3 Top Tips To Keep In Mind As You Hire An Excavator For The First Time

If you’re new to the construction or building industry, you’ll quickly discover that job sites may look the same, but each one has its own requirements and challenges. 

Based on the overall design and requirements, your job will also require specialised machinery, which you may not always have in your arsenal of equipment. 

Fortunately, the popular excavator hire Bendigo business owners and project managers rely on for all their jobs makes it remarkably easy for you to use the right machinery when you need it. 

Keep reading as we explore the top tips to keep in mind when you’re planning your first excavator rental. 

Why Would A Business Need To Hire An Excavator?

A business might require hiring an excavator for various possible purposes. Primarily, it is strongly related to major cost effectiveness, special access to all kinds of specialized equipment, and the flexibility that comes with it. 

On the other hand, industry experts believe that renting an excavator is more economical than purchasing one, especially for short-term projects or when you only need it for specific purposes. 

Moreover, it can also help you to get access to the latest models and technologies without the havoc maintenance and storage costs. 

The best part? Renting an excavator allows businesses to pay only for the time they are using the equipment. So, yes, it is pretty cost-effective for the projects that vary based on duration. 

Top 3 Tips for Hiring an Excavator 

Excavators are a common item on all types of job sites around Australia. Since these industrious machines are available in a wide range of capacities, they can operate on various terrains without causing significant ground damage. 

Excavators are versatile, and adding different accessories will enable your team to perform multiple jobs without having to hire another machine. Here’s what you need to consider. 

When you are planning to hire an excavator, you must focus on defining your overall project needs, looking for reputable companies, and further understanding the rental terms and insurance. 

Here are the top 3 tips for hiring an excavator for your business. 

1. Assess Your Jobsite

As we’ve already mentioned, not all construction sites are the same. This means that the first aspect you should consider is the type of terrain you’re building on. Typically, excavators are used to lift, dig, and even move materials around the jobsite. 

In addition to the terrain, the other crucial factors to consider include the following:

• Weight: You will need to calculate the weight of your operator and the load that you want to move. 

This will determine the maximum operating weight of the excavator you need. Keep in mind that a machine that’s too heavy will damage the terrain. 

Choosing a lightweight machine will likely result in struggling to complete the job effectively. Speak to your rental agent 

• Engine output: Here, you should look for a machine that will be strong enough to perform the necessary lifting as expediently as possible. 

Some jobs and load types may require an excavator with a stronger, more robust engine. This is often the case with trenching tasks or removing heavy materials such as rocks. 

• Bucket capacity: A significant advantage of using an excavator is that adding various accessories makes it easy to perform different jobs. 

Buckets are among the most hired accessories as they can lift and move anything from topsoil to broken asphalt. Check with your rental agent for a list of the various buckets available. 

2. Choose the Right Size for the Job 

When you first start looking for an excavator, you’ll be met with an extensive number of options. Not only do these machines have their specific features and accessories, but they’re also available in different sizes.

This aspect makes it extremely easy to find a machine that fits into the smallest workspace without too much hassle. Here’s a quick look at the basic size considerations to keep in mind:

• Mini or compact: These types of excavators are among the most favoured options to hire and purchase in Australia. 

The primary reason is their mobility and versatility. The average weight of these machines can be as high as 10 tons. 

Mini excavators are excellent machines for jobs that require working in narrow spaces. These excavators require the least amount of power and cause minimal damage to roads, sidewalks, and terrain. 

• Standard: Any excavator weighing between 10 and 45 tons is considered standard. They’re easy to use in medium-sized spaces and are also super easy to transport from one job site to another. Their durability enables them to take on a wide variety of jobs easily. 
• Large: For larger, big-scale jobs, it’s a good idea to opt for machines that weigh up to 95 tons. As the largest in the industry, these enormous machines are ideal for work environments in urban areas or spaces with slopes and hills to work on. While these machines are highly efficient, they require transportation on a trailer. 

3. Speak to Your Rental Agent About Mini Excavator

Mini excavators are the most versatile excavators and can be easily hired from your local rental agency. They are also ideal for a wide range of Australian builds, reconstructions, and even work in your home backyard.

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to opt for a mini excavator, unless your job requirements specify a particular model. Some of the top reasons to opt for these types of excavators include:

• They leave a smaller environmental footprint and cause less damage to the ground. 
• East transport is possible since mini excavators can easily be loaded onto the back of a utility truck for transportation between job sites.
• Lower transportation weight because many mini excavators have a general operating weight of fewer than 10,000 lbs. 

Final Thoughts

There are many benefits to using an excavator. Speed, efficiency, versatility, and the ability to manoeuvre in small spaces are among the top reasons why these machines are so popular. 

Key aspects to consider include the type of terrain, weight capacity, and types of accessories, all of which go a long way toward ensuring that your first excavator hire goes smoothly.