For those who rent an excavator, this allows the contractor and individual access to heavy construction machinery such as the small 5 ton excavator to the huge 890 sized excavator, but at a price which avoids the overhead of owning such expensive machinery. Renting excavators can be useful for trenching, grading, demolition and major earth moving operations. In Alberta, the rental fleet is normally located in Calgary and Edmonton to serve projects throughout the province.
Introduction
The excavator is the lifeblood of most construction and utility jobs. Purchasing an excavator is costly and usually not necessary just for one job; thus, renting has become the norm for small contractors and civil construction teams alike. The following guide will provide information about the various sizes of excavators that are available for rent in Alberta and what each size is used for.
What Is an Excavator Rental?
An excavator rental is simply a short-term or a long-term rental of a hydraulic excavator that is normally provided with a cab, buckets, and other attachments such as thumbs, couplers, and hydraulic hammers. The size of the machines is indicated in tons and dictates the digging capacity, reach, and lifting capacity of the excavator.
How Does Excavator Rental Work?
Evaluate the task – depth of digging, width of trenches, and ease of access determine the category of equipment required. Size it up – smaller equipment is appropriate for tight spaces in an urban setting, whereas large equipment is appropriate for large scale digging or mining-related operations. Attachments – equipment comes fitted with buckets, couplers, thumbs, or GPS control depending on requirements. Booking and delivery, the company transports and picks up the equipment.
Excavator Sizes Available for Rent
5 Ton Excavator
This is a compact equipment for use on small residential sites, trenching, and landscaping operations where there is restricted access. It usually comes fitted with cab, heating, air conditioning, two buckets, thumb, and auxiliary hydraulics. Rentable in Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta.
7 Ton Excavator
A bit bigger than the 5-ton category, this type provides increased digging capability and bucket capacity even when operating on smaller sites. Equipped with cab comfort features and two buckets. Available in Alberta yards in Calgary and Edmonton.
135 Size Excavator
Mid-compact machine designed for general construction purposes, foundation works, and site preparation jobs that require slightly better reach and breakout capacity than a mini excavator can provide. Supplied with cab, hydraulic thumb, and auxiliary hydraulic circuit. Available for rent from Calgary and Edmonton locations.
160 Size Excavator
An upgrade from the basic model, typically utilized for moderate-sized projects involving grading, pipelaying, and construction. The machine has the typical operator cabin, as well as dual buckets and hydraulic thumb attachment.
200 Size Excavator
This is a useful size for all-round civil construction, road work, and large trenching operations that need more digging force. Available with cab facilities and auxiliary hydraulic attachments. Available from the Calgary and Edmonton rental fleets.
245/250 Size Excavator
Designed for bulk earthworks and excavations and construction projects where speed and capacity become important factors. Equipped with double buckets and thumb attachment as standard. Rentals available province-wide in Alberta.
290/300 Size Excavator
Large class machinery used in significant civil, industrial, and infrastructural constructions demanding high productivity rates. Machine is fitted with a cab and hydraulic support systems, along with a variety of buckets. Rented from Calgary and Edmonton locations.
325 Size Reduced Radius Excavator
This model is designed for smaller job sites where a full swing radius is not possible, combining excellent digging capability with a shorter tail swing. It features a hydraulic coupler, hydraulic thumb, and 2D GPS grade control. Available for rent in Alberta.
335F Reduced Radius Excavator
Suitable for crowded urban and industrial applications where high production capacity is needed but tail swing is not an option. Has a hydraulic quick coupler and auxiliary hydraulics. Available throughout Alberta.
336/350 Size Excavator
High production equipment for mass excavations and quarries. Options include the standard setup as well as a 3D Earthworks GPS grading control system, catwalks, and Brigade safety system for precise grading applications. Rentable out of Calgary and Edmonton.
400 Size Excavator
Excavator Heavy Class – suitable for construction and mining applications. Equipped with double buckets, coupler and auxiliary hydraulics. Available for rental in Alberta.
670 Size Excavator
Large construction equipment that is designed to take on large earthmoving jobs, with a 72-inch digging bucket, manual coupler, and counter weight removable for transportation. Best for large industrial projects. Available in Alberta through rentals.
890 Size Excavator
The largest class offered, purpose-built for mass excavation, mining, and heavy industrial applications requiring maximum digging force and bucket capacity. Comes with dual buckets and a coupler. Available for rent across Alberta.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
- No investment cost
- Variety of sizes and attachments available
- Maintenance taken care of by the renting company
- Ability to select machine size according to different project stages.
Disadvantages:
- Large-sized machines may need transportation permission
- Booking in advance; for long-term projects
- Renting may prove more expensive than buying
- Availability of special attachments (e.g., 3D GPS grade control system) is limited to certain machines.
Conclusion
Selecting an appropriate excavator for rental depends on the relationship between machine size and attachments to be used on the scale of work required, from small 5-ton excavators for residential projects to large 890 excavators used in heavy-duty industrial excavation projects. If you are in need of excavators to rent in Calgary, Edmonton, and all of Alberta, then Heavy Iron Inc. has got you covered with a full lineup.
FAQs
- What size excavator do I need for a small residential job?
The 5-ton or 7-ton size will suffice for landscape work and trenching on smaller lots. - Can I rent an excavator with GPS grade control?
Yes, some models of the 325 and 336/350 class, including 2D and 3D GPS grade control, are available. - Do rental excavators come with attachments?
Yes, cab comfort features, buckets, thumbs, couplers, and auxiliary hydraulics are included with the excavator; other specialized attachments are available depending on the project.
