Long-reach machines have a wide range of uses, both for deep digging and other roles that require the ability to reach out farther than standard excavators. Nathaniel Waldschmidt, product manager with CASE Construction Equipment, said these machines are frequently found along waterways.
"Long-reach excavators are used in various applications – predominantly along riversides, dykes and trenches for pulling material upwards. Long-reach excavators can also be used in demolition applications to extend reach both upwards and outwards," Waldschmidt described. "Although long-reach machines are most often used for deep excavation, these machines are utilized just as often to provide increased operating performance for sloping, demolition, dredging, digging in sand or gravel pits, or any other application that requires long distance bucket reach, power and precision."
Obviously, the major difference between a standard excavator and long reach machines is the extended arm that provides additional reach, both in distance and depth, but Waldschmidt said they also often bear an added counterweight to offset the arm, as well as an extended undercarriage that brings enhanced stability to the unit.
Those changes to the machine can change the way in which it operates, as well, thanks to weight and leverage moving when compared to conventional machines. Leverage especially is a challenge because it affects the capacity of any attachments the machine might be paired with, Waldschmidt noted. A variety of bucket sizes are available for long-reach excavators, depending on the size and capacity of the machine, but other attachments that are becoming more popular include mulching heads and clearing heads for vegetation management.
One key for long-reach machines is the ability to adjust for different situations, Waldschmidt said.
"Adjustability is huge when it comes to long-reach excavators and the different applications they get put in. At Case, we offer adjustability through our auto mode, H mode and SP mode; this allows the operator to dial in the hydraulic/engine performance for their specific application."
These machines also benefit from machine control, perhaps even more than other excavators, because often the bucket is working in a space that the operator can not see, Waldschmidt noted. Machine control is also scalable depending on the needs of the owner, from basic grade control up to full 3D systems as needs change.
Because long-reach excavators are already very application-specific, buyers need to keep in mind the job that machine is going to do when purchasing.
"If their machine is going into one application for its entire life cycle, then match the weight and capacity and all options to that application. If the machine is going into multiple applications, the buyer should consider a machine that can match those applications while remaining as productive as possible," Waldschmidt advised.
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