
Model 35 refers to a 3.5-ton class with a bucket capacity of approximately 0.11 cubic meters. Model 60 refers to a 6-ton class with a bucket capacity of around 0.3 cubic meters. Model 120 refers to a 12-ton class with a bucket capacity of about 0.5 cubic meters. Model 160 refers to a 16-ton class with a bucket capacity of roughly 0.65 cubic meters. Model 200 refers to a 20-ton class with a bucket capacity of approximately 0.8 cubic meters. Model 240 refers to a 24-ton class with a bucket capacity of around 1.2 cubic meters. Definition of Excavator: An excavator, colloquially known as a 'hook machine' in some regions and also referred to as a digger elsewhere, is a versatile piece of machinery that combines functions such as forward and backward movement, rotation, lifting, lowering, digging, hydraulic hammer breaking, and suction. It is used to excavate materials above or below the machine's surface level with its bucket and load them into transport vehicles or dump them at stockpile sites. Structure of an Excavator: Common excavator structures include: power unit, working equipment, slewing mechanism, control mechanism, transmission mechanism, traveling mechanism, and auxiliary facilities. Visually, an excavator consists of three main parts: the working equipment, the upper revolving platform, and the traveling mechanism.

The specifications of excavators cover a particularly wide range, primarily categorized by tonnage. Small models, like 3-6-ton mini excavators, are highly flexible for tasks such as repairing water pipes or landscaping in residential areas, capable of maneuvering in tight spaces. Medium-sized excavators, commonly in the 20-30-ton range, are the workhorses on construction sites for digging foundations and loading earth, with domestic models like the Sany Heavy Industry SY210 falling into this category. Larger 50-ton mining excavators can scoop several tons of ore in a single dig, boasting terrifying efficiency, though they require flatbed trucks for transport. Super-sized models, such as 80-ton hydraulic hammer excavators, can demolish reinforced concrete structures as easily as cutting tofu when tearing down old buildings. Selecting the right model depends on the project scale and terrain—smaller tonnage for confined spaces and larger machines for massive earth-moving tasks.

I've seen cases where people wasted money by choosing the wrong model. Micro excavators under 5 tons are suitable for construction in vegetable greenhouse aisles. Designs like the Doosan DX17 with zero tail swing ensure you don't worry about damaging things when working in corners. 15-ton municipal excavators are usually wheeled, making it convenient to transfer between sites for road repairs or emergency pipeline work. The LiuGong 915E is commonly used in such scenarios. 30-ton crawler excavators are suitable for hard earthwork projects, with XCMG XE370's reinforced bucket being particularly effective for digging frozen soil. For large mining projects, models over 50 tons are preferred, such as the Caterpillar 349 with its highly wear-resistant rock bucket. When renting, don't just look at the tonnage—ask about differences in boom length. Sometimes an extended arm can save three days of work when digging deep trenches.

Lessons learned from 15 years of experience: A 6-ton excavator can squeeze into narrow alleys for urban village renovations, but it's fuel-inefficient with low productivity. The 20-ton class is the best value-for-money - models like the Hitachi ZX200 are both durable and hold their value well. The 36-ton category suits highway expansion projects, where its standard 2.5m-wide bucket can load a dump truck in just three scoops. Those 75-ton mining beasts have high operating costs, but their shift output equals three smaller machines. Recently noticed many crews using 13-ton models with dozer blades - no need to call in rollers for final grading. When buying used equipment, always prioritize checking the hydraulic pump condition - one repair can cost half a month's rental fee.


