Any person who is associated with the construction industry will agree without blinking that excavators are the most important heavy machine for the entire construction industry. No matter what type of construction project whether it is a project that revolves around road building, a demolition project, land clearing or even landscaping, the chances of an excavator being used is definitely high.
Based on statistical figures, rental excavators are taken by contractors more frequently than any other heavy machine. The primary reason behind the high rental frequency of excavator is mainly attributed to the high level of versatility that the machine offers. The latest excavator models that come with hydraulic coupling capability and numerous productivity enhancing features such as load sensors and grade assist have resulted in excavators being deemed as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of the construction industry’s spectrum.
Among the more notable developments within the ‘excavator’ technology scope is the emergence of the hydraulic coupling link. The hydraulic coupling feature in most excavators that are offered for hire by construction equipment rental companies is in essence a hydrodynamic mechanism that is able to transfer rotational power between two shafts or components via transmission fluid. The transmission generally acts as a mechanical clutch similar to that of how automobile transmissions functions. It is the hydraulic coupling link that extends the functionality of excavators in general.
These links allow excavators to be fitted with various hydraulic tools such as augers, clamps and grapples that enables the excavator to be used for more than just digging, moving materials in buckets or grading. A single excavator that is fitted with a hydraulic coupling link is sufficient to do almost any task that is required for any given construction project.
Leading manufacturers such as Dynapac, Kubota, Mitsubishi, Komatsu, and Caterpillar are focused on enhancements of excavators from wide angle that even includes the comfort of the operator citing the fact that it improves productivity even further. Other advancements that lean more towards the digital aspect of the excavator includes, load sensors that allow operators to remain aware of their loadings which does not only ensure optimal cycle runs, but also influences safety. 2D or 3D grading tech is another feature that the latest excavator models are fitted with.
This advancement enables even operators undertraining to grade as well as experienced operators. The realm of electric excavators is also advancing quite rapidly as manufacturers compete intensely with each other to capture future electric excavator market shares. Currently, electric excavators are rarely available for hire, however industry players are certain that the current market conditions is poised for change and electric powered excavators will hold a significant market share in the near future.
It is due to the rapid digital and mechanical developments revolving around excavators that make it impractical for construction companies to buy and own excavators. By taking excavators for hire, construction companies will have access to the latest excavator models and also avoid ownership costs and issues related to logistics and working capital.
