The Dirt on Compact Excavators: 5 Tips for Efficient Digging

When it comes to the jobsite, seasoned contractors know that bigger doesn’t always mean better. In fact, the correctly sourced compact excavator can out-work its larger counterpart in certain job sites that require tight turns and precision digging. Make efficient work around your job site with Kubota’s line of compact excavators, built to navigate tighter spaces with ease and efficiency. 

Here are 5 tips to dig strategically, efficiently, and safely:

1. Call Before You Dig – 811 is the national “call before you dig” phone number. You can call 811 or visit 811.com at least a few business days before you dig. You simply cannot skip this step. Not only is it the law, but if you hit a power line, gas line, or even a communication line, neither the unstable environment or the massive fines are worth the risk. When you call 811 your project will be tagged and a local utility will assign a series of colored flags onsite, indicating where power lines, sewer, natural gas, communication, and even future planned excavation. Stay outside of the tolerance zone when digging, which is 36 inches to either side of the flags. Do not start digging before the site has been inspected and through 811.
2. Pick the right sized excavator. Even the most experienced contractors sometimes are tempted to pick the “bigger” machine. We get it – big machines with big power are exciting! However, it’s important to consider other conditions including gate entrance, dump height, and even onsite storage when selecting the right size of excavator for the job at hand. At Kubota, we engineer powerful compact excavators, designed to exceed your jobsite needs on a compact level. Check your gate openings, needed dig depth, precision placement and then know with confidence that there is a machine to fit this exact job, and don’t worry about the power, we’ll still impress you there, too. 
   
   Even Kubota’s smallest compact excavators feature surprisingly wide working and digging ranges for their compact frames. The K008-5 has a working range that includes a digging depth of 5 ft. 8 in. and a bucket breakout force of 2,205 lbs., and the  extends to a 5 ft. 11 in. digging depth with a bucket breakout force of 2,337 lbs. Of course, if you do need to go up in size, Kubota has you covered with the new and top-of-the-line KX080-5 delivers power and efficiency for its size with a 66.6 horsepower* engine, digging depth of 15 ft. 1.1 in. and a bucket breakout force of 14,660 lbs.