Choosing the right type of excavator for a construction project or any earthmoving task is a big decision. This article will help you understand the difference so you can decide which one is right for you and your job site. We’ll go through the features, pros and cons of both tracked and wheeled excavators so you can make an informed decision for your project.
What is an Excavator?
What is an Excavator?
An excavator, whether wheeled or tracked, is heavy construction equipment used for digging, trenching, and material handling. It consists of a boom, dipper (or stick), bucket and cab mounted on a rotating platform called the “house”. Excavators are used for various construction, demolition and landscape projects, with great digging depth and attachment capabilities.
Types of Excavators
Excavators come in different sizes and configurations, each for a specific task. The choice between tracked and wheeled excavators is the main consideration. Compact excavators are for smaller projects and confined spaces. Other types are long-reach excavators for deeper digging and demolition excavators with specialized attachments.
Importance in Construction
Excavators play a big role in modern construction, making things more efficient and reducing manual labor. They can handle a wide range of tasks from site preparation and excavation to demolition and material handling. Without wheeled or tracked excavators, many construction projects would not be possible to finish on time and budget.
Tracked Excavators
Features of Tracked Excavators
Tracked excavators have continuous tracks which provide better traction and stability, especially on uneven terrain compared to wheeled excavators. The undercarriage of tracked excavators distributes the weight evenly, reducing the risk of sinking or getting stuck in soft ground. Tracked models have a lower centre of gravity, making them more stable during operation.
Pros of Tracked Excavators
Tracked excavators excel in challenging terrain, with unmatched stability and traction when working on uneven surfaces. Tracked excavators are for job sites with soft soil, mud or steep slopes. Their robust design and powerful hydraulics make them suitable for heavy duty digging and excavation tasks. For many challenging sites, the choice between a tracked excavator is obvious.
Cons of Tracked Excavators
Despite the advantages, tracked excavators have limitations. Some of the key cons are:
- Tracked excavators are slower and can damage paved surfaces.
- Higher upfront cost and requires specialized equipment for transportation.
Wheeled Excavators
Features of Wheeled Excavators
Wheeled excavators unlike tracked excavators have tires, providing better mobility and speed on paved surfaces in urban areas. Wheeled excavators have a special undercarriage design with a higher centre of gravity compared to tracked models, affecting stability on loose ground. Wheeled models often have outriggers to provide additional stability during digging and lifting operations. These are important things to consider when choosing a machine for the job.
Pros of Wheeled Excavators
One of the main advantages of wheeled excavators is their mobility and speed on roads. This gives several benefits, especially when choosing between wheeled and tracked excavators.
- Wheeled excavators typically travel fast between job sites without the need for a low-loader.
- Cost savings.
Wheeled excavators are road friendly machines for urban construction sites where minimal damage to paved surfaces is required, or when you need to drive frequently between sites.
Cons of Wheeled Excavators
Wheeled excavators struggle on rough terrain compared to tracked excavators. Their tires have less traction on soft soil, mud or steep slopes. Higher centre of gravity of wheeled models can compromise stability. Wheeled excavators are not suitable for heavy duty digging or excavation tasks on demanding locations.
Tracked vs Wheeled Excavator: A Comparison
Performance on Different Terrains
When comparing the performance on different terrains, tracked excavators excel on soft terrain due to their better traction and stability, while wheeled excavators offer greater maneuverability on flat surfaces. Tracked excavators are for work sites with mud, steep slopes or rocky surfaces. Wheeled excavators are for paved or flat surfaces, faster travel between job sites which provides the user with more flexibility.
Cost Considerations
Here’s a key consideration when comparing tracked or wheeled excavators: upfront cost. Tracked excavators have higher initial cost. But remember to also consider other factors. These are:
- Maintenance cost
- Transportation expense
- Specialized equipment required
In the end, the choice depends on your budget and job requirements.
Maintenance and Longevity
Maintenance and longevity is key when comparing tracked and wheeled excavators. Tracked excavators require more maintenance on the undercarriage, wheeled excavators need tire maintenance and replacement. Tracked excavators excel in tough conditions and can last longer in heavy duty applications. Wheeled excavators experience less wear and tear on paved surfaces and can be used in urban construction.
Things to Consider When Choosing Between Tracked and Wheeled Excavators
Project Requirements
When choosing between a tracked and wheeled excavator, consider the project requirements. For heavy excavation, tracked excavators are best. If the project involves frequent movement and minimal digging, a wheeled excavator might be better. These are important things to consider.
Site Conditions
Site conditions play a big role in the choice between tracked or wheeled excavators, influencing factors like stability and maneuverability. Tracked excavators are for soft soil. Wheeled excavators are for urban construction and paved surfaces.
Budget Constraints
Budget is a big factor in any equipment purchase decision. Tracked excavators typically have higher upfront costs than their wheeled counterparts. Wheeled excavators have cost savings in transportation and reduced wear on paved surfaces. Plant hire is also an option to save costs.
Conclusion
Summary
In summary, the choice between what type of excavator to choose depends on many factors. Tracked models excel in tough terrain and heavy duty applications, wheeled models offer more mobility and cost savings on paved surfaces. Evaluate project requirements, site conditions and budget constraints to make the right decision. The attachment capabilities are endless for either.
Final Recommendation
For heavy excavation and tough terrain, choose a tracked excavator. If the project requires frequent movement between job sites and operations on relatively flat ground, a wheeled excavator is the better choice for its versatility. When to drive the wheeled excavators vs tracked excavators becomes very important for inner city works.
Future Trends in Excavator Technology
Future trends in excavator technology will be automation, electrification and connectivity. More hybrid and fully electric excavators that reduce emissions and operating costs. Advanced sensors and GPS will improve precision and efficiency. Remote controlled excavators will become more common to improve safety in hazardous areas. Tracks vs wheels will continue to be a topic of discussion in the context of wheeled and tracked excavators.