When to Use two piece boom excavators?
Understanding Excavator Boom Configurations | The Scoop
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I often hear excavators called the Swiss Army knife of the construction industry, and its true theyre multi-tasking machines capable on practically any jobsite. A lot of people attribute their flexibility to a broad range of class sizes with multiple attachment options, but you may not realize that a big part of what makes these machines so versatile isnt whats on the end of the excavator arm its the boom.
If youre new to excavators, or if you use product brochures to spec machines, these excavator boom tips may be beneficial the next time youre in the market for a machine for a specific application.
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Mono Boom (Standard Boom): This is what we call the standard setup it provides good reach and a decent bucket size range and is the most popular setup by far. Some customers use a mass excavation setup, which is a shorter boom and short stick. They go this route because they can put a bigger bucket on it. Using our 42-ton Volvo 380E excavator as an example, you have the choice of a 20 4 (6.2 m) mass excavation boom with an 8 4 stick, which allows you to put on that bigger bucket and move more material. Plus, its faster because you dont have as far to swing. Its one of the most productive setups, but you can be limited by reach.
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Two-Piece Boom: Two-piece excavator booms are very versatile and can actually outlift a mono boom up close to the machine. The mono boom, however, gives you more reach and outlifts a two-piece boom at full extension. Two-piece booms allow you to change the bend of the excavator boom to decrease its working height, which is ideal for digging under a bridge or in a building, for example. The price difference between a mono boom and two-piece boom isnt very significant, which gives you options to get the configuration you need to best suit the work at hand.
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Long-Reach Boom: Long-reach excavator booms are great for cleaning out ponds and canals jobs where youre digging out in water and need the extra reach. Boom length varies based on manufacturer and machine model. For example, the long-reach version of the Volvo EC380 excavator is 27 11 (8.5 m) compared to the 21 2 (6.45 m) standard boom and 16 5 (5 m) arm that provide a max reach of 48 5 (14.75 m).
- This brings up a good reminder on machine nomenclature. The L in EC380EL means it has a long undercarriage the LR in our EC380ELR stands for long reach.
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Two-Piece Offset Boom: The two-piece offset excavator boom is another option on some models. A two-piece offset boom knuckles off to the right or the left. If, for example, youre working in a tight alley with limited swing, you can knuckle the boom over so that it digs in line with one of the tracks up next to a structure. Note on large machines it will decrease your lifting capacity because you have a knuckle and the cylinders out on the boom, so youre increasing the weight thats out in front of the machine. Two-piece offset booms are more expensive and can require additional maintenance. This excavator boom configuration is popular in cities with extremely tight workspaces.
In general, a large percentage of customers go with a two-piece boom on wheeled excavators and a standard mono boom on crawler excavators.
A Note on Wheeled Excavators
Wheeled excavators are becoming more and more popular in the U.S. because contractors are learning that they dig just like a crawler excavator but are more versatile. Just pull the outriggers up and drive across the neighborhood or down the street. Or use them for lifters, barriers on the highway, etc. and you wont tear up the ground. When youre ready for a different job, just fold up the outriggers, drive to your next jobsite and get to work again.
With outriggers, wheeled machines are just as stable as comparable crawlers and in some instances, wheeled excavators actually have a wider footprint than a crawler and are more stable. In muddy or rough conditions, crawler excavators are better for the job but if youve never considered a wheeled excavator for your type of work, check them out.
A Unique Value, Only from Volvo
Where Volvo differentiates itself from competitors is in our lifetime frame and structure warranty on all our excavator booms, arms and frames. Were the only manufacturer that offers this guarantee. When you buy from Volvo, you dont have to worry about breaking them theyre guaranteed for life.
View our full excavator lineup to start comparing which machine and boom configuration is right for your job.
And if youre ready to buy, Volvo dealers across North America have a range of medium and large excavators in stock and ready for your next job.
By John Waldron
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The company is the world’s best two piece boom excavators supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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Understanding the Different Configurations Boom Of Excavator
Boom Of Excavator are often referred to as the Swiss Army knife of the construction industry due to their versatility and ability to perform a wide range of tasks. While factors such as class size and attachment options contribute to their flexibility, one crucial component that often goes unnoticed is the boom. In this article, we will explore the various configurations of excavator booms and their applications, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the right machine for your specific needs.
Standard Mono Excavator Boom
The standard mono boom is the most common configuration used in excavators. It offers good reach and a decent bucket size range, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. This setup is popular among customers who require a mass excavation setup, which involves using a shorter boom and stick to accommodate a larger bucket. For example, the Volvo 380E excavator offers a 20 4 mass excavation boom with an 8 4 stick, allowing for increased material movement and faster operation due to shorter swing distances. However, its important to note that this configuration may have limitations in terms of reach.
Two-Piece Excavator Boom
Two-piece booms provide greater versatility compared to mono booms. These booms can out-lift mono booms when operating at close proximity to the machine. However, when fully extended, mono booms offer greater reach and lifting capacity. Two-piece booms are especially useful when digging under bridges or in buildings, as they allow for adjustments in the boom bend, reducing the working height. The price difference between mono booms and two-piece booms is relatively insignificant, providing customers with more options to tailor the configuration to their specific requirements.
Long-Reach Excavator Boom
Long-reach booms are designed for applications that require extended reach, such as cleaning out ponds and canals. These booms enable operators to dig in water while maintaining a safe distance from the edge. The length of the boom varies depending on the manufacturer and machine model. For instance, the long-reach version of the Volvo EC380 excavator features a 27 11 boom compared to the standard booms 21 2 length. This additional reach allows for efficient excavation in challenging environments. Its important to note that the nomenclature may vary between manufacturers, with designations such as L for long undercarriage and LR for long reach.
Two-Piece Offset Boom
The two-piece offset boom is an option available on select excavator models. This configuration allows the boom to knuckle off to the right or left, providing enhanced maneuverability in tight spaces. For example, when working in narrow alleys with limited swing space, operators can adjust the boom to dig in line with one of the tracks next to a structure. However, its worth noting that the additional weight introduced by the knuckle and cylinders on the boom may reduce lifting capacity. Two-piece offset booms are more expensive and may require additional maintenance, but they are popular in cities where workspace constraints demand increased flexibility.
The Advantages of Wheeled Excavators
Wheeled excavators are gaining popularity in the construction industry, particularly in the United States. These machines offer similar digging capabilities to crawler excavators but with enhanced versatility. Wheeled excavators can easily traverse different terrains without damaging the ground, making them ideal for urban environments. By retracting the outriggers, these machines can be driven across neighborhoods or down streets, allowing for seamless transportation between job sites. Wheeled excavators are stable and have a wider footprint than their crawler counterparts in some instances, providing operators with confidence and stability. While crawlers excel in challenging conditions like muddy or rough terrains, wheeled excavators offer a practical alternative for a variety of applications.
Volvos Unique Value: Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty
Volvo Construction Equipment sets itself apart from competitors through its lifetime frame and structure warranty, which covers excavator booms, arms, and frames. This guarantee ensures that customers can rely on the durability and longevity of their equipment. Volvo is the only manufacturer to offer this level of warranty, providing peace of mind to contractors and operators. Whether you opt for a standard mono boom or a specialized configuration, Volvos commitment to quality and reliability remains consistent.
Conclusion
Understanding the different configurations of excavator booms is essential when selecting the right machine for your specific application. The standard mono boom offers versatility and productivity, while two-piece booms provide greater lifting capacity and flexibility. Long-reach booms are ideal for jobs requiring extended reach, and two-piece offset booms excel in tight workspaces. Additionally, wheeled excavators offer enhanced mobility without compromising stability. By considering these boom configurations and Volvos industry-leading warranty, you can make an informed decision and maximize the performance and longevity of your excavator.
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