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How Far Can A Long Arm Excavator Reach?

Mar 30 , 2023

A long arm excavator, also known as a long reach excavator, is a type of excavator that has a longer arm than a standard excavator. This extra length allows the excavator to reach further and dig deeper. Long arm excavators are commonly used in construction, demolition, mining, and other heavy-duty applications where a standard excavator cannot reach.


The reach of a long arm excavator depends on several factors, including the length of the arm, the type of attachment being used, and the height of the excavator. In general, long arm excavators can reach up to 100 feet (30 meters) or more, although the maximum reach varies depending on the specific model.


Long arm excavators are typically categorized based on their reach, with standard models having a reach of 25-30 feet (7.5-9 meters) and long reach models having a reach of 40-100 feet (12-30 meters) or more. Some long arm excavators can even reach up to 150 feet (45 meters) or more, although these are typically specialty models used in specific applications.


The length of the arm is the most important factor in determining the reach of a long arm excavator. The longer the arm, the further the excavator can reach. Long arm excavators typically have arms that are two to three times longer than the arms on standard excavators. For example, a standard excavator may have an arm that is 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) long, while a long arm excavator may have an arm that is 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) long.

Long Reach Boom Excavators

 Long Reach Boom Excavators

The type of attachment being used also affects the reach of a long arm excavator. Different attachments, such as buckets, hammers, and shears, have different reaches and may require different arm lengths to achieve maximum efficiency. For example, a bucket attachment may have a shorter reach than a hammer attachment, so a long arm excavator equipped with a hammer may require a longer arm to achieve the same reach as a bucket attachment.


The height of the excavator also affects the reach of a long arm excavator. The higher the excavator is off the ground, the further it can reach. However, higher excavators are less stable and may require additional support to prevent tipping. Therefore, the maximum reach of a long arm excavator may be limited by the height of the excavator.


Long arm excavators are commonly used in construction, demolition, and mining applications where a standard excavator cannot reach. For example, a long arm excavator may be used to excavate a deep trench or a deep foundation for a building. A long arm excavator may also be used to demolish a high-rise building or to mine minerals from deep below the surface.


In addition to their longer reach, long arm excavators also offer other advantages over standard excavators. For example, long arm excavators are often more versatile and can be used in a wider range of applications. They also offer greater digging power and can excavate larger volumes of material in a shorter amount of time.


Long arm excavators may also be more fuel-efficient than standard excavators. Because they have longer arms, they can excavate larger areas without the need for the excavator to move as often. This can reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency.


Long arm excavators are available in a range of sizes and configurations to meet the needs of different applications. They may be tracked or wheeled and may be powered by diesel engines, electric motors, or hydraulic systems. Some long arm excavators may also be equipped with advanced features, such as GPS systems or remote control capabilities, to improve efficiency and safety.