A long reach excavator is sometimes referred to as high reach excavator. This equipment is a basic excavator with a unique long boom arm. This arm is often used for demolition jobs. The usual task for an ordinary excavator is to dig trenches, ditches or foundations.
It is not so with long reach excavators. This unique machine is designed to reach the highest floors of buildings and towers that are about to be demolished. This machine can pull and tear down the structure in the most precise manner. As compared to the wrecking ball, a long reach excavator is an equipment that can accomplish demolishing jobs with finesse.
Historical Feats
There are already many achievements for this exceptional equipment. Here are some of its most recent contribution to historical diggings and construction tasks:
- In April 2008, a high reach excavator from Volvo (with a maximum reach of 22 meters) was used to remove debris from a deep basement excavation. This hole that was dug deep was to be used as a parking area for a multiple storey development.
- The following month, two long reach excavators were used on a rail embankment project in Somerset, UK. The project begun with the removal of loose rock from the top of a slope and continued to a series of re-profiling and removal of loose rock fragments. Finishing touches were made with the use of a topsoil mattress and netting.
- In June 2008, a bomb that was used during the Second World War was dug up and the only machine that was capable to reach the bomb without endangering the operator was a long reach excavator. This dangerous task was accomplished during the construction of Prescott Lock, which is the canal gateway to the all-new Olympic Park. It was a Caterpillar model that did the job that time.
Most Recent Long Reach Excavator Models
- CAT 320B 50’
- CAT 330BL/CL 60’
- CAT 325CL 60’
- CAT 330BL/CL, 64’
- John Deere 200LC, 50’
- John Deere 200LC, 60’
- John Deere 330C LC, 64’
- HITACHI ZX200LC 60’
- HITACHI ZX330LC 64’
- Komatsu PC200-6/7 50’
- Komatsu PC200LC-6/7 60’
- Komatsu PC300-6/7 60’
- Komatsu PC400-6 60’