the newest models with recently reconfigured cabs that are more spacious for the operator. They also have 10-inch displays in the cab to give the operator more visibility into machine performance. This series has machines with operating weights ranging from 39,000 lbs to 79,000 lbs.
The X4 Series is Link-Belt excavator series with Final Tier-4 Certified engines that are made to save companies and contractors money on fuel. They also don't require DPF ever, another way to scale down costs. They also provide ground-level access to service points to drive down the time required to do daily maintenance checks.
The X4 machines also have better lifting performance because of Link-Belt's Spool Stroke Control (SSC) technology. This SSC software allows the machine to distribute hydraulic fluid more evenly through pressure sensors, sending it to the right place at the right time. This technology drives down cycle times by roughly 10%.
Link-Belt's Spin Ace series are their excavators with reduced tailspin, designed specifically for small urban or residential projects. SSC is available on the Spin Ace excavator as well.
Link-Belt also has their specialty excavators for forestry, material handling, heavy-duty, and long reach. Their 16 forestry models also don't require DPF and have larger fuel tanks to decrease the number of times you need to refuel. This can be crucial when working on rural forestry jobs that may be far away from any fueling station.
The 40-Series forestry machines also have increased cycle times by up to 12%, better swing mechanics and power, and better fuel economy. A few of their forestry excavators are classified as road-building machines which are great for moving boulders, clearing debris, and helping to build access roads for logging.
The material-handling excavators, of which there are four, are designed for harsh conditions. With high and wide undercarriages that are built for heavy-duty applications, they have large drivetrains in order to increase the lifespan of the machines. Normally handling scrap and other stockpiling applications, they need to be sturdy machines that can handle the toughest materials. They also often require specialized attachments that fit the needs of the job.
Link-Belt's three heavy-duty excavators are also built for tough conditions. They often are working on projects that involve demolition, land-clearing, and pipeline work which can be difficult terrains to navigate.
Their three long-reach models are another specialty machine that is great for sloping projects as well as dredging and cleaning. They have special, factory-built booms and arms and better undercarriages with larger tracks and better plating. This helps them navigate the often soggier or messier terrains they operate in and the side-frame design makes undercarriage maintenance and cleaning easier to manage.
Starting as a welding company in 1989, SANY has quickly become one of the biggest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. While the company was founded in China, SANY's American division has operated independently since 2006. Headquartered now in Georgia, SANY equipment is made for the United States with many American manufacturers producing parts for the company.
As part of their excavator line, SANY has 13 excavator models in total. Of those 13, four are classified as small, five are medium (with one being long-reach), and four are large. These models range from 19,000 lbs to 173,000 lbs.
Slightly larger than the standard mini-excavators, SANY's small excavators, the SY75C, SY95C, and SY135C have a regular-sized boom at the front and the standard tailswing. The SY155U has a reduced tailswing and is best for more compact projects. The fixed boom gives these machines enhanced performance and a rearview camera gives them great visibility.
Their five medium-sized models are stable machines with heavy-duty undercarriages that are designed to last. With low cycle times, these machines are efficient and great for jobs of any size. They have temperature-controlled cabs that give the operator great comfort and the long undercarriages make them extremely sturdy.
Related: Check out SANY's excavator sizes and specs.
SANY's four large excavators are also great options. Fitted with better hydraulic systems to handle more power, they have incredible cycle times. A couple of the models, the SY385C and SY750H, also have 10-inch touchscreen displays. This includes push-to-start technology, blind-side camera angles, and more.
The operator can also switch hydraulic flows through the touchscreen of most SANY excavators. This includes going between one-way and two-way systems, which quickly enables attachments that require one or the other.
Widely known for their automotive vehicles, Volvo has been a staple in the construction equipment industry for more than a hundred years. However, it wasn't until 1991 that Volvo Construction Equipment began manufacturing excavators. Now, Volvo is one of the most popular excavator brands in North America and has 27 models to choose from.
Of these 27 models, 13 are large models with three being hybrid, six are medium, and eight are wheeled. The hybrid models have unique technology that drives down fuel consumption by 15% while still having all the power of a traditional machine. This is accomplished by using the motion of the boom to generate power for the engine.
Volvo excavators also have great cabs that decrease shock and vibration, offering more comfort to the operator. With noise-absorbing liners, Volvo also protects the operator's hearing. Cabs also have excellent visibility and the front can be easily removed to make it both an open and closed cab.
Related: Check out Volvo's excavator sizes and specs.
For the standard, non-hybrid excavators, the hydraulics are optimized to match the power of the machine. The boom and the arm also have pressure points that disperse stress throughout the entire machine, allowing them to move and lift more optimally.
Some Volvo excavators also have the option to customize between Narrow and Heavy-Duty (NH) undercarriages. This allows them to be used for different applications and increase durability, depending on the project.
Volvo excavators are also compatible with a wide variety of attachments. While they are most optimal with Volvo-built attachments, the versatility they have with these attachments is unmatched.
A China-founded company, XCMG has been manufacturing equipment for more than 80 years. They have manufacturing sites across the world. Despite not being the most popular brand in North America, they are a top-10 construction manufacturer in the world thanks to their presence in other countries. In the North American market specifically, they have seven excavator models ranging from 35,000 lbs to 200,000 lbs.
XCMG excavators are known to have great technology with their XICS (XCMG Intelligent Control System) software being the primary selling point. This technology helps lower the amount of emissions produced and increase overall efficiency.
Their machines have 8 work modes and 3 power modes, allowing the operator to adjust to the conditions around them. This includes changing the flow and pressure of the hydraulics, all from the cab.
Other technologies in XCMG crawler excavators include GPS tracking, telematics, monitoring for fleet managers, and more. All of this technology is built to increase production while reducing the total cost of ownership. Cabs are designed with ergonomic trends in mind, having lots of legroom, air control, and visibility.
Now that we've gone over each of the brands and their models, it's time for you to figure out which qualities and features matter most to you. Depending on the needs of your company, you may need the specialty equipment that a company like Liebherr or Link-Belt offers. If you need long-reach capabilities, it will be best to work with a company that offers long-reach excavator modifications.
While most brands do offer some level of customization when purchasing, some companies make it easier than others, which is a benefit in its own right.
Some features are pretty standard including safety features like ROPS and FOPS. Others may just be "nice to have" including Bluetooth and AUX inputs. However, knowing that your operator is going to be spending a lot of hours in the cab, comfort, and things like A/C and heating are always important, especially depending on where you're located.
As a reminder, before buying or renting an excavator, it's always best to do your research. These are big purchases and you want to make the right choice. While every brand has a machine that will help you get the job done, some may be able to help you get it done faster and with lower costs. To help you make your excavator rental decision, you can search the DOZR Marketplace for your next excavator rental or call a DOZR sales representative.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of excavator bucket manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.