Choosing the right size of heavy-duty machines is an economical and wise decision. If you deploy a large machine for lighter operations, the fuel consumption will be much higher than expected. Similarly, if you use a small configuration design, it will overload while performing the desired task. Join us if you’re interested in selecting the ideal track excavator size.

Purchasing a suitable track excavator is not just a preference but essential for safe and optimal productivity. Mico Cranes and Equipment, TX, has a wide range of track excavators with different specifications from reliable brands. You can deploy them for demolishing operations, digging trenches, and heavy material handling. Our professionals assist you in selecting the appropriate machine sizes to achieve optimal performance.

Used Track Excavators for Sale in HOUSTON, TEXAS

• 2019 CATERPILLAR Track Excavator for Sale in HOUSTON, TEXAS
• 2015 CATERPILLAR Track Excavator for Sale in HOUSTON, TEXAS

Factors That Define Which Track Excavator Size You Need

Three crucial aspects must be considered to determine the exact size of the track excavator you require. It includes the nature of operations, the local conditions, and the technical details of the excavator. Each is essential to ensuring your excavator is the right size to meet your operational needs. Let’s examine each in detail:

Type of Work You Perform

Determining which size suits your work is the first step when you need an excavator. Knowing what performance standards you need at what frequency helps in figuring out the exact machine configurations. Various activities require varying degrees of force, accuracy, and reach. Track excavators are available in mini, medium, and large sizes. Each is made for a specific type of job.

Mini Excavators (1–10 tons)

The compact machines are always suitable for light-duty jobs, including modest demolition projects, utility trenching, and maintenance operations. Their small size makes it easy to move around in confined settings, such as residential or urban construction sites.

Medium Excavators (10–20 tons)

When performing moderate-level activities, such as road development, foundation excavation, and general construction. They can deliver greater breakout strength for deeper excavation depths without demanding significant logistics. Moreover, the users receive power without compromising machine mobility.

Large Excavators (20–80+ tons)

High-specification excavators are required for heavy-duty operations. Mining and construction activities involve massive-scale site digging and material hauling. Large-sized track excavators have precise hydraulics, long machine reach, and significant lifting capacity. However, they need ample space and a working area to be deployed effectively. 

Application-Specific Considerations

• Cycle timings: Bigger-sized excavators have more powerful hydraulics and can manage cycle times more quickly. Therefore, they are better suited for heavier-duty jobs.
• Precision work: Compact machines offer higher levels of precision for tasks demanding delicate control, such as utility drilling close to fiber optics.
• Attachment requirements: Larger excavators can withstand high-flow hydraulics, and the basic demand for attachment coupling. Large excavators can be easily connected with hammers, augers, or compaction wheels.

Jobsite Physical Conditions

Every project site has different local conditions, including available working space, soil chemistry, rainfall, slope, and previous utility supplies. These factors define which type and size of used track excavator for sale is suitable for that site. Here, we explain some more points:

Digging Depth & Reach

Verify your permitted digging level and arm reach if your task requires extensive excavations. This is typically helpful for water drainage systems or foundation development. For this reason, taller booms and arms with outstanding lifting capacity are needed.

Lift Capacity & Bucket Size

The bucket capacity is vital for safe material handling practices. Therefore, it is suggested to analyses how much weight you have to transport in a single go. The optimal load limits must be followed to prevent machine tipping or overloading. The manufacturers clearly outline the maximum lifting capacities for each model.

Ground Conditions

The ground surfaces are soft or hard, and uneven terrains are the most difficult to navigate. If the proposed site is smooth, like sand, always select the track model that protects the machine from sinking. 

Furthermore, it is recommended that the undercarriage be positioned at a higher distance from the ground. For sloped areas, use automatic gear adjustment features. Also, the track excavators should have wide pads for muddy sites to prevent debris accumulation. 

• Larger excavators tend to sink in soft soil, so opt for compact machines with wider tracks. In fact, the track model has low ground pressure.
• When working over rugged rocks, medium to large-sized excavators have sufficient breakout force to penetrate dense material effectively.
• Select the zero-tail swing design for urban settling projects. This design can handle 1–10 tons of weight without damaging neighbors. 
• Accessibility & Clearance

 When excavators pass through narrow tunnels or alleyways, the operators always opt for a compact size with a short-track excavator to manage such operations. 

Overhead barriers are challenging tasks. Therefore, inspect the tree branches or electrical lines throughout the counties where it has to move.

Inconsistent and sloping terrain requires a secure and steady model selection. You should prefer an adjustable undercarriage with auto-shift track support.

Machine Specifications & Performance Metrics

Performance and accuracy are more important considerations when selecting an excavator. Its size and other details come later. Let’s examine what parameters are most crucial to qualify your work demands in a track excavator:

Operating Weight

The total weight of the machine covers all essential parts and present fuel, including fuel and oils. This overall mass of the excavator establishes the ground pressure and transportation requirements.

For instance, a permit might be needed to carry a 20-ton machine by road, although the mobility of heavier machines is restricted to moving during the day.

Engine Power (HP)

High HP engines are required when navigating challenging job sites and needing quick cycle times. Likewise, the strong engines have advanced hydraulic functions and easily couple with attachments.

Additionally, it facilitates more efficient operation under challenging digging conditions (such as snow-covered ground or compacted soil). An excavator with more than 200 horsepower may power several attachments at once without experiencing any lag.

Dig Depth & Reach

The maximum vertical or horizontal distances the track excavator’s boom can reach are essential factors involved in selection. When developers have to manage utility pipe installations and deep basement excavations, the excavators’ reach should be within the upper limits. 

For such medium-sized projects, 18–24 feet of reach is acceptable. If you deploy a short machine for an extensive job, fuel consumption and machine failures are at risk.

Bucket Breakout Force

The bucket’s pressure penetrating hard, compact surfaces is expressed in kN or lbs. This strength indicates how well the equipment can tear down rugged terrain or penetrate hardened soil. A greater breakout force results in shorter cycles and reduced machine fatigue.

Lift Capacity

The upper safe limit of a load’s carrying capacity to a specific height and distance is its lift capacity. Track excavators typically carry utility pipes, waste debris, metallic objects, and culverts at construction sites. 

Considerably, a compact design excavator can load 1–2 tons in weight, while the large machine can handle 6–8 tons at a given radius.

Swing Radius / Tail Swing

The circular space that the excavator’s back end covers while it rotates. Indeed, the zero-tail swing excavator is best for urban developmental projects. These short-radius variants keep the balancing and protect from colliding with walls or other obstacles in constrained job sites

Auxiliary Hydraulic System 

In fact, the track excavator’s power and strength lie in its responsive hydraulics. The critical and articulated parts need precise movement, which is possible with an auxiliary hydraulic system. The flow rate is measured in GPM—Gallons Per Minute. Remarkably, the accurate coupling of different attachments requires specific hydraulic flow.

Used Track Excavator Near Me in Houston, TX

Selecting the right track excavator size is the basic step to meeting your productivity targets without putting machines and workers at risk. It involves aligning all operational metrics with your work demand. Used track excavator for sale in Houston, TX is the economical option without halting work efficiencies.

Consider the technical specifications and limitations that can impact performance in the real world. Mico Cranes and Equipment, TX, has track excavators from reputed brands. Come and visit us to select the most appropriate excavator for your next project.