Hiring An Excavator? What You Need To Know

It can be difficult to hire an appropriate excavator. From sourcing the proper equipment to evaluating the appropriate skills of the operator, locating the right supplier can take some time. Luckily, SK Excavating wants to make things easy on you when it comes to locating the right excavator and/or operator. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about hiring an excavator.

What Exactly Is an Excavator?

Also referred to as diggers, excavators are by far one of the more popular types of machinery utilized in the construction and mining industries. These are very versatile pieces of equipment that consist of a bucket, boom, dipper, and cab that sits on a platform that rotates. This platform is mounted on an undercarriage with tracks or wheels. This machinery is available in a wide variety of sizes and types, and each one can be used on various types of job sites.

• Standard Excavator (6 tons to more than 500 tons)
• Compact (Mini) Excavator
• Spider Excavator
• Long Reach Excavator
• Swamp (Amphibious) Excavator
• Wheeled Excavator
• Knuckle Boom Excavator
• Vacuum Excavator
• Zero Swing Excavator

What Certificates or Licenses Does an Excavator Operator Need to Have?

A Verification of Competency (VOC) is necessary, in addition to any standard excavation licenses, prior to an individual being able to operate an excavator.

How Can You Locate the Right Operator for the Job?

If you need an excavator for a job but you are unsure what type or size, you can talk to a professional at a rental company who can talk you through the various job parameters and recommend the machine that is most suitable for the job.

It is important to explain the following factors regarding the job that will impact the type and size of machine that you will require.

• Location
• Site access
• Composition of the ground
• Space for the equipment
• The work that needs to be performed, such as what needs to be moved, excavated, etc.
• Depth at which needs to be dug
• How large of an area is currently being worked on
• Any additional equipment on the site and how the excavator will be able to assist
• Forward planning – what gear will be necessary on-site, whether they may be any access problems later on, etc.

How Can You Hire and Locate Your Excavator Supplier?

Since there are numerous factors that impact pricing, including size, attachments, and more, it helps to understand what you should keep an eye out for when selecting the right equipment and supplier for the job. Ideally, you need to look at the whole picture. Don’t simply go for the smallest excavator so that you can save money in the short-term. Instead, you should get the largest piece of equipment possible that is suitable for your site and job, as this will allow you to save time and money in the long-term while also increasing productivity.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at SK Excavating.