Infrastructure related construction projects have increased significantly over the past few years after the long hiatus due to the COVID19 pandemic. The increase in such projects has resulted in demand for earthworks equally rising which requires the use of heavy machines such as excavators in order to complete projects effectively. Excavators come in various sizes and configurations, and as such using the right excavator for the right project task is a critical success factor.
Among the various classes of excavators that are readily available for hire, the 10 tonne excavator class is the most commonly hired excavators attributed to the practical size and tonnage of the excavator which offers optimal performance and more importantly this excavator class in particular is cost effective. These factors have resulted in the 10-ton excavator becoming the preferred choice for construction outfits as this particular excavator class is the most practical choice for earthwork projects.
10T excavators are incredibly versatile and practical for just about any type of construction jobs which include residential construction, river dredging, landscaping, road repairs, and even demolition simply due to the power packed into this class of excavators and the capacity of these excavators to manage large volumes of earth. These machines are fitted with high-end engines that offer sufficient power to manage digging and earthmoving tasks rapidly which in turn have a positive impact on the overall efficiency of any given construction project.
Coupled with the fact that manufacturers pay closer attention to the operational costs of 10-ton excavators, the cost of ownership compared to other excavator classes from a relative perspective is significantly lower. Fuel efficiency and low maintenance are among the bigger benefits that come with 10T excavators. Generally, 10T excavators offer an advantage when it comes to budget control. Apart from that 10-ton excavators are extremely flexible and are easily able to adapt to various construction environments which among other include narrow urban streets and rough terrain.
However, not all 10T excavators are alike, different models own different features and thus it is important to make an assessment of a project prior to selecting a 10-ton excavator. Considerations must be given to project scale, type of soil, tasks involved and the construction environment in order to ensure that the chosen model is the most suitable. Caterpillar, Dynapac, Komatsu and Doosan are among the more popular brands that offer 10-ton excavators. With regards to the issue of renting or purchasing 10T excavators, for short-term projects, taking a 10 tonne excavator for hire would be practical as it alleviates financial pressure.
On the other hand, if projects are long-term purchasing a 10T excavator could prove to be more cost effective. Buying an excavator in essence could have a negative impact on cash flow and working capital and it also diminishes the ROA (Return on Assets) value of the business. Buying a 10T excavator would also necessitate the purchase additional transportation to transport the excavator from storage to project sites. Additionally, there is ownership costs that must be taken into account as in the long run, the cost of maintaining these machines could be significant.
