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Equipment Overview

A tracked excavator, sometimes called a “crawler” excavator, is a type of heavy machinery used in construction for land clearance, demolition, trenching, and heavy hauling. 

These excavators have three main parts: the undercarriage, house, and arm assembly. 

The undercarriage is a distinguishing factor that sets tracked models apart from other excavators. Instead of wheels, these models have track shoes, which are made of steel plates with raised ridges called “grousers.” These shoes dig into the ground, providing traction and greater handling for off-road, rugged terrain. 

The upper structure or “house” of wheeled and tracked excavators are made up of the same core operating systems: the operator’s cab, engine compartment, hydraulic systems, and counterweight. 

Despite those similarities, their distinct undercarriage features influence their center of gravity and stability. Tracked excavator operators sit lower to the ground, boosting their stability when working on slopes and uneven ground.  

The last part of tracked excavators is the boom arm assembly. This part of the machine is responsible for the digging and material handling. It’s made up of the boom, stick, and bucket. Hydraulic cylinders control the movement of these parts, generating the force needed to dig and lift heavy loads. 

For added flexibility, the bucket on tracked excavators can be swapped for various attachments: hammers for breaking concrete and rock, shears for cutting steel, grapples for handling debris, etc. If you need a versatile excavator for digging and lifting materials in rugged environments, consider a tracked excavator for the job. 

Tracked Excavators Specifications

Tracked excavators are versatile machines used across industries like construction, mining, landscaping, and infrastructure development. They are typically classified into three size ranges—mini, medium, and large—based on operating weight, engine power, and digging depth. Understanding these categories helps buyers and operators choose the right machine for their project’s demands, whether it’s trenching, demolition, or large-scale earthmoving.

Operating Weight

• Small models: Up to 10 tons – Compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces, ideal for residential work and light construction tasks.
• Medium models: 10 – 35 tons – The most common size range, balancing power and efficiency for general construction, roadwork, and utility installations.
• Large models: 35+ tons – Heavy-duty machines designed for mining, large infrastructure, and projects requiring maximum reach and lifting capacity.

Engine Power

• Small models: 50 – 170 HP – Enough for trenching, small-scale excavation, and landscaping without excessive fuel use.
• Medium models: Up to 359 HP – Offers strong breakout force and digging capability while still being versatile for a wide range of jobs.
• Large models: 273 – 542 HP – Provides the power required for mass excavation, rock handling, and heavy lifting on large job sites.

Digging Depths

• Small models: 5 – 12 ft – Suitable for utility line installation, home projects, and jobs requiring precision over depth.
• Medium models: 15 – 24 ft – Capable of handling deeper trenching and foundation work while maintaining flexibility on mid-sized projects.
• Large models: 25 – 32 ft – Built for large-scale excavation projects where maximum depth and reach are essential.

Summary

Mini tracked excavators excel in urban and confined areas, standard/medium models dominate general construction projects due to their balance of size and power, and large excavators are indispensable for massive infrastructure and mining operations. Choosing the right size comes down to project scale, site conditions, and required digging capacity.

Tracked Excavators Prices

Like all equipment, excavator pricing depends on the condition, size, and brand. Standard, new excavators can cost anywhere between $120,000 - $150,000. A smaller machine can range between between $30,000 - $100,000, and large models, upwards of $500,000. 

Regardless of which size tracked excavator you’re looking for, buying used equipment is a great way to reduce costs. A medium-use machine with a history of 3,000 - 5,000 operating hours can bring the initial costs down by 35% - 45%. 

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that while the upfront savings might be significantly lower, you may make up for some of those costs later down the line in maintenance. Be sure to weigh your options carefully before you buy to make sure the machine you’re buying is worth the investment. 

Heavy Machinery Hub is the best place to compare all of your options in one place. All of our dealers are pre-screened, so you have better peace of mind when browsing our inventory of new or used excavators. 

Start getting quotes on tracked excavators from trusted dealers.

Types of Tracked Excavators

Aside from their size classifications, there are 3 main types of tracked excavators: zero tail-swing, reduced tail-swing, and amphibious.

Tail-swing is a measurement of how far the upper structure extends beyond the width of the undercarriage. A reduced tail-swing excavator extends just slightly beyond the width of the undercarriage tracks. This is a major benefit when working within confined spaces because the turning radius is much smaller than standard tracked excavators. 

Similarly, zero-swing excavators have the same benefit. These models operate entirely within the width of the undercarriage. Opt for a zero tail-swing excavator to help reduce damage when operating on job sites with existing architecture. 

An amphibious excavator is a specialized, tracked machine that is used for better stability in wetland environments. They are water- and corrosion-resistant, and their undercarriage is built with buoyancy to operate on job sites where the terrain is too soft to walk on or too dense to float. 

Not sure what type of equipment you need? Heavy Machinery Hub can help you compare tracked excavators by features, specifications, and price, so you can determine which is best suited for your needs.

Choosing the Right Equipment: Compare Tracked Excavators for Sale

If you’re looking to add a tracked excavator to your fleet, you might be asking yourself where to start. Choosing the right equipment comes down to how you need to use it. Start by considering your industry. Do you work in a commercial, residential, or industrial setting? Then, outline your ideal operating specifications, mapping out your desired digging depth and load capacity. 

With that information, you should be able to narrow your equipment options by type. The next step is to request quotes on tracked excavators for sale. Heavy Machinery Hub allows you to do just that, getting quotes on new and used equipment from top brands within minutes. 

Just tell us more about your operating specifications, your preference for new or used, and where you’re located and we’ll send you listings from pre-screened dealers in your area. From there you can compare costs, features, and specs side-by-side and make a decision that’s best for your job.