Excavator Vs. Tractor: Which Is The Best For Your Needs?

October 28th 2022

Excavator Vs. Tractor: Which Is The Best For Your Needs?

You need the right tools and equipment when you're on a job site and need to dig, lift or haul materials. But what should you use when you are confused between an excavator vs. tractor? Excavators are heavy-duty machines used for digging trenches or moving large amounts of dirt in a short amount of time. Tractors are also used for excavation and as an all-purpose vehicle that can reach areas excavators cannot due to their ability to drive over rough terrain and bumps. But which is best for your needs — tractor vs. excavator? Let’s find out.

Power

Tractors have more power. The amount of work that can be done in a given amount of time is called power, and tractors have more power than excavators because their engines are larger and can generate higher amounts of horsepower.

 However, excavators have more torque, which is the ability to apply force (or twisting power) to an object. Torque is important for digging into the ground or moving a heavy object. An excavator can apply more force than a tractor, using its similar-sized engine, because its arm can rotate around like a lever with greater speed.

Digging

If you're looking to dig, excavators are the better choice. Excavators have been designed specifically for digging and digging only. They're also much stronger than tractors, which can handle more weight when moving dirt around your property.

Tractors are much more efficient at lifting heavy loads into position or moving them across a field than excavators, but that's about all they can do.  

If you need help with digging tasks around your home or business — like installing an irrigation system, adding drainage pipes under driveways or sidewalks, or building new flower beds — an excavator is likely the right equipment for the job.

Lifting capacity and reach

 An excavator's lifting capacity is measured in tons, while a tractor's is measured in either tons or cubic yards. However, if you want to dig up similar materials on an incline or get them out of the way without falling back down into your hole, an excavator would be better suited for the job.

A standard bucket excavator can lift 19-24 tons — almost double what most tractors can manage! But just because an excavator can lift more doesn’t mean it will automatically make your life easier. Buckets have limited reach due to their size and shape so they're not great for moving large loads over distances or for reaching deep below ground level where there isn't much space available.

Cost

The cost of an excavator is usually higher than that of a tractor, but it's not always the case. As mentioned above, when comparing two comparable machines, you'll find that excavators can be more expensive than tractors depending on whether or not you're buying new or used equipment and what options are included.

Tractor fuel costs are higher than those associated with an excavator because they're more powerful and often more specialised in their use. However, you must also consider how much time your machine spends idling versus in operation. If it sits idle for long periods between uses, then fuel costs will be lower than if you have a high turnover rate where multiple operators use your equipment frequently throughout the day.

Durability and versatility

Tractors can carry more weight and be used for more tasks than their smaller counterparts. They are also often equipped with a frontloader.

Excavators have the advantage of versatility over tractors, but they don't last as long or do as much work as a tractor will.

When to use a tractor?

The tractor is best for larger jobs, as it is more efficient and powerful than an excavator. If you need to dig up a large area, such as a field or road, the tractor will be more effective than an excavator. However, if you just need to dig up something small like a garden or driveway, an excavator will be better suited. 

The tractor can also do other tasks that require less power than digging or lifting, including grading fields and land levelling, moving rocks, moving dirt piles, ploughing snow, pulling stumps out of the ground, carrying loads of sticks/branches and others.

When to use an excavator?

 There are several situations in which you might find yourself needing an excavator.

If you need to dig, then an excavator is a great choice. They have the most powerful hydraulic systems that can lift heavy loads and move them around quickly. They also can operate under all kinds of weather conditions and soil types because of their size and weight distribution, especially when compared with tractors. If you're working with the soft ground or in wet conditions, it's easier for an excavator because it doesn't sink into the ground as easily as other equipment.

If you need to lift something heavy, go with an excavator! These machines are designed specifically for this purpose, so they'll perform better than anything else — they'll be able to move even large boulders without breaking a sweat.

If both digging and lifting are required at once, consider using two different machines instead: one for each task will work fine here since each machine does its job well enough on its own.

Excavator vs. tractor — your construction aids in the job site

Both excavators and tractors are great machines that combine to make the perfect team on the job site. Excavators have a more extended reach than tractors and can lift more, while tractors cost more upfront but come with a lower ongoing maintenance cost. 

If you’re looking for a machine that will do most of the heavy lifting, then an excavator might be right for you. They typically have a larger bucket capacity than tractors, which means they can dig deeper into the ground and haul more soil away from construction sites or other areas that may interfere with progress.

Buy top-quality excavators and tractors from Sany Australia

The best way to decide which machine is suitable for your needs is to weigh the pros and cons of each. If you are having difficulty deciding between a tractor vs. excavator, Sany Australia can help you make an informed decision. 

You can also check our wide range of excavators and tractors designed and manufactured with the best quality to ensure that they’re durable and able to perform construction tasks efficiently. Contact us today for your construction and harbour machinery needs.