Why Small Excavators Are the Preferred Choice for Compact Construction and Landscaping Projects

1.7 Tonne excavators generally fall under the compact excavator category or mini excavator category which in most case scenarios is used for smaller construction projects due to the ability of these machines to be manoeuvred effectively in tight spaces.

The compact sizes of these machines coupled with either short tailed or zero tailed designs render these machines perfect for congested project environments. The lightweight of these machines also makes them perfect for landscaping jobs as they cause minimal ground damage as they move along their paths when compared to larger or standard excavators.

These excavators also offer sufficient power compared to excavators that fall below the 1.7T category which enable operators to use these machines to even do demolition work or land clearing jobs.

The larger buckets that this particular class of machines are able to accommodate also reduce cycle time significantly compared excavators that fall below the 1.5T bracket. Other factors that are notable about the 1.7T excavator category are the transportation factor as these machines are easily transported from one project site to another with ease due to their smaller sizes.

Other factors that make the 1.7T excavator a popular choice by contractors for home improvement, landscaping and other smaller construction projects is hydraulic coupling feature that latest 1.7T excavator models feature.

These machines are able to interchange with various tools such as rippers, hammers, sleeper grabs, and hammers and even post hole diggers among others which enhances the versatility of these machines and allow them to manage just about any type of construction related task.

The latest 1.7T models also come with a range of technological features such as ‘grade assist’ GPS systems and load sensors among others which enable even inexperienced operators to grade as well as experienced or seasoned excavator operators.

Among the more popular brands within this excavator category includes Takeuchi, Komatsu, Kubota, Hyundai, Case and JCB just to name a few. These excavator models are mostly available for hire through construction equipment rental companies at reasonable prices.

Prices differ according to duration and generally the longer the compact excavator rental duration the lower the daily cost.

Most of these construction equipment rental companies that offer 1.7T excavators for hire offer packages in the form of hourly, daily, weekly or monthly rates (monthly hires are the cheapest whereas hourly based rates are the most expensive.

Other factors that are driving preferences of contractors to choose rental excavators as opposed to buying and owning excavators is attributed to the high cost of 1.7T excavators which erode working capital.

Apart from that, construction companies are also able to avoid ownership costs (storage, maintenance and repair costs) and transportation issues as most rental companies offer drop-off and pickup services for their heavy machines.

In the event of hired machine breakdowns, rental companies are able to replace machines quickly which reduces downtime, however, it is highly unlikely for rental machines to breakdown whilst in operation as most rental machines are maintained well by these rental companies.