Excavators come in various designs, shapes and sizes, and are typically limited to backfilling, loading, digging, and spreading material on job sites. However, there is a large variety of add-on components available. By choosing the correct attachments, you have the potential of turning your equipment into a versatile and invaluable construction tool.
What Attachments Are Available and What Is Each Used For?
Add-on components have transformed excavators from being limited to earthworks to a must-have tool in modern construction. Some of the most common excavator-friendly attachments include:
Augers - These drills allow you to safely and efficiently dig holes
Compactors - Used for hard-pounding base fill
Buckets - These mandatory and versatile tools enable trenching and bailing
Couplers - Allows you to quickly and easily swap attachments
Hammers - Enables you to break solid rock effortlessly
Rakes - Used to efficiently clean brush sites
Thumbs - Permits you to pick up just about anything
Grapples - Empowers you to safely and securely lift logs, lumber, or bales
Multi-processors - Processing attachments used in forest operations
Rippers - Makes pavement work a breeze
What Should I Consider When Buying a New Attachment For My Excavator?
When you're buying a new accessory for your excavator, you have to be sure that it'll be compatible. Therefore, it's vital to inform the dealer of the task you need to accomplish, cycle requirements, and the type of material you'll be working with.
Next, you need to supply them with the equipment's specifications, including:
Make and model numbers
Tipping load
Configuration
Counterweight size
Lift/weight capacities
Any other information the dealer might request
It's also important to inform the experts of any retrofit, specialized, or optional features (e.g., changes to tires, engine, hydraulics, etc.) that your equipment may have. Furthermore, should the accessory require hydraulics, you need to know the pressure (psi) and flow (GPM) output capabilities and comprehend the auxiliary hydraulics.
Not all equipment comes with three or four hydraulic function capabilities, although various attachments require this. Lastly, if you've installed a quick coupler, know the model, brand, and serial number, and if possible, produce a photo for reference.
Why Are the Flow Specifications for the Hydraulic Circuit Important?
Hydraulics provide power to the ground, enable tilting and lifting, and run the auxiliary circuit, which drives attachments. Due to standard- and high-flow classifications varying between manufacturers, it's vital to know how your equipment is provisioned. In general, high-flow circuits exceed 3,300 psi and 26 gpm, and standard flow machines operate at 22 gpm
High-flow excavators designated "XPS" (4,050 psi and 33 gpm) can maintain max pressure at high or low idle, irrelevant of the working conditions or attachment speed.