What are excavators used for?

Excavators, often referred to as diggers, can be used for all kinds of construction, mining, landscaping, demolition, river dredging, and material handling projects.

Other excavator tasks can also be accomplished by using various hydraulic excavator attachments such as your traditional bucket that digs towards the cab and machine.

The rock and V bucket are two types of buckets that look like a digging bucket but with longer sharper teeth and a narrow V-shaped edge for cutting.

Excavators can also be fitted with a variety of attachements like auger attachments for digging holes and trenches; breaker attachments to break into tougher surfaces like stone and concrete; grapple attachments to easily pick up large materials like tree stumps and concrete that are too oversized for a bucket; and coupler attachments that allow you to quickly switch between tools and attachments without needing a crew.

Types of Excavators

Tracked Excavators

Often referred to as crawler excavators, these heavy-duty machines excel in demanding terrain. Equipped with tracks, they offer superior traction and stability, making them ideal for large-scale projects like mining, construction, and demolition. Tracked excavators in the 70-ton range and above are particularly powerful and capable of handling the most challenging tasks.

Mini Excavators

Compact and maneuverable, mini excavators are perfect for tight spaces and smaller projects. They are commonly used in landscaping, trenching, and utility work. Their versatility and ease of operation make them popular choices for both residential and commercial applications.

Wheeled Excavators

Also known as mobile excavators, these machines offer greater mobility compared to tracked excavators. Equipped with rubber tires, they can easily navigate paved surfaces and are often used in urban environments for road construction, utility work, and demolition projects.

What are good engine hours for a used excavator and how long do they last?

When considering the purchase of a used trackhoe, understanding what constitutes good mileage and how long the machine can last is crucial. Generally, a well-maintained excavator can offer reliable performance for around 8,000 to 10,000 engine hours. This range can vary significantly based on the type of work the excavator was used for, with those primarily used in less demanding tasks often lasting longer. Regular maintenance and proper usage are key factors that contribute to an excavator's lifespan. For instance, an excavator used in heavy construction work might wear out faster than one used for light landscaping, but with diligent maintenance—including timely oil changes, component checks, and repairs—the lifespan can be significantly extended. Buyers should look for detailed maintenance records and consider the brand’s reputation for durability when evaluating a used excavator's mileage.

Most reliable excavator brands

When it comes to the backbone of your construction or mining operation, reliability is paramount. That's why choosing the right excavator is crucial. Several brands consistently deliver exceptional durability and performance, making them top choices for businesses like yours.

Caterpillar remains a gold standard in the industry. Renowned for their robust build, extensive dealer support network, and unparalleled parts availability, Caterpillar excavators offer longevity and minimal downtime. Models like the 320D and 336 have earned a stellar reputation for their reliability and power.

Komatsu is another industry giant, celebrated for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency. Their excavators excel in various conditions, making them versatile assets. The PC210 and PC300 models are particularly sought after for their reliability and performance.

Hitachi is known for producing high-performance excavators with innovative features. Their hydraulic systems are industry-leading, contributing to their machines' overall dependability. The ZX210 and ZX350 models are prime examples of Hitachi's commitment to quality and performance.

Ritchie Bros. is your top choice for buying used excavators and trackhoes

When buying used equipment at our excavator auctions, we pride on ourselves standing out as one of the best options. Here are three reasons why we are your number 1 choice for buying a used excavator:

Global reach and large inventory

Ritchie Bros. proudly operates on a global scale so all our products offer you a wide variety. You can browse some of the top brands in the industry, reliable excavator models such as the Cat 330 or John Deere 35G and with many locations across the globe, you'll be sure to find one conveniently located near you.

Reputation and expertise

Ritchie Bros. have decades of experience in the heavy equipment industry so trusted brands and companies work with us consistently to take care of selling their equipment fleet. No matter the size of your company, we work with them all like Hitchman Construction, a local excavation company in New Brunswick or Seneca Excavating, dispersing their well maintained excavators in North East, Maryland.

Comprehensive inspections and reports

Being a trusted brand in the heavy equipment industry, Ritchie Bros. provides through & rigorous inspection services and reports giving you further peace of mind when buying an excavator with us.

Different ways to buy used excavators with Ritchie Bros.

Ritchie Bros. offers multiple ways to buy heavy equipment such as live auctions, Marketplace-E with instant offers and our new private buying experience at Ritchie List. Expand your search for excavators for sale today with our storefronts:

Excavators for sale on IronPlanet Marketplate-E.
Excavators for sale by owners near you.
Excavators for sale on Boom & Bucket.

Used Excavators For Sale

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