All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

Retro excavator

(5967 products available)

About retro excavator

Types of retro excavators

A retro excavator is a type of excavator that digs in the opposite direction of the machine's movement. It comprises a bucket, arm, swing, and a hydraulics mechanism for operations. There are several types of excavator buckets commonly used for different types of digging and excavation purposes.

  • Robotic and Mini Retro Excavators

These small, compact excavators are characterized by their small size and maneuverability. They are suitable for projects in confined spaces where larger machines cannot access. Their design allows minimal disruption to the surrounding areas. A good example is the Takeuchi TB240 Mini Excavator, which is designed with manual controls and a retractable undercarriage for optimal navigation in limited workspaces.

Robotic excavators, on the other hand, operate remotely controlled by a wireless or radio signal from an operator on site. This gives the operator full control of the excavation task from a distance. A good example is the Ecodune from Mecalac: a hybrid excavator controlled by a joystick that can accumulate energy while driving and use it to power different tools at the job site.

  • Standard Size Retro Excavators

Standard excavators are classified as large excavators between 3 to 4 tons in size. They are typically mounted on tracked undercarriages for optimal stability and balance. Many models are designed with a single house for multidirectional movements. This makes them strong in performance and versatile for a wide-ranging excavation task. The LiuGong 9018FCR Mini Excavator is a typical model.

  • Large Retro Excavators

Large excavators are designed with double-acting cylinders for feeding and digging operations. They feature a house and boom with an extended reach to cover vast areas. LiuGong 9027 is a good example of a large retro excavator. Their size and strength make them suitable for heavy-duty excavating and construction projects, such as mining and trenching.

Wheeled retro excavators are usually mounted on a 4-wheel system. This makes them easy to transport on paved roads. They are operated and controlled using an onboard operator cab. A good example is the LiuGong 8140WA Wheeled Excavator.

The tracked retro excavator features a stable undercarriage that is ideal for bolstering heavy loads in off-road marshy grounds. The crawler mechanism aids in the movement on rough terrain, providing superior traction and stability. A great example is the SANY SY365H Crawler Excavator.

Specification and Maintenance

Having a basic understanding of the retro excavator's specifications enables better knowledge and decision-making when operating or purchasing one. Furthermore, maintaining retro excavators as per their specifications helps ensure their efficient, optimal, and safe performance.

  • Operational Weight: This refers to the overall weight of a retro excavator when fully loaded and operational. An operational retro excavator with a heavier operational weight offers greater digging force and stability. However, a higher operational weight also leads to greater chances of sinking into softer ground.
  • Digging Depth: This is the maximum depth a retro excavator can achieve when digging. Retro excavators with a greater digging depth are suitable for more complex tasks, such as digging deep foundation holes, without the need for additional equipment. Such deep digging can pose safety hazards. Therefore, if a retro excavator has greater digging depth, it should have a depth indicator as well as digging limits so that the operator can be aware and avoid any kind of hazard.
  • Digging Force: This refers to the amount of force generated by the retro excavator's bucket when digging. A retro excavator with higher digging force can easily break through rocks and compact soil, reducing the time and costs of construction projects.
  • Hydraulic System: This refers to the hydraulic fluid, filters, and seals required by a retro excavator to operate efficiently. A retro excavator's hydraulic system should be in good condition so that its components, such as buckets and arms, can have proper and smooth movement.

In order for the excavator retro to perform its task effectively and as required, a regular maintenance routine is necessary. Such excavator maintenance routines usually involve regular inspections so that any unevenness can be noticed and addressed on time.

In order to avoid untimely breakdowns, the retro excavator's critical systems, such as its hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems, should be checked and maintained regularly. A retro excavator's longevity and safety can be ensured through proper training and keeping it updated with technology and a smooth maintenance routine system.

Usage scenarios of retro excavators

In urban areas, retro excavators can be seen doing the public's work in different ways. Many city officials will do street repairs, fix existing waterlines, or add new power lines with the help of retro excavators. Because retro excavators can lift heavy weights, they are also used to repair or install utility poles. When something goes wrong with the current utilities underground, a retro excavator is the machine needed to dig up and expose the piping or wiring.

In landscaping, retro excavators can remove stumps and trees more efficiently than the average excavator. The retro excavator attachment can dig out a stump after getting the tree's trunk severed. It can also dig trenches to lay pipes for sprinkler systems or drainage. With proper planning, retro excavators can even accomplish landscaping's artistic and functional aspects on time and within budget.

Farming and retro excavators go hand-in-hand in several ways. Farmers with large crops use retro excavators for drainage and trenching. If the farmland has an underground irrigation system, the retro excavator will lay the piping with ease and precision.

In a demolition project, a retro excavator can tear down existing buildings that cannot withstand the retrogress of its bucket. High buildings with concrete and steel require a different excavator with attachments that can crush strong materials.

Without a doubt, retro excavators are excellent at making quick, precise digs in open areas and tight spots like corners or along walls. Knowing where to use a retro excavator depends on the skill and experience of the operator.

How to choose retro excavators

  • Business needs assessment:

    Before deciding, it's crucial for buyers to determine their business needs, including work type, worksite, task complexity, machine size, capacity, and horsepower requirements.

  • Cost:

    Buyers should consider not only the purchasing costs but also the maintenance, fuel, and insurance costs

  • Machine source:

    A reputable manufacturer or supplier can provide a well-maintained retro excavator. Buyers can ensure the excavator's reliability and quality by selecting a trusted source. Moreover, checking the supplied after-sales services and spare parts support is crucial when selecting a machine source.

  • Age and hour of the machine:

    Both the machine's age and operating hours have a significant impact on its performance and remaining lifespan. A well-maintained, lower-hour, older retro excavator may be a better choice than a higher-hour, newer model.

  • Machine specs:

    Buying firms might consider retro excavators' bucket types, sizes, and other configurations to ensure that they are the right fit for their specific applications.

  • Machine condition:

    It's recommended to check the physical conditions of crucial retro excavator components, including the engine, hydraulic system, tracks or wheels, buckets and attachments, and control and instrument systems.

  • Testing:

    If possible, buyers should test the retro excavators under operating conditions similar to their intended applications. Pay attention to the machine's control responsiveness, visibility from the operator's cabin, comfort of the operator's cabin, and suspension system comfort.

Retro excavator FAQ

Q1: What distinguishes an excavator from other heavy machinery?

A1: Excavators are unique diggers among heavy machinery, boasting hydraulic systems for groundbreaking force. Unlike loaders that push, excavators specialize in pulling earth, even deep below grade levels.

Q2: What are the different types of excavators?

A2: Excavators come in diverse forms to suit various tasks. Besides the standard excavator-digger duo, other excavator types include the hydraulic excavator, wheeled excavator, dragline excavator for massive tasks, underwater dredge excavator, and special-link excavator for fragile terrains.

Q3: What is a retro excavator?

A3: A retro excavator, or backhoe, is a versatile piece of heavy machinery used for digging and excavation activities. It comprises a bucket and an arm, which are mounted on the back of the machine. The retro excavator is widely used in construction, mining, and landscaping.

Q4: What are the advantages of retro excavators?

A4: Retro excavators offer a wide range of benefits to their users. First, these excavators provide great versatility as they can perform various tasks, including digging, loading, and unloading. Retro excavators are also maneuverable, especially on small-scale projects or tight spaces. The ease of operation provided by advanced technologies also makes backhoe operators carefree.