Depending on the size category of the excavator, you usually have three arms to choose from: standard arm, long arm and extra long arm.

For most types of excavators, the standard arm configuration generally provides the best lifting capacity and pulling force.

Choose long arms, or extra long arms, and you can reach further and dig deeper. These excavator arms are particularly useful in space-constrained situations, such as downhill slopes.

However, as arm length increases, you lose some lift and penetration. In some cases, a larger counterweight for excavators with long or extra long arms can help maintain some of their digging power.

Common hydraulic considerations

Some manufacturers offer one-way auxiliary hydraulics as standard equipment. Other excavators are standard equipped with two-way auxiliary hydraulic system.

If you plan to run attachments in the future, such as a thumb on an excavator, then you may need two-way hydraulics. If you’re sure you can only dig, you might choose to dig in one direction.

Another reason to choose two-way auxiliary hydraulics is if you use multifunctional accessories. If you think you will be using an angled tilting bucket or any other tilting attachment, you may want this option.

Excavator cab options

Taxi options vary by manufacturer, but there are several popular features.

One is to increase the front and side lighting of the cab. Extra halogen or LED lights can extend your workday.

Cameras are also becoming more common. Rearview mirrors now become standard on many crawler excavators and can be added to some miniature excavators. Side view cameras are also available as an option from some manufacturers. They are especially handy when rotating in a crowded workplace.

Cab shields for front and side Windows are another option you can find on the market. Customers working in the demolition, forestry and recycling industries often use window guards in the cab. These guards provide operators with additional protection from environmental hazards. You can choose a specially designed forestry taxi for your machine. Forest taxis offer greater protection from falling objects.

Many excavator manufacturers offer a straight pedal option. This feature makes it easier for operators to move in a straight line and is popular in trench applications.

Custom excavator landing gear

When you buy an excavator, you may have several options when it comes to landing gear, depending on the size of the machine.

The crawler of medium and small excavator may be steel or rubber. Rubber tracks are common in small excavators and large excavators. For rails, a common choice is the width of your track shoes. Wider running shoes provide more buoyancy.

Many small excavator manufacturers offer Angle or straight (bulldozer) blades. The blade provides additional stability when digging and can perform light backfill. Angular blades give you the ability to adjust the Angle of the blades to enhance the material placed left or right.

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