A crawler excavator is an indispensable piece of equipment when implementing large and long-term infrastructure, construction or mining projects. However, not every model is equally effective over long distances. When choosing equipment, it is important to consider not only technical parameters, but also wear resistance, cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance. Below we will analyze the key criteria that should be assessed before purchasing.

Specifications and compatibility with tasks

The first thing to pay attention to is the crawler excavator characteristics corresponding to the type of work performed. For earthworks, equipment with a bucket capacity of up to 1 m³ is suitable, while quarries or laying communications require more powerful equipment with increased digging depth and boom reach.

It is also worth considering:

  • Operating weight and digging force;
  • Engine type and its environmental class;
  • Availability of auxiliary hydraulic lines for attachments;
  • Possibility of installing an extended boom or hydraulic hammer.

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Wear resistance and resource of units

Long-term projects involve high loads and a large number of engine hours. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the resource of the main components in advance: hydraulics, chassis, power plant. Especially when choosing used crawler excavators, you should request the service history and mileage.

It is optimal to choose models that have:

  • Reinforced chassis with high resistance to abrasive wear;
  • Repairable units with a wide selection of spare parts;
  • Hydraulics from a proven manufacturer (for example, Bosch Rexroth, Kawasaki).

Fuel efficiency and overall economy

Long-term projects are often implemented on a limited budget. Therefore, it is important to consider fuel consumption per engine hour, frequency of replacement of filters, oil and other consumables. Modern models support economical operating modes and automatic shutdown during downtime, which also reduces wear.

It is also worth considering the presence of telemetry and on-board monitoring systems – they will help to diagnose deviations in time and prevent costly breakdowns.

Operating conditions: climate and terrain

If the object is located in the mountains, marshy areas or in conditions of sharp temperature changes, this will also affect the choice of model. For such tasks, excavators with:

  • Extended tracks and wide shoes to reduce ground pressure;
  • Protection of hydraulic lines and pipes;
  • Enhanced cooling system and dust protection.

Availability of service and spare parts

The longer the project, the higher the probability that prompt repairs or replacement of components will be required. Therefore, choose an excavator from a brand with a developed service network and a spare parts warehouse in your region. This is especially important when using equipment of Chinese or Turkish manufacture – even affordable models can “break down” if there is no necessary hydraulic cylinder or filter.

If you are at the stage of choosing special equipment, excavators or other types of equipment for long-term use, it is important to focus not only on technical parameters and price, but also on the real conditions of future work. At TAD Group, we help to select solutions adapted to specific tasks, schedule and type of soil. Our catalog presents carefully tested models with full diagnostics and readiness for intensive use – equipment that can be relied on in complex projects.