Buying Construction Equipment

Archive for the ‘Excavation Types’ Category

The bulldozer is an engineering and construction vehicle that is considered a powerful crawler equipped with a blade. It is common to hear the term bulldozer interchanged with the term heavy machinery, and, in most senses, a bulldozer is heavy machinery; but it is also a tractor that has been fitted with a dozer blade.

A bulldozer is a large and powerfully tracked engineering vehicle that has incredible ground hold, making it mobile on rough types of terrain. A bulldozer has wide tracks that assist it to distribute its weight as it travels over large areas; the wide tracks also help prevent the bulldozer from sinking into the softer terrains like sandy or muddy grounds.

Bulldozers are known for their strong ground hold and having a torque divider, which is designed with the ability to convert the engines power into a dragging ability. This allows the bulldozer to use its own weight in order to push objects and remove objects from the ground. An example of this ability can be seen with the Caterpillar D9, when it easily tows a tank that weighs more than 70 tons. It is these attributes that make the bulldozer a key construction and excavation vehicle, as it is extremely instrumental in clearing heavy obstacles, debris, shrubbery and remnants from building structures.

The Blade of a Bulldozer

The bulldozer blade is constructed from a heavy and durable piece of metal plate, which is then installed and attached on to the front of the bulldozer. It has to be heavy and durable because the blade is used to push heavy objects around. The bulldozer blade is available in three different varieties: a straight blade, a universal blade and a combination blade.

The bulldozer straight blade is designed short with no lateral curve. This variety has no side wings, making it only useful for fine grading.

Universal bulldozer blades, which are also known as the U-blade, are designed to be tall and very curved. The universal blade has large side wings that help it to carry more material.

The third type is a combination blade, or S-U blade, and this blade is designed to be shorter, but has less curvature. The side wings of the combination blade are small.

Typical Modifications

The newer models of bulldozers have come along way from their distant past relatives, and have evolved with modern improvements that make them more efficient. One only has to look at the loader tractor for an example of modifications, which were accomplished by removing the blade and replacing it with a large volume bucket. This bucket is attached to hydraulic arms that will assist in raising and lowering the bucket, making it very useful for scooping up mounds of dirt and debris, and then loading it into trucks for removal or transport.

Another obvious modification has to do with the size of the bulldozer. The original bulldozer was larger than the ones today, and this compact version makes it easier to operate and maneuver in small work areas that might be restrictive to the larger models. This comes in handy when mining caves and tunnels. There are even very small bulldozers that are called calfdozers.

The History of the Bulldozer

With one look at a bulldozer, it is obvious that the origins were adapted from farm tractors that were used to plough farm fields. When it was necessary to dig ditches or canals, raise earth damns or move earth, the earlier tractors were fitted with thick metal plates in the front of the tractor. Eventually, the thick metal plate became known as the blade.

It is the progressive modifications of the bulldozer blade, which peels at layers of soil, that led to the useful advancements of this tractor. More to the point, the blade is the essential part of the bulldozer, making it extremely useful in excavation type projects. As time passed, engineers were able to use technology and toy with the modifications of the bulldozer. This need for modification developed out of the need for construction equipment to complete larger scaled jobs. It was companies such as CAT, Komatsu, John Deere, Case and JCB that pushed forward with efforts to manufacture large tracked earth-moving vehicles. These larger models were very loud and very powerful, which helped it earn the name “bulldozer”.

Still, time kept progressing and the need for more powerful and sophisticated bulldozers became essential, and so the bulldozer got larger. The new modifications included improved and better engines, reliable drive trains, improved tracks, and precision hydraulic arms that allowed for improved manipulation of the blades as well as automated controls. Another additive for the bulldozer is it can come equipped with the option of a rear-ripping claw, which breaks up rock, concrete and pavement.

The most common and well-known manufacturer in the bulldozer industry is CAT, which is a reputable name when considering tough, durable and reliable machinery. Though the bulldozer was born out of the classic farm tractor, it has become a useful piece of machinery for companies that deal with excavating and construction.

The backhoe loader, also referred to as the loader backhoe, is utilized in the engineering and construction industry where it is used as an excavation vehicle. The backhoe loader is a tractor with a front shovel and bucket, and a small backhoe that is attached at the rear of the vehicle. Because of the backhoe loaders small size, it makes it more versatile and convenient to use in construction and excavation projects that involve building small structures, such as building houses or road repair.

It has been said that the backhoe loader was possibly invented in the year 1957 in Burlington in the state of Iowa. However, it should also be noted that a man named Joseph Cyril Bamford, the founder of JCB, might have developed a similar construction vehicle in 1953 in the United Kingdom. The backhoe loader is considered a spin-off or variation of the farm tractor. Its name, the backhoe loader, does well in describing what this vehicle is — a loader bucket on the front, and a backhoe attached to the back of the vehicle.

When the loader and the backhoe are permanently affixed to the vehicle, it is not referred to as a tractor, it will not be used for towing, and most often will not have a PTO. The permanently attached models normally will have a seat that will swivel, so that the vehicle operator can swivel the seat to face to the rear in order to operate the backhoe controls. Backhoe loaders that have removable backhoe attachments have a separate seat found on the attachment itself.

The backhoe loader is a versatile vehicle, and, because of this, it can be utilized in a variety of different tasks like construction, transporting material, minor demolition, powering certain building equipment, digging and excavating, breaking up asphalt and paving roads.

Backhoe loaders that have detachable buckets can allow the operator to replace the bucket with other types of tools such as breakers, which are used to break up and smash concrete and rock. Some backhoe loader models are equipped with a loader bucket that has a retractable bottom. This allows it to empty a load more quickly, lending to a more efficient job that can be carried out in less time.

Models that have the retractable bottom loader buckets can be used in jobs that require grading and scratching off sand. Again, the front assembly on a backhoe loader can be either permanently mounted or removable. If the bucket is removable, it can often be replaced with other tools and devices used in construction. Before mounting different attachments, the operator must make sure the loader is equipped with a tool coupler, which is made up of two hydraulic cylinders that are found at the end of the arm assembly. The hydraulic cylinders will allow for expanding and retracting, and this enables the different tools to be attached.

When shopping for backhoe loaders, there are several brands, including New Holland, John Deer and Case, which are all reputable brands. There are also a variety of different backhoe loader models with some that have cabs, and others that do not. The newest models of backhoe loaders have numerous luxury accessories like air conditioning and radios, which help go a long way to making the work experience more positive.

The backhoe loader is commonly associated with jobs dealing with excavation; however, the backhoe loader can carry out many different tasks. It is often used on construction sites to haul equipment and supplies within the loader bucket. The backhoe loader can also be used to fill in trench lines or covering up newly put in pipes by shoveling in dirt. Also, the backhoe rear attachment is perfect for digging areas for placement of water pipes and sewer pipes.

The functionality and usefulness of the backhoe loader makes it very appealing for the engineering, construction and excavation industry. It is very easy to operate and can perform a variety of projects. The operator does not need to be a rocket scientist, but the operator should have some training and instruction on proper usage.

There is a differing of opinion when it comes to classifying which types of machinery are earthmoving equipment. There are so many different pieces of machinery that do indeed fall into the category of earthmoving, and some of them include excavators, backhoe loaders, front loaders, dump trucks and loaders to name some.

Then there are other types of machinery that fall somewhere between articulated trucks, wheel and track tractors and scrapers. It all boils down to the motor grades, which make the machinery capable of light duty types of excavation, making them typically used to level lots and grade roadways.

When researching heavy equipment, you go to the manufacturing source, and todays leading companies like Caterpillar, Komatsu, or Case will all agree that the most important change and advancement over the years has come from the ability to increase productivity. After that, they will all claim greater comfort and safety features as the next biggest changes and advancements.

The increase in productivity can be contributed to the different advancements implemented by each manufacturing company. Caterpillar has introduced more powerful engines that have faster rise in torque, allowing their machines to respond quicker, increasing the power demands. Even with the added power, the newer models are also made to reduce the impact on the environment, making them energy efficient.

Changes and Advancement in Electronics

Many of the new models are fitted with electronically controlled systems, which go a long way to optimizing the engine, the transmission performance, fuel consumption and the hydraulics system.

Again, look at the mid-sized G series wheel-loaders manufactured by Caterpillar. They feature electronically controlled power-shift transmission, which offers an auto-shifting capability that eases the pressure on the operator. Also, the electronic clutch pressure controls a smoother shift of the gears, making them last longer.

Changes in Comfort

In todays industry, there is a concern for the operators, and there is a willingness to go the extra mile to keep them happy. One way to keep the operator happy is to consider the comfort of the machinery they have to work with each day. Manufacturers are now hard-pressed to produce a model that is not just productive, but also comfortable and convenient for the operator. After all, keeping the operator happy will also lead to better productivity.

The newer models are being designed with cabs that do offer better visibility. There has been a reduction is noise and vibration, and all this goes into improving the comfort. The new innovative control systems are easy to operate and with less effort, all while it improves the overall operation of the machinery. It is easy to use by both the experienced and novice operator.

Maintenance Made Easy

A wonderful perk with the new machinery is the electronic monitoring system that has been implemented to provide a constant analysis of information on the health of the machine. This information is provided to the technicians, and allows them the ease of diagnosing problems and fixing them more quickly. The monitoring system takes the guessing out of troubleshooting.

The machines of today are designed specifically to make maintenance quick and easy. For example, Caterpillars wheel loaders have service points that are easy to access, with site gauges that make it easy to check fluid levels in the radiator, hydraulics and transmission, and no longer require the use of a dipstick.

The Best Changes

When comparing todays excavation equipment with those of the past, the beneficial changes and advancements are easily noticed. The machines from the past really relied heavily on the skills of the operator, since very few of them had the electronic features that have been implemented today.

The electronic features in todays machinery have really been a plus for the industry. They have made the operators job more efficient, yet easier to carry out. It is no longer necessary to physically get out of the machine to check fluid levels, since they have installed easy to read instrument panels, and this really does save a lot of time.

The manufactures know, the industries know and the operators know that the machines of the past cannot even begin to compete with the newer more efficient models of today. Technology has become more innovative and there is no telling what the future will bring to the heavy machine industry. As the years go by, changes and advances will continue to modify heavy machinery and the new improvements will, no doubt, continue to make the life of the operator easier and increase productivity.

Believe it or not, excavation is most commonly associated with the techniques that are found in the scientific field of archaeology. When looking at the individual types of excavation, they are generally referred to as digs by those who partake in it. However, this can be an overly literal characterization of the excavation process. In terms of archaeology and the archaeological site, excavation processes are conducted at a site or a connected series of locations, and the digs may be carried out over years, especially since excavation is often a seasonal job.

In the industry of excavation, there are several more techniques that may come into use, and each dig will have its own specific features, requiring different approaches. Archaeologists are often conflicted by limited resources and other practical issues that prevent them from excavating whenever and wherever they choose. This often causes many sites to be deliberately abandoned.

The task of excavation is the act of removing any and all topsoil that has been uncovered by machinery. It is important to examine the material that has been dug up by using metal detectors to check for stray objects. However, once an excavation site has been abandoned for a long period of time, a small layer of modern material usually covers the dig area, and this surface material holds little interest to the archaeologist.

Commonly, archaeological features are visible beneath the small layer of surface when investigating a site in rural areas. In urban areas, it is slightly harder to see archaeological features because thick layers of human deposits may cover them more, and this may only allow the uppermost portions to be visible to the naked eye. In either case, it will be necessary to draw a scaled site plan, and this will map out and reflect the edges of the excavation.

In order to draw up this plan, you can use a tape measure, or, as it is done today, you can utilize an electronic total station. Once the plan is drawn up, a grid will be set up, which will divide the excavation area into sections.

Besides archaeological excavation, excavation is a useful technique for digging out structures like houses and buildings, and for digging trenches. Also, if the task is to dig out a road or subdivision, excavation helps make the task develop smoothly and efficiently. Although the process of excavation can be utilized in a few different fields, it still involves the same principle of disturbing earth or soil by digging.

Certain excavation sites will require heavy machinery like excavators or backhoe loaders, and even cranes. Generally, there is an excavation crew responsible for running and operating the equipment and machinery, digging up the soil and rocks, and making sure they are removed. The excavator is probably the most utilized machinery in the construction industry, as it is capable of moving a large amount of dirt in the least amount of time.

As with any construction and excavating job, it is important to use common sense and keep yourself and crew safe at all times. If you are required to go down into a hole or trench, you should make sure you utilize a trench box. A trench box should be used even if the hole is not deep because there is always a possibility that the dig might cave in. It is important that you plan ahead and think about what could and may happen, and this will help keep the site safe, even when conditions do not have an element of danger.

Whether its digging up archaeological artifacts or constructing a house or road, the use of excavation methods have been implemented for years. When using excavation equipment and machinery, it is important to learn the machinery, learn the shoot grade, and learn how to effectively dig holes and trenches properly to prevent cave in.

The crane is operated in a few different ways. One way it can be controlled is by an operator who sits in the cab and travels with the crane. Another way to control a crane is with a push button pendant at a control station. The final way to control a crane is by using a radio-like control.

The History of the Crane: The Medieval Crane

In the Middle Ages, cranes were constructed and utilized to build castles, fortresses and cathedrals throughout Europe. The cranes of the medieval period were affixed to the top of a wall as the wall was being constructed. The early cranes were powered by manpower, meaning men ran inside of two large wheel apparatuses. It was also common to find cranes in use at the ports, harbors and shipyards.

Types of Cranes

The use of a crane is a very effective way to lift and move heavy items. Because they are so versatile and useful, there are several different types of cranes. The several different types of cranes include mobile cranes, telescopic cranes, tower cranes, and truck mounted cranes, rough-terrain cranes, loader cranes and overhead cranes.

The Mobile Crane

This is the basic and standard type of crane, which is made up of a steel truss or telescopic boom that is mounted on a movable platform, which might be either a rail, or wheeled, or a CAT truck. The boom can be described as hinged on the bottom, which can then be raised and lowered by using cables or hydraulic cylinders.

The Telescopic Crane

The telescopic crane has a boom that is made up of several tubes that fit one inside another. It utilizes hydraulics to extend and retract the tubing, which will increase or decrease the length of the actual boom.

The Tower Crane

This type of crane is considered the modern version of the balance crane. When this type of crane is mounted to the ground, the tower crane gives one of the best combinations for height and lifting ability. This makes the tower crane a good choice for constructing tall buildings.

The Truck Mounted Crane

This type of crane is a simple mounted crane, which mounts to a rubber tire truck, and this gives it a good amount of mobility. An outrigger that will extend either vertically or horizontally will be utilized to make it level and stable for when the crane is used for hoisting.

The Rough Terrain Crane

Rough terrain cranes are typically mounted on top of an undercarriage with four rubber tires. This type of crane is designed this way to make it more favorable in jobs that are off road. The rough terrain crane has outriggers that will extend vertically or horizontally for stabilization during hoisting. There is one engine in this type of crane, and it is used to power the crane and the undercarriage. The engine is mounted in the undercarriage and not in the upper portion.

The Loader Crane

Another hydraulic powered crane, the loader crane has a hydraulically powered articulated arm that fits to the trailer. It is utilized for loading equipment onto the trailer. This crane has numerous sections, which are collapsible and make it easy to fold up for storage purposes.

The Overhead Crane

The overhead crane is sometimes called the suspended crane and is typically utilized in factory environments. With this crane, the hoist is set upon a trolley, which allows it to move in one set direction on one or two rails. It is able to move at angles toward a direction upon elevated or ground level tracks. It is common to have the tracking system mounted along the side of the assembly line area.

The construction and excavation industries really have a need for cranes, which are put to use moving and lifting heavy equipment and machinery. Cranes are able to move objects quickly into trenches or down steep areas as well as raise objects to high levels. Since there are so many different types of cranes, the industry will be able to find the one that fits their needs and serves them well in the type of work they need to carry out.

The ability to use a crane is a benefit, especially when constructing tall buildings or bridges. The crane is one piece of construction machinery that has withstood time and is still being utilized today in the construction and excavation industries. Another plus is that those who can operate a crane make a very nice salary, no matter which type of crane they operate.

As with anything, there is always competition to produce a better and more efficient product to put out on the market, and in the construction and excavation equipment market there are several reputable companies. Each company tweaks and innovatively upgrades the latest tools needed in the industry, and in this case, the product is the backhoe loader. The leading names in this industry are: Caterpillar, Bobcat, New Holland, Case, Ingersoll-Rand, Komatsu, John Deere and Terex. All of these companies bring their own version and styled backhoe loader to the market.

The Backhoe Loader from Caterpillar

Caterpillar is well known worldwide for its ability to bring power and performance to anything it manufactures. Caterpillar introduced to the market the top-of-the-line backhoe loader model 446, which is part of the Caterpillar D series version of this type of machinery. The Caterpillar 446 backhoe loader has 102 HP and features a new upgraded operator station, with the choice of optional joystick controls. With this backhoe loader, the dig forces on its bucket has improved and increased 10%.

The Backhoe Loader from Bobcat

Bobcat, another quality manufacturer, has brought to the competition a compact backhoe loader. It has introduced its new and second generation of compact backhoe loaders in its Bobcat B series with an improved power boost. The B100 backhoe loader from Bobcat has 31.5 HP and has received a 45% increase in bucket breakout force as well as a 27% leap in the force of the dipper.

Bobcat also introduced the B300 backhoe loader, which has 46 HP, 44% increase in breakout force of the dipper, and an increase of 21% in the breakout force for the bucket. Bobcats B series has three models: the B100, the B300, and the B250. The B250 is similar to the B300, although it is smaller, but features all wheel steering and four wheel drive.

The Backhoe Loader from New Holland

New Holland has brought four backhoe loader models to the market. Each one of New Holland’s backhoe loaders uses a 4.5-liter turbocharged Tier 2 engine. It is this new engine type and several other new upgrade features that went into New Hollands new B series. The New Holland B series backhoe loaders offer minimal effort pilot controls, giving the operator the choice between an excavator pattern and a loader style pattern.

The Backhoe Loader from Case

To keep up with the competition, Case had to add quite a lot to its M series backhoe loaders. Case switched to family three engines in order to meet Tier 2 standards for emissions. A few luring perks of the Case M series backhoe loaders are that these new machines are much quieter than the older models and they have a larger displacement engine, which makes for better lugging capacity. Another upgrade was the increased torque rise that makes for faster cycles for loader and backhoe operations.

With the Case M series backhoe loaders, you get convenience, which comes in the form of 500-hour intervals between oil changes, and ease of access to the transmission mounted hydraulic pumps.

The Backhoe Loader from Ingersoll-Rand

Ingersoll-Rand introduced a backhoe loader that can reach impressive digging depths of up to 12 feet. The BL-580 backhoe loader model from Ingersoll-Rand, when working as a loader, has the operating capacity of about 3,406 pounds and a breakout force of about 9,370 pounds.

In this model, both the loader and backhoe have been fitted with standard form auxiliary hydraulics with a two-way flow and this accommodates different attachments. Some of the attachments include booms, breakers, augers and compactors. Other appealing features are the hydrostatic four-wheel drive that is exceptional for power and traction, and the all wheel steering that give a tight radius.

The Backhoe Loader from Komatsu

In order to keep up with competition, Komatsu stepped it up a notch when it announced it would be introducing five models of backhoe loaders that would have an optional excavator styled joystick control. Other upgrades included with their new lineup are the increased hydraulic speed, durable components and a Tier 2 engine. This series features the Komatsu WB 140 that has 87 HP and the WB 150 that has 94 HP.

The Komatsu models have four speed mechanical transmissions that come complete with a torque converter. The Komatsu WB 150 model has an all-star wheel design, impressive power-shift transmission and an important anti-theft system. The Backhoe Loader from John Deere

We cannot speak about construction equipment without mentioning the company of John Deere. John Deere has brought its model 410 H backhoe loader to the market, and this quality machine offers the operator 92 HP. With the 410 H, the operator will have a total machine control system. The total machine control system has integrated the control of the engine, transmission, the hydraulics and even the brakes, which all add up to a more efficient machine that can stand up to the demands of the job.

The Backhoe Loader from Terex

Terex took a shortcut and acquired a line from Fermec, which it then took and upgraded in order to market a very impressive line of backhoe loaders. Terex has marketed several models in this line, two of which are the TX 760B and the TX 860B. The TX 760B has 92 HP, while the TX 860B has 100 HP. Also in this line are the 860SX, 860 Elite and the 970 Elite, each having 100 HP. The 760 and 860 Terex models have features like four speed shuttle gearboxes and they can travel at speeds of up to about 25.8 miles per hour, making them fast and efficient backhoe loaders.

When looking for affordability, popularity and productivity, the trencher and the compact excavator are on an equal playing field in those regards. Functionally, the trencher and compact excavator can both be utilized in laying cable and pipes in to the ground. However, while it is true that they both can do similar work, there are differences between the two machineries, specifically how they measure up against one another in tasks involving residential utility installations.

Comparing Size and Price

On average, the dig depth ability for the standard utility installation that is done in residential applications is somewhere between 40 and 48 inches. If using the basic trencher that is capable of digging up to that dig depth, it will pack a 20 to 30 horsepower (HP) engine, and generally cost you about 40,000 dollars.

In todays industry, the most common and popular type of compact excavator weighs in at a 2.5 metric ton size class. The compact excavator will use a 30 horsepower engine and cost around the same price as the above-mentioned trencher.

The real difference between the two is reflected in the surfaces and depths they will dig. The standard 2.5 metric ton compact excavator will have little trouble digging a depth of 8 feet or more, but while the trencher is also able to dig that same depth, it will require more horsepower. To be precise, the trencher would need to be 100 horsepower, and this would increase the cost to 90, 000 dollars.

Comparing Maintenance Costs

With any piece of major construction and excavation machinery, there will be costs to keep the equipment running up to an efficient standard. When looking at the maintenance requirements for the compact excavator, it will be necessary to check and replace the bucket teeth, the rubber tracks at around 2,000 hours, and fuel and routine minor adjustments from time to time. The trenchers, on the other hand, will require periodic maintenance and replacement of common wear items like the digging chain, teeth and sprockets, which will require attention often. However, despite the high consumable costs for the trenchers, the expenses will even out when you take productivity into account.

Comparing Productivity

If the task is straight line trenching to an average depth, the trencher is the choice, hands down, over the compact excavator. When the conditions are normal, trenchers will work almost three to four times faster than the compact excavator. Also, the trencher does better in wooded terrain, where there are often obstacles like tree roots and logs that can make the job troublesome, and digging is often sloppy when using a bucket.

A Comparison of Versatility

It is obvious that compact excavators can do many different jobs that a trencher cannot do, and vise versa, especially when you take into account the fact that compact excavators can be used with interchangeable tool attachments. This feature allows the compact excavator to carry out many more tasks that the trencher is unable to do. However, on the flip side, the trencher can maneuver faster, whereas the compact excavator cannot.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that trenchers can also be multi-tasked machines. They can be fitted with a backhoe attachment, which affixes to the front end. Sometimes concrete, rocks and hard asphalt can be a real obstacle, but the boom and chain can be changed out and replaced with rock teeth and a wheel. Trenchers can be fitted with a plowing attachment and this will allow it to handle soft soil with ease, letting it plow in cables with speed and precision.

In the end, the choice you make will depend upon what type of jobs you are planning to use these machines in. The compact excavator will handle certain tasks better than the trencher, and vise versa. Each has its good qualities and you will ultimately narrow the choice to fit your needs.

When the job involves civil engineering, surface mining or excavation, it is often necessary to bring in the heavier machinery like the drag line excavator. If the task is civil engineering related, it might only be necessary to bring in the smaller type of drag line excavators that are used for road and port construction. The large and heavier types of drag line excavators are commonly used for strip mining operations, where they are used to extract coal. Drag line excavators are considered to be the largest types of movable construction and excavation equipment on the market, and weigh more than 10,000 tons.

The drag line excavator incorporates a bucket system, where the large bucket hangs suspended from a boom. When in use, the bucket moves by means of a system of chains and ropes. The rope that is responsible for hoisting is fed power by either a diesel or electric motor, and the rope gives support to the bucket and the hoist coupler from the boom. The bucket assembly is drawn horizontally by way of the drag rope. The operator skillfully can maneuver the hoist and drag rope, and control the bucket through many different types of operations.

Drag Line Excavator Operations

During a typical excavation cycle, the bucket is usually located high above the material that will be excavated. The operator lowers the bucket downwards and controls the drag rope so the bucket drags along the material being excavated. Once the bucket is full, the operator controls and manipulates the hoist rope, lifting the bucket upwards. Then the operator utilizes the swing operation in order to move the bucket and material to the drop area. When the bucket is over the drop area, the drag rope is released and the bucket tilts, emptying the material from the bucket. This is known as a typical dump operation.

In the smaller type drag line excavators, there is a slightly different way to manipulate the bucket. With these machines, the bucket is swung by the mechanism of winding the jib, and then the clutch that is on the drag cable is released. This causes the bucket to swing in a pendulum motion. The more skillful drag line excavator operators are able to manipulate and control the bucket and make it land half the length of the jib further than if it had be spun and just dropped.

Limitations of the Drag Line Excavator

The possible limitations of the drag line excavator might be due to the height and length of the boom, because this may cause limitations for where the drag line will be able to dump the debris. The drag line excavator is most effective when it excavates material that is located below the level of its tracks. Drag line excavators are limited in the sense that they are not suitable for picking up materials that have been piled up. Even with the few limitations this machine has and the high cost, the drag line excavator is still the most popular choice for excavating tools because they are effective and reliable.

Drag line excavators have different cutting patterns or sequences. The operator can do a side casting method that works by offsetting benches. If the operator utilizes this method, it involves tossing the overburden sideways and then onto the material, making a bench.

Next, the operator could utilize the key pass method. The key pass method cuts a key at the toe of the new wall then it shifts the bench toward the lower wall. This maneuver sometimes requires a chopping pass when the wall is considered blocky. The chopping pass involves taking the bucket and dropping it downwards on to the angled high wall and scaling the surface.

The final method is also the slowest method, and known as block pass. This may be the slowest method, but it is also the method that moves the most material. The block pass method uses the key to access the very bottom of the material and lift it up to an elevated bench level. When necessary, a final cut is implemented to pull back, and this pulls the material toward the low wall side. Drag line excavators are essential machinery to have on construction sites, in mining sites and on excavation projects. They have the ability to move heavy and large material up and out of deep holes in the ground. The drag line excavator is a reliable and durable tool to have as it can increase the productivity of the job at hand.

If you are in the market for a compact hydraulic excavator, you can choose from either a tracked or wheeled vehicle that has an average operating weight of about 13,000 pounds. Generally, this type of vehicle includes the standard backfill blade and also features an independent boom swing. Sometimes, the compact hydraulic excavator is referred to as the mini excavator.

What sets the compact hydraulic excavator off as different from the numerous other varieties of heavy machinery is that all the movement and functions are carried out through the transfer of hydraulic fluid. When the hydraulic fluid acts upon the hydraulic cylinders, it activates the work group and blade. Even the rotations as well as the travel functions are activated by hydraulic fluid that is powering the hydraulic motors.

The majority of types of compact hydraulic excavators incorporate three assemblies: the house, the undercarriage and the work group.

Compact Hydraulic Excavator Assemblies: The House

The first assembly, the house, contains a compartment for an operator, a compartment for the engine and hydraulic pump and distribution components. The house assembly is attached, by way of swing bearing, to the top of the undercarriage. It is able to rotate upon the undercarriage, along with the work group, because the hydraulic distribution valve supplies adequate amounts of oil to the components of the undercarriage.

Compact Hydraulic Excavator Assemblies: The Undercarriage

In a compact hydraulic excavator, the undercarriage components consist of rubber or possibly steel tracks, the drive sprockets, rollers, idlers and other related structures. One of the important aspects of the undercarriage is that it is the home of the house assembly and the work group assembly.

Compact Hydraulic Excavator Assemblies: The Work Group

The components of the work group are as follows: the boom, the dipper or arm, and attachment. The work group is affixed to the front end of the house assembly by means of a swinging frame. This allows hydraulics to pivot the work group left or right so that offset digging is achieved when the excavator is trenching parallel with its tracks.

What is the Independent Boom Swing?

The main purpose of the independent boom swing is to assist in offset digging when the excavator has to dig around certain obstacles it comes in contact with like foundations, walls and other forms. It also functions for cycling in areas that may be too narrow for effective cab rotation. The independent boom swing feature is a major benefit for the compact excavator.

The Backfill Blade Function

The compact excavator has a backfill blade that is utilized for grading, leveling, backfilling, trenching and other typical dozer workings. Depending on the position of the backfill blade in relation to the work group, the backfill blade may be utilized to increase the dumping height and increase the digging depth.

Commonly, the compact excavator is good in small jobs such as ones involving residential areas. A compact excavator is a good choice when having to dig telephone lines or trenches and it is easy to maneuver between houses. Its small size makes the compact excavator appealing for small construction jobs because it can fit just about anywhere.

Due to the convenient size of the compact excavator, it has created numerous uses that reach far beyond that of the typical excavation projects, broadening its capabilities and making it useful in a variety of industries. The compact excavator can be fitted with hydraulic powered attachments like breakers, clamps, augers and other useful tools. This makes the compact excavator a quality multipurpose piece of machinery.

Case, a reputable manufacturing company in the construction industry, has worked their expertise again by introducing a new model and upgrading a model. The new Case CX700 has a weight of 70 metric tons, which brings a new sized model to Cases production. This new model, the Case CX700, is an in between model; and, for comparison purposes, it will fit between the model Case CX460 and Case CX800. Case has utilized Tier 3 technologies in order to bring an upgrade to the Case CX330 model excavator. The upgrade has increased the power and improved the fuel system, making it economically efficient, and, if that was not enough, Case added new features that aim to enhance comfort and simplify maintenance for the operator.

Packing Power

The new Case CX700 excavator is packed full of power and high performance because of its fuel-efficient Isuzu engine, which is Tier 3 certified. It has an operating weight of 153,400 pounds and 400 HP, making the Case CX700 capable of digging to depths of 31 feet and 11 inches, and a reach of about 46 feet and 11 inches.

The frame of the Case CX700 excavator was modeled after the larger Case CX800, which ensures its optimum strength, durability, and reliability for the powerful performance specs this machine calls for.

This new model, Case CX700, has a switch that allows the operator to manage the priorities of either the boom or the swing functions. It also has a retractable side frame with a counterweight removal device that is optional, and this will make transporting even easier.

Durability

As already noted, it is the powerful Isuzu engine in the Case CX700 that makes it so durable, but more over, the Isuzu engine is fully electronic and utilizes a high-pressure rail system. This will provide a 5% increase to the HP, and that will give the excavator 10% more fuel economy, making it more efficient in the long run.

There have also been several enhancements made to the Case CX330 excavator model, which has improved its durability. These enhancements to the Case CX330 have helped the reliability of this machinery, including more strength to the front idler from increasing the thickness and changing the design of the center hub, and improving upon the track seals design. All these upgrades and improvements to the Case CX330 allow it to stand up better to wear and tear.

Upgrade Features

An important factor that goes into the Case excavators is that many of the models offer upgrade features. In other words, you are able to incorporate several of the standard features that come with the Case CX700 as upgrades for the Case CX330, and they can also be applied to some of the other larger Case excavators.

One important upgrade is the improved ease of maintenance and servicing. Both Case excavator models, Case CX330 and Case CX700, have an easy maintenance system that includes a lubricated brushing all throughout the boom and arm, and this provided an extended lubrication period for well up to 1,000 hours. There have been changes to the way the engine oil filters are mounted. They are now mounted vertically within the pump house access area, and this will allow ease of access for servicing purposes.

Also, there has been an addition of a modified type of oil drain plug and check valve, which will go a long way to making it even easier to change the oil. The two excavator models offer finer fuel filtration and up to four microns, and this will increase uptime while improving fuel performance.

With a piece of machinery that is utilized in hefty construction projects, it is essential that it has a quality cooling system, and the cooling system features are designed to reduce having to stack the coolers. This upgraded cooling system has better efficiency and has improved the ease of debris removal. The Case CX700 also has a hydraulically driven feature, thermostatic controlled reversible fan that works to improve the cooling of the engine, and it easily cleans out the debris, making this model more efficient.