Equipment Overview

An excavator is a type of heavy machinery used for construction, mining, and other industrial projects. Equipped with a bucket attachment, these machines can dig and move land to produce holes, trenches, building foundations, and more. 

Because of these uses, excavators are often called “diggers”. However, they aren’t limited to digging. For more versatility, simply swap the bucket for an alternative attachment like a hammer, auger, ripper, or compactor.

An excavator is made up of a house and an undercarriage. The house is the part of the machine that sits atop the undercarriage. It includes the carriage, or “cab”, where the operator sits. This area is fully enclosed, though smaller models may only have protection at the front of the cab.

The house also holds the fuel, engine, counterweight, hydraulic fluids, and base frame. A boom arm extends from the house, with a dipper and bucket attachment hanging off the end.

Excavators are powered by hydraulic systems. Years ago, they required ropes and cables for movement. Today, the diggers for sale you see will be hydraulic.
Most are also tracked, meaning they move on continuously cycling rubber tracks. Other models (typically smaller) have wheels. The type of excavator you need will depend on your applications. Compare diggers for sale before you decide.

Excavator Specifications

There are different size options available, depending on what you plan to use your excavator for. Each model has a different operating weight. 

Sizes and corresponding operating weights are as follows:

• Small Excavators: less than 6 tons
• Medium Excavators (“Midi” Excavators): 6-10 tons
• Standard Excavators: 10-45 tons
• Large Excavators: greater than 45 tons

Small or “mini” models are compact, making them ideal for jobs with space restraints. Electric options are also available, so some people use these machines for indoor use. 

Medium-sized or “midi” models are also used in confined areas but are more powerful than small models. Standard and large excavators are better suited for big projects that require bulk earthmoving and heavy lifting.
Not sure which size is right for you? Compare various-sized excavators for sale with Heavy Machinery Hub.

Excavator Pricing

Excavator prices will vary depending on size and features. A new, standard-sized excavator can cost anywhere from $100,000 and $500,000. However, a new excavator with an operating weight of 10 to 15 tons can cost as low as $80,000.

Of course, opting for used equipment can reduce excavator prices significantly. On average, quality used excavators with less than 2,000 hours of use cost 25% less than their new counterparts.

Keep in mind that a new excavator typically lasts for over 10,000 hours of operation. That amounts to six or more years. It’s especially important to choose the right equipment for your needs.

If you opt for a used excavator, you’ll want to do your research. When you look for a used excavator for sale, make sure you find something that’ll last. Luckily, Heavy Machinery Hub can do this work for you.

Use our site to compare excavator costs from top dealers in your area. Even if you choose to invest in a new excavator, you’ll still want to find the best deal. Heavy Machinery Hub is the fastest way to get free price quotes and information on excavators for sale in your area. 

Browse both new and used excavators from dealers you can trust. Find the best price on a new excavator for sale, or save even more money by opting for a used excavator. Shop without stress, knowing that every used excavator for sale in our inventory is from a trusted, pre-screened seller.

Types of Excavators

In addition to size, excavators vary in how and where they are used. Different types of excavators have different features.

Spider, or “walking” excavators have stabilizers and wheel height adjustment, allowing them to operate on hillsides. Long-reach excavators have an extended boom arm for deep excavation projects. There are even amphibious excavators designed to dredge while afloat soft terrain.

No matter what you’re trying to accomplish, there is an equipment type to fit your project.

 If you aren’t sure what equipment matches your needs, Heavy Machinery Hub can help. With an extensive inventory of excavators for sale, we have something for everyone. Simply give us some information about the specifications and capabilities you’re looking for and we’ll match you with machines. Find new or used excavators quickly and easily.

Comparing Excavators for Sale

Before you make a purchase, you’ll want to compare excavators for sale. Heavy Machinery Hub is the place to do that. Receive free quotes on a variety of machinery for construction, agriculture, and other industrial applications. 

Get pricing on excavators for sale from quality, pre-screened dealers in your area. Review information on equipment that fits your specifications in minutes to find the machine you need in no time.

Heavy Machinery Hub offers affordable excavator costs so you can stick to your budget without compromising quality. Reduce downtime and increase efficiency with the proper heavy machinery equipment. Learn more about how to choose the right machine for your needs below.

Choosing the Right Equipment

There are thousands of diggers for sale. Where should you start?

First, choose a size. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be able to transport whatever equipment you purchase to and from your worksite. Consider the trailers you have access to. Remember that certain drivers’ licenses and certifications are needed to haul larger trailers in some states. 

If you can’t move your equipment, you may have to purchase a trailer, which will increase the overall excavator cost. Plus, larger equipment has a higher excavator price in general. 

Of course, don’t choose something small simply because of cost. Think about how you will use the equipment in the future. As your project scales up or you take on bigger work, you’ll need your equipment to handle those changes. This might mean choosing a new excavator for a longer lifespan or simply selecting a bigger size.

Consider digging depth. A 2-3 ton mini excavator can dig a 10-foot hole and a 5-6 ton mini excavator can dig a 14-foot hole. However, a 10-45 ton standard machine can dig much deeper. 

Reach is another important factor. A longer boom arm is better for demolition and other applications that require access to high places.

All of these things are important when looking for diggers for sale, but first and foremost, you’ll need to decide between a new or used excavator for sale. This will affect excavator price, reliability, lifespan, and more. 

Find an affordable, new excavator for sale and get the equipment you need without compromising. Or, compare used excavators from trusted dealers in your area. Find the best excavator cost available with Heavy Machinery Hub.

Get started and find the best used or new excavator for sale as soon as possible.