Excavator Attachments: Types And Purposes
When it comes to moving dirt, an excavator (whether it be a mini excavator or full size) will get the job done. An excavator is useful for many jobs and tasks, thanks to a wide variety of excavator attachments. You don’t have to own a business to get great use from an excavator. Many property owners use excavators for landscaping projects.
What is an Excavator?
An excavator is an engineering vehicle that is used for the following purposes:
- Trench Digging
- Demolition
- Lifting
- Placement of Heavy Materials
- Landscaping
- River Dredging
There are many ways to use excavators. They also come in different sizes that provide different functions. For example, a small excavator is beneficial in areas that are compact or hard to maneuver around in. To make an excavator even more useful, you can purchase excavator attachments for the different jobs and functions you will need. Remember to keep an eye out for quality used excavators, as these machines can save you loads of money. These attachments (also known as bucket attachments) come in varying sizes and types. But, to understand the different types of attachments you must first understand the excavator bucket.
What is an Excavator Bucket?
An excavator bucket is generally made of steel (this makes the attachments more durable and strong). One side of the bucket generally has teeth, which are there to aid in the breaking of materials as the bucket is dragged through it. This will loosen the material so that the bucket can scoop it up. The attachment point for the excavator attachments has been designed with mobility in mind. They are generally designed to allow bucket flexibility and the ability to swivel slightly while in use. This helps the operator to have precise control of the machine.
Types of Excavator Attachments
Now that we understand what an excavator is and how the bucket operates, let’s take a look at some excavator attachments that can make getting a job done that much easier.
Ripper
A ripper is commonly used for frost and rock ripping. They are used to penetrate hard or frosted over ground. Once the ripper softens the tough ground, you can reattach the bucket so you can scoop up the softened soil. These are available for most backhoes and excavators.
Power Tilt
The power tilt attachment can save you time and money on many jobs. It uses a wrist-like action to move the bucket from side to side. By moving the bucket and not the whole machine, you save yourself some time and effort. You can dig around and under objects (such as sewer lines or tree roots) while giving yourself the flexibility to shape holes or ditches that fit the specifications of what you need accomplished.
Clearing Rake
A clearing rake is just as it sounds, a rake like attachment used for clearing out an area. It is very efficient for land clearing and can function well as a grapple (if used with a hydraulic thumb).
Trencher
Trencher excavator attachments are used to dig 2 and 3 foot digging depths. They are perfect for light or medium trenching jobs. You can purchase a larger sized trencher if you have a larger scale trench in mind.
Digging Buckets
Digging buckets are not just your average excavator bucket. They are built to meet certain requirements. For example, a trapezoidal ditch bucket is specifically designed for ditch digging that requires a certain slope and depth.
Many of these bucket attachments are available for compact to large scale excavators.
What if I Want a Mini Excavator?
A mini excavator has the same uses as a larger scaled one, so don’t be discouraged if you have an intricate job to do! They are smaller because they are used for smaller scaled jobs. They are also used when a large excavator just won’t do. For instance, a large excavator will easily get stuck in mud. A mini excavator can alleviate this problem because it has a much lighter weight. Used mini excavators and attachments could save you a lot of money. But remember to do a thorough inspection before you make the purchase. The last thing you want to do is comprise on the quality of the machine.
Mini Excavators and bucket attachments are compact, very versatile and can be money saving too. Operation costs are less expensive (due to lower gas consumption) and purchasing one may be more economical too. Purchasing used mini excavators and excavator attachments may save you even more.
