Digging. Loading. Grading. These are all essential parts of a successful onsite business. It’s vital for onsite septic system installers to be well informed of the latest industry trends and technologies that streamline installation and excavation work. Ensure you get jobs done quickly and efficiently with the best available excavation equipment in your fleet. 

“Their overall versatility allows excavators to be used in many applications and essentially keeps them running while on a job site, regardless of conditions,” says Curtis Goettel, marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment, in a 2010 Onsite Installer article. “They can pay for themselves quickly and operate at low cost per hour during their life cycle. In the end, contractors can charge less to the customer and put more profit in their pockets.”

If you run a small operation and normally rent excavators, perhaps now is the time to consider investing in your own. Excavators are timesaving tools when a tough job forces you to work around obstacles or on postage-stamp-sized properties. 

Whether you’re digging in less-than-ideal soil conditions, transporting sand, gravel and dirt or backfilling trenches after setting tanks, here are some options to consider for your next excavation equipment purchase: 

• EDGE excavator buckets from CEAttachments are available for many brands and models of compact excavators, including heavy-duty buckets in sizes from 8 to 42 inches designed for digging tough clay with rock scattered through the soil. Also offered are ditching buckets designed for ditch construction and maintenance, light digging, grading and slope work in sizes from 24 to 72 inches.
• The DX225LC-3 excavator from Doosan Infracore America Corporation features a 167 hp engine, paired with power modes that provide ideal performance and fast workgroup speeds for heavy-duty work. Its four work modes, including digging, breaker, shear and lifting, allow maximum efficiency and fuel economy.
• The 9A construction-class excavator from Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas is available in operating weights ranging from 55,560 to 86,200 pounds, making it ideal for midsize excavating projects, road and utility work and demolition.
• TMX mini-excavators from Innovative Equipment feature a quick-hitch system that can be hooked behind a standard 1/2-ton pickup, van or light-duty tow vehicle. They eliminate tracks by utilizing zero-turn technology for access to tight locations and lawns.
• The 50G excavator from John Deere features a 36 hp, 26.8 kW engine and a cab design that improves visibility and operator comfort. Its door design improves entry and visibility to the left-hand side of the machine. It also widens the opening for cab entry.
• The Barrier Lift excavator attachment from KENCO features handles integrated on both sides so workers on the ground can guide the lifter into the desired position from either side of the wall. All models are designed to grip the top of the wall widths from 6 to 12 inches.
• The 48,500-pound, midsize SK210LC crawler excavator from Kobelco Construction Machinery USA has a 157 hp Tier IV Hino engine with three push-button operating modes: H for heavy, S for standard and ECO for reduced fuel consumption. It has a digging force of 28,880 pounds, dig depth of 22 feet and 1.05 cubic yard bucket.
• The ECR58D short-swing compact excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment features automatic two-speed travel and hydraulic travel pedals. Featuring a narrow body design and centrally positioned boom, its rear swings within its track shoe, allowing operators to work extremely close to other objects without risk of collision. 

For complete product listings and manufacturer contact information, check out Onsite Installer Product Focus, November 2013.