Excavator Buying Guide

Excavators are often spotted at construction sites - and for good reason. These hefty beasts of machines can tackle a range of tasks, speed up the workday, and provide value for years to come.

But not all models will be a good fit. Some will just barely suit your needs, some will cost more than you need to spend, some will lack key features for your projects, the list goes on and on. It's important to pick a well-fitting model, which is why we created the following excavator buying guide. If you have any questions or want to shop excavators for sale, chat with the experts at Cascade Trader. Our dealership is located in Chehalis, Washington, and we also serve those in Olympia.

Articulate What You Need

If you search the internet for excavators for sale, you will see a nearly endless amount of options. This array of models is too large to effectively shop. You need some way to narrow the search to a more manageable level, which is where considering the excavator's purpose comes in handy.

Different models are designed for different purposes. Think about what you need from your heavy equipment, then shop among models that fit those needs. It's not as easy as getting the cheapest or most expensive model, the largest model, or the most powerful model. Instead, seek out the best-fitting model.

Pick The Size

Excavators come in a variety of sizes. They can be compact to navigate tight spaces. They can be massive to quickly traverse the worksite. Or they can fall somewhere in-between.

The key is to get the right excavator size for the work area. Too big and you may not be able to fit into the various nooks and crannies. Too small and you won't be able to operate at an optimal workflow. Focus on striking a balance.

Remember to also factor in the materials that the excavator will be transporting. If you'll be moving large and heavy loads, get a bigger model with a sturdy base. This will provide the needed stability for transferring cargo without the risk of tipping over.

Decide The Engine Capacity

It's also key to decide the engine capacity you need. It's important to strike a balance here as well. Underestimating your needs will affect your productivity. Overestimating your needs will result in paying extra for power potential you don't use. Focus on realistically evaluating your needs, then shopping accordingly.

Account For Bucket Capacity

The bucket size is usually based on the excavator's size. But some models can be compatible with various bucket sizes. If you want this versatility in bucket capacity, look for excavators that can handle different sizes.

Set A Price Range

Finally, think about how much you can realistically spend. A budget helps ensure that you get the highest quality model that you can afford. Remember that excavators can last many years, so invest accordingly.

There are also a few tricks to make your budget go farther. First, get a new excavator but from a previous year. A new 2018 excavator will be more affordable than a new 2021 one. Second, shop used excavators for sale. Thanks to depreciation, these models will be offered at much lower price tags. It's an easy way to knock hundreds or thousands of dollars off the original asking price.

Ready to shop excavators for sale? Check out the selection of models at Cascade Trader. Explore our inventory online or stop by our dealership. Either way, our friendly staff is happy to help you find the perfect fit. Our dealership is based in Chehalis, Washington. We also proudly serve those in Olympia, Washington.