Large Excavators
Machines above roughly 30 t for bulk excavation, quarry face work and loading rigid or articulated haulers. Transport is by multiple loads, so mobilisation planning is part of the specification.
Features
- Backhoe and face-shovel front ends serve different jobs: the backhoe digs below track level, the shovel loads a face above it.
- Pass matching is the efficiency test - bucket volume should fill the hauler in a whole number of passes, typically three to five.
- Heavy-duty undercarriages with sealed and lubricated track chain, full-length rollers and rock guards are standard where abrasive rock is handled.
- Boom, stick and bucket ship separately above a certain weight, so lifting arrangements and assembly time on arrival have to be scheduled.
- Reinforced buckets with replaceable lip shrouds and adaptor-mounted teeth keep the base bucket out of a repair shop.
Specifications
| Figure | Typical range | Unit | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 32 000 - 90 000 | kg | Determines number of transport loads and ground preparation for the working bench. |
| Engine power | 190 - 400 | kW | Sets sustained digging output and fuel burn per cubic metre moved. |
| Bucket capacity | 1,60 - 4,60 | m3 | Sized to the hauler body so loads are whole passes, not part passes. |
| Ground bearing pressure | 60 - 95 | kPa | Governs bench and haul road preparation on soft or made ground. |