Types of Excavators 101

Top 11 Excavator Types and Their Uses

This Article Includes

What is an Excavator Used For?
Top 11 Most Common Excavator Types
What are the Different Types of Excavation

What is an Excavator Used For?

Excavators are heavy construction equipment that are used for many tasks and functions including digging and material handling, mining, river dredging, construction, forestry, demolition, and any other jobs that require the digging and moving of soil and other types of materials.

Excavators are the workhouse of industry and one of the most common pieces of heavy equipment on construction sites around the globe. These machines are incredibly versatile and can be operated in many different types of environments ranging from the typical construction site, to rough terrain environments that require the scaling of extremely steep slopes and hillsides. Their lifting capabilities across different models make them suitable for a wide range of construction and mining projects, as they can handle heavy materials and adapt to challenging work environments.

Excavators are designed with either wheels or tracks that allow the machine to move across a job site. There are also compact excavators as well as mini and crawler excavators, each geared to specific jobs within the construction industry. They are also constructed with a boom and stick assembly that can be affixed with many different types of attachments that can perform many tasks.

Excavator attachments include buckets, shears for demolition, augers for drilling holes, breaker hammers, rippers, and dredge pumps.

Different types of couplers are also used for quickly switching attachments when the excavator is used for different tasks. Hydraulic excavators tend to benefit most from these attachments, as these high operating weight models tend to have more net power overall and can benefit more from many more configurations when compared to compact excavators.

Most excavators use a hydraulic system to power the movement of the boom/stick/bucket assembly to perform the specific jobs required such as digging, trenching, debris removal, demolition, dredging, and many other tasks. The hydraulic system is powered by the diesel motor, but when a larger quantity of power is required, a separate Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) can be used. An HPU can be a stand-alone unit or be affixed to the backside of the excavator.

Excavators are available in four sizes: mini excavators (less than 7 tons), medium excavators (7 to 10 tons), standard size (10 to 45 tons), and larger excavators (greater than 45 tons). Choosing the right excavator sizes is essential for matching the equipment to the specific requirements of each project, ensuring efficiency and safety. There are of course other types of excavators such as backhoe loaders and suction and dragline excavators.

Excavators are critical in many industries and vary in type and build depending on what specific uses they are expected to perform.

Top 11 of the Most Common Excavator Types

1. Standard or Crawler Excavator

Standard excavators are one of the most popular excavators used because they are designed for the bulk of excavation jobs. They are available in sizes ranging from mini-excavators to large heavy-duty hydraulic excavators. These excavators often include a boom/stick combination, and a bucket attached to the end of the stick (or other available excavator attachments). These excavators run on two tracks that allow the weight of the excavator to be distributed more evenly and not be concentrated in one specific area. This makes this type of excavator more suited for working on soft ground and uneven terrain.

They also feature a rotating cab, which allows the operator to rotate the boom in a full circle without repositioning the machine, enhancing versatility and efficiency on the construction site. These particular machines are not always larger in size, and mini excavator models are quite popular, as well as dragline excavator units. Tail swing is an important factor for maneuverability and safety, especially in confined or urban job sites—excavators with zero or near-zero tail swing reduce the risk of damage to nearby structures and improve operator control.

Digging trenches and lifting heavy debris is accomplished by the boom/stick/bucket hydraulic assembly retracting and extending. Tool attachments like buckets are available in various sizes to accommodate many different types of tasks from digging holes, deep trenching, demolition, dredging and many other heavy duty construction jobs. Standard/crawler excavators are also capable of precise digging, making them suitable for detailed excavation work when accuracy is required. These excavators are ideally suited for mining construction, forestry, farming, and any other industries that require material handling capabilities.

2. Long Reach Excavator

There are a number of variations to the standard excavator, the long reach excavator is one of them. These long reach excavators can be either tracked or wheeled excavators and allow the excavator to have an increased ability to reach further distances and do jobs that other types of excavators cannot perform. Some of the jobs they are ideally suited for long reach excavators are dredging in water, industrial demolition projects, landscaping uneven terrain, harbor construction, large underwater digging projects, and any task where a standard boom/stick assembly is not efficient or practical. Standard reach excavators have a reach up to 40 feet, and long reach can extend the reach up to 100 feet; long reach has the reaching capability of 2X times greater than standard reach.

Financing these long reach attachments is typically quite simple at Hawk. We offer truly flexible, low interest financing options for most models.

3. Wheeled Excavator

Another variation of the standard excavator are wheeled excavators. Although these excavators can handle the same tasks as the standard track excavator, they are better suited for situations where the excavator must operate on hard job site surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Wheeled excavators perform best on flat surfaces, making them ideal for these types of terrain. Wheeled excavators are easier to maneuver into tight spaces and can move around a worksite at faster speeds than other different types of excavators. This can be a big time saver and increase the potential of completing jobs in a shorter period of time in urban and confined areas. Road construction is a primary application for wheeled excavators due to their mobility and suitability for urban infrastructure projects. Most wheeled excavators can be driven on city streets which allows the excavator to be driven to a job site.

4. Backhoe Excavator

Backhoe excavators (sometimes called a backhoe loader) can perform multiple tasks without having to switch out boom attachments as often, because this type of excavator is designed with a boom/stick/bucket assembly on one end, and a bucket on the other. Able to accomplish the same tasks as a standard excavator, the backhoe excavator is more versatile than standard excavators because of the bucket located at the front of the machine. They are capable of moving larger volumes of materials than standard excavators, and can be fitted with many more attachments. They are ideally suited for landscaping, mining, construction, loading and unloading materials and debris and many other types of uses.

5. Hydraulic Shovels

Hydraulic shovels are heavy-duty and designed for very extreme lifting and heavy duty digging jobs. Their superior hydraulic power provides exceptional digging force, making them ideal for demanding earthmoving and mining operations. They are typically found in surface mining jobs and have much larger lifting arms and work tool attachments than do standard and other types of excavators. They can haul large rocks, soil, and other materials that are too heavy for other different types of excavators. The large bucket on hydraulic shovels allows for efficient carrying and management of heavy materials during mining and excavation projects. Hydraulic shovels are similar to standard excavators in that they have a boom/stick/bucket assembly located at the front of the excavator, but they can also be affixed at the back of the excavator. They also have a cab assembly that can rotate 360 degrees which is consistent with most other types of excavators and helps the excavator operator to better manage the excavator’s boom during heavy digging.

6. Demolition Excavator

Demolition excavators are used for the demolition of industrial structures, buildings, and any other steel structures that require dismantling. They are built with special guards that cover the cab and windows of the cab to protect the operator from falling debris resulting from the demolition work that is being performed. Demolition excavators are also fitted with heady duty undercarriages to withstand the harsh environment that these excavators operate. Shearing attachments are commonly used by excavator operators on this type of excavator for shearing metal girders, and other materials that must be cut into pieces as part of the demolition process.

7. Vacuum Truck or Suction Excavator

Vacuum trucks (also known as suction excavators) are a type of heavy equipment used in situations that require precision removal of material without damaging surrounding cables and piping that can be located under or overground. These vacuum excavators are constructed with high-pressure vacuum and water jets that are used to loosen soil, making it easier to remove material safely around sensitive infrastructure. The loosened material is then extracted through a suction pipe, which allows for precise and controlled removal of soil and debris into the holding tank located on the vacuum truck. Suction excavators are especially suitable for work involving underground pipes, such as repair or installation, due to their ability to perform delicate utility work with minimal disruption. Suction excavators offer greater safety in comparison to other types of excavators.

8. Skid Steer Excavator

Skid steer excavators, or skid steers, are designed with the boom/stick/bucket assembly facing away from the operator; this orientation is opposite of a standard excavator. Very common at construction sites, skid steers are used to lift heavy debris from job sites, digging pools, and useful in work areas where space is limited but the materials to be moved are located at further distances. They are also more maneuverable than other types of large excavators and are capable of overcoming challenging turning conditions.

9. Spider or Walking Excavator

Spider excavators (also known as crawler excavators) are one of the most unique and impressive-looking types of excavators and are designed with spider-like legs that can operate independently. The crawler excavator is designed for specialized situations that require the excavator to maneuver on extremely steep hillsides and the most challenging terrains.

The legs can be fixed or telescoping so that the wheels at each end of the legs can be located on secure footing, whether it be angular sides of gullies, cliff ledges, or anywhere else solid footing is required to allow for safe and effective excavation.

These are very special machines and are considered the mountain goats of the machine world. Consistent with other types of large excavators, the cab sits on a rotating platform that can rotate 360 degrees, and the boom/stick/bucket assembly is located at the front of the excavator. Not seen at many construction sites, they are ideal for forestry due to the steep cliff faces and challenging terrain.

excavator types 101 - knuckle boom excavator

10. Knuckle Boom Excavator

The knuckle boom excavator is another variation of the standard excavator but is designed with an extra joint on the boom/stick assembly. This extra knuckle allows the stick and bucket to rotate using hydraulic power mechanisms from side to side, which increases maneuverability for working in tight spaces and excavating around obstacles. Although the knuckle excavator is one of the least commonly used excavators, it can be greatly beneficial in the right situations.

11. Amphibious Excavator

Amphibious excavators are another one of the specialized excavator types and are used for sediments and debris that can be located at the bottom of bodies of water such as lakes, harbors, rivers, ponds, and other types of waterways. Over a period of time sedimentation begins to fill harbors, and rivers that can interfere with the passage of cargo vessels that are being used to transport materials and goods. Amphibious excavators are used to performing a function called dredging that, essentially, is the removal and transport of this sediment to a location away from the existing waterway. They are also used for control of vegetation and installing underwater cables and piping. These excavators are uniquely designed with an amphibious undercarriage, sealed pontoons, and a buoyancy tank which allows the excavator to float on the surface of the waterway. Also included in the design of this excavator are main hydraulic pumps with traveling motors to help propel the amphibious excavator through the water.

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Excavator Attachments

Excavator attachments are the key to unlocking the full potential of your excavator, transforming it from a simple digging machine into a versatile powerhouse capable of tackling a wide range of tasks. Whether you’re working with wheeled excavators, mini excavators, or tracked excavators, the right attachment can make all the difference on the job site.

Some of the most common excavator attachments include buckets for digging and lifting, hydraulic breakers for demolishing concrete and rock, augers for drilling precise holes, and grapples for handling bulky or irregular materials. These attachments are designed to be easily swapped out, allowing operators to quickly adapt to different tasks without wasting valuable time.

When selecting excavator attachments, it’s important to consider the type of excavator you’re using and the specific requirements of your project. For example, mini excavators working in tight spaces may benefit from smaller, more agile attachments, while wheeled excavators on urban construction sites might require specialized tools for roadwork or material handling. Hydraulic breakers are especially useful for breaking through tough surfaces, while augers excel at creating uniform holes for posts or foundations.

By choosing the right excavator attachments, you can maximize efficiency, reduce manual labor, and ensure your excavator is ready for any challenge the job site throws your way.

Excavator Operator Training and Certification

Operating an excavator safely and efficiently requires more than just getting behind the controls—it demands proper training and certification. Excavator operator training programs are designed to teach operators everything they need to know about different types of excavators, from wheeled excavators to crawler excavators, ensuring they can handle each machine with confidence.

Comprehensive training covers essential topics such as understanding excavator components, mastering operating techniques, following strict safety protocols, and performing routine maintenance. Certification programs, like those offered by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), provide official recognition that an operator has the skills and knowledge needed to operate excavators safely on any job site.

Employers in the construction industry should always verify that their excavator operators are properly trained and certified for the specific type of excavator they’ll be using. This not only helps prevent accidents and equipment damage but also ensures compliance with industry regulations and best practices. Whether you’re working with a crawler excavator or a wheeled excavator, investing in operator training is essential for a safe and productive work environment.

Excavator Safety

Safety is paramount when working with excavators on any construction site. These powerful machines can pose significant risks if not operated correctly, making it essential for every excavator operator to follow strict safety guidelines. Common hazards include trench collapses, accidental contact with underground utilities, and injuries caused by the excavator’s moving parts.

To minimize risks, operators should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), conduct thorough pre-operation inspections, and ensure the excavator is stable before starting work. Being aware of the location of underground utilities is especially important—using suction excavators can help safely expose pipes and cables without causing damage, making them invaluable for projects involving underground utilities.

Regular maintenance checks and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of everyone on the job site. By prioritizing excavator safety, the construction industry can reduce injuries, protect valuable equipment, and maintain a productive work environment.

Excavator Rental

For many construction companies and contractors, excavator rental offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for short-term projects or specialized tasks. Renting an excavator eliminates the need for a large upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs, while also providing the opportunity to try out different types of excavators before making a purchase decision.

When considering excavator rental, it’s important to match the type of excavator to your project’s needs. For example, a mini excavator is ideal for small-scale jobs or work in confined spaces, while a standard excavator is better suited for general construction tasks. If your project involves deep trenching or reaching over obstacles, a long reach excavator may be the best choice.

Before renting, ensure the equipment is well-maintained and has been thoroughly inspected. It’s also essential that operators are trained and familiar with the specific type of excavator being used, whether it’s a mini excavator, standard excavator, or another model. By choosing the right excavator for the job and ensuring proper operation, you can maximize productivity and keep your project on track.

Excavator Industry Trends

The excavator industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing demands in the construction sector. One of the most notable trends is the rise of hydraulic excavators, which offer improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, making them a popular choice for environmentally conscious projects.

Compact and versatile machines like mini excavators and midi excavators are gaining popularity, especially for work in urban and confined areas where space is limited. These smaller excavators, paired with a wide range of excavator attachments such as hydraulic breakers and augers, allow operators to perform multiple tasks with a single machine, increasing efficiency and reducing the need for additional equipment.

Safety and sustainability are also at the forefront of industry innovation. Modern excavators are being equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic shut-off systems and warning alarms, to help prevent accidents and protect operators. As technology continues to advance, the industry is seeing the emergence of autonomous excavators and the use of data analytics to optimize performance and maintenance.

With these ongoing developments, the future of excavators promises even greater efficiency, versatility, and safety—ensuring that excavators remain an indispensable part of construction projects in both traditional and confined areas.

What are the Different Types of Excavation?

Topsoil Excavation

With most types of construction projects, removal of the topsoil is a critical part of the process of preparing a stable and solid foundation for the building and construction process to take place. Prior to the process of removing the topsoil, the area that is to be excavated is marked with the use of a process called ground tracing. Ground tracing identifies the specific area that the excavation will occur. Along with ground tracing, a specific depth of soil removal will be indicated. Once this part of the process is complete an excavator will be used to begin removing the topsoil and relocating it to another desired location.

Rock Excavation

When excavating some areas the soil can be rocky and contain large boulders or large fragments. When this is the case, the larger boulders and rock fragments must be removed by either mechanical means or introducing explosives to break the large boulders into smaller rock fragments. Rock excavation is the removal and extraction of isolated boulders and rock fragments that are in excess of 1-cubic yard. Due to the involvement of explosives and heavy duty excavation equipment rock excavation is very dangerous, and can be one of the most risky types of excavation.

Footing Excavation

Prior to beginning construction on any buildings, bridges, and any other structures footings are formed to make sure the building has a strong and stable foundation. This is done to ensure that the structure does not sink or collapse. Sinking or collapsing can occur due to such things as settlement of the structure over a period of time, as well as freezing and thawing that can occur in the colder months of the year. Before a footing can be constructed, footing execution is executed which consists of digging a continuous trench that is usually between 4-ft. and 10-ft. in depth. Footer depths can be as deep as 15-ft. or deeper, especially in cold climate areas where the footer depth extends below the frost line.

Earth Excavation

This type of excavation involves the removal of the layer of soil just beneath the topsoil which is called spoil (soil, dirt, rubble). Once spoil is removed it is typically used for constructing embankments and foundations. This layer of soil is also excavated to allow for the constructing buildings, bridges, and drainage ditches.

Cut and Fill Excavation

This type of excavation is where the toil soil, and sometimes the next depth of soil below the topsoil is cut and stripped, and used as fill for making embankments and elevated sections. The material that is extracted in this type of excavation is also used as filler for constructing foundations of buildings.

Trench Excavation

Trench excavation is similar to footing excavation except that trench excavation can be done for a wider range of reasons than creating a footing for a structure. As an example trenches can be dug for pipelines and sewers, which can also be called hydro excavation. Trenches that are less than 19-ft. Deep are considered shallow, and trenches that are 19-ft. or greater are considered deep. When excavating trenches, the process is conducted in phases to safeguard against the collapse of the trench.

Dredge Excavation

Dredging is a crucial form of excavation that involves the removal of sediment and debris that collects over a period of time from the bottom of lakes, channels, harbors, rivers, ponds, and any other bodies of water where sediments collect at the bottom. Sedimentation consists of sand and silt and when it collects and build-up occurs it restricts the path of boats, ships, and other water vehicles that transverse the waterways. Sediment and debris is removed on a periodic basis to restore the restricted waterways, allowing boats and ships an unobstructed voyage to the destination.

How HAWK Excavator Can Help

Considering all of the challenges a construction company faces daily, from project to project, it is critical that your operation be outfitted with the best excavation equipment available.

HAWK Excavator is a Manufacturer of Long Reach Excavator Kits, RTK GPS Position Systems, Amphibious Undercarriages, and Modular Barges. We have decades of experience with heavy-duty excavator equipment to enhance and optimize excavation projects worldwide.

Top Product Upgrades for Excavators

All HAWK products are simple to install to your excavator to assist with a wide range of excavation, construction, and dredging projects.

The top requested product is a conversion from standard to long reach.

For more on the value that HAWK Excavator can provide, Go To: https://hawkexcavator.com/

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