The February Buying File looks at the trends among excavators with operating weights between 60,000 and 80,000 pounds, machines typically used in production applications. With those kinds of applications in mind, Construction Equipment surveyed fleet managers to find out how grade control and haul trucks played into their processes: One in four respondents said they use grade control, and more than half match trucks to the hydraulic excavator used in the application.
We also asked about acquisition factors, operating costs and telematics. As with other machine categories, dealer support plays a critical role in which excavator managers select. Brand, often closely tied to the dealership, is also important.
Construction Equipment sent email invitations to select members of our audience who buy, specify or influence purchases of excavators.