An excavator is a construction vehicle used to dig or move large objects. The excavator is comprised of two parts, a driving base and a powerful boom arm with an attachment designed for digging. The operator sits inside a small cab attached to the base and controls the arm.

The base of an excavator is made up of two sets of articulating tracks that are attached to the side of the excavator. The tracks operate like wheels to move the unit, but provide a larger surface area that creates in a more stable base for the excavator. On top of the base is a platform that rotates between 180 and 360 degrees.

The operator sits inside the excavator cab and has two sets of controls. One set moves the actual unit forward and backwards. The other set of controls moves the unit on the horizontal plan and controls the arm. These controls determine the angle and speed of the movements of the arm and bucket along the vertical axis.

An excavator is designed for use on construction sites and is quite expensive to purchase. Many smaller construction companies lease or rent these units to avoid the expensive overhead costs. The lease and rental rates vary depend on the length of the contract, the location and the volume of business with the leasing firm. The more equipment that you lease or rent from the same firm, the better the pricing will be.

All excavator operators are required to obtain a license for the safe operation of an excavator. Failure to obtain this qualification can result in a construction site being closed by the workplace health and safety inspector. The site is typically closed until a valid certificate holder is available to operate the excavator. In addition, many insurance policies are void if the equipment is not operated by a properly licensed operator.

Excavators come in a wide range of sizes and capacities. The heavier the unit, the greater the lift capacity will be. Some excavators are small enough to fit through a standard doorway, while others are much larger. The most important factor to consider when looking at smaller excavators is the amount of workgroup movement. The greater the degree of movement, the more flexibility you will have to work.

When selecting an excavator for purchase or rental, carefully consider the work that you plan to do with it. Make sure that the weight capability is large enough to safely accommodate your requirements. Explore the different accessories and hydraulic systems in place to find one that will work best for you.