A brief discussion on excavator long arms

In recent years, with increased Chinese investments in infrastructure, the demand for excavator long arms has also grown significantly.

As someone with long-standing experience in the construction machinery industry, I frequently receive inquiries from excavator owners about long arms. I’d like to share some common questions and answers on this topic.

Which type of excavator can be modified into a long-arm excavator?

It is recommended not to modify new excavators, as the increased load after modification can lead to warranty issues with the original manufacturer. Additionally, excavators in less than 50% of their original condition are not suitable for modification, as machine performance may have declined over time, and the extra weight of the long arm could reduce efficiency. The best candidates for modification are excavators in 50% to 80% of their original condition.

What are the applications of excavator long arms?

Long arms for excavators come in two types:

1. Two-piece long arms: Primarily used for earthmoving, deep excavation, and river cleaning.
2. Three-piece long arms: Mainly designed for demolishing tall buildings and similar projects.

According to leverage and mechanics principles, long-arm excavators have reduced load capacity compared to standard ones and should be avoided for heavy-duty work.

How to demolish buildings using a three-piece long arm excavator?

The approach depends on the building’s height. For example, to demolish a five-story building:

1. Prepare the site: Add some soil or industrial debris to create a base that allows the excavator’s hammer to reach the building’s top.
2. Stabilize the excavator: Position the excavator on the raised material, ensuring stability and sufficient maneuvering space.
3. Demolish the walls: Use the hammer to break through the wall (around 1 meter from the top), create an opening, and push the debris inward. Ensure debris does not fall outward to avoid damage.
4. Expand the opening: Avoid immediately targeting beams and columns. Once the walls are opened, focus on demolishing columns. As the upper beams lose structural support, they will collapse inward, ensuring safety. Continue this top-down process.

How to choose a manufacturer of long arms for excavators?

Due to the high cost of original long arms, many owners opt for used long arms. However, the Chinese market is flooded with various manufacturers, some of which lack engineers and use substandard materials. The quality and after-sales support of such products may be questionable.

Thus, excavator owners should carefully select a manufacturer. It is advisable to visit the factory in person. Currently, Dongguan is renowned in China for reliable manufacturers due to its global manufacturing base and well-developed industrial support, with a strong emphasis on quality.