In construction projects and civil works that require extra reach, standard excavators are often no longer enough. It's here long arm excavator present as a solution. With a modified boom and arm that are longer than regular units, This heavy equipment is able to reach areas that are difficult to approach while digging at more extreme depths.
This article discusses the advantages of long arm excavators, the difference with standard excavators, its main application in the field, to an overview of the estimated rental price.
What is a Long Arm Excavator?
A long arm excavator is an excavator whose boom and arm are modified to be longer than the standard unit from the manufacturer. This modification makes the horizontal and vertical reach of the tool longer, so it is suitable for use on jobs that require the operator to maintain a safe distance from the work point, for example when dredging a river, cleaning retention ponds, or dig deep trenches.
Advantages of Long Arm Excavators
There are several advantages of long arm excavators that make them the main choice for special jobs, among them:
- Further reach: The extended boom and arm allow the tool to dig or dredge areas far from the unit's position, without the need to enter directly into risky locations such as bodies of water or unstable land.
- Able to dig deeper: suitable for projects that require extra excavation depth, like making a big pool, channel, or foundations of multi-storey buildings.
- Improve work safety: operators can work from a more stable and safe point, reduces the risk of the unit falling or collapsing in soft ground areas or river banks.
- Processing time efficiency: with a wider reach, one unit placement point can cover a larger area, thus reducing the frequency of tool movement.
- Flexible for difficult terrain: Effective use in swamp areas, riverside, slope, as well as wetlands that are difficult for heavy units to pass directly.
Differences between Long Arm Excavators and Standard Excavators
In appearance, The most striking difference lies in the length of the boom and arm. Standard excavators are designed with balanced arm proportions for everyday digging and material moving jobs, with the digging reach and depth specified by the manufacturer. Long arm excavator, on the other hand, uses a boom and arm that has been modified to be longer, generally unit-based with the same classes as PC100 or PC200, However, with the reach and depth of digging increasing significantly.
The consequences, Long arm excavators usually have a smaller bucket capacity than the standard version, because the load at the end of the longer arm needs to be balanced to keep the unit stable. Working speeds for large volume material moving jobs are also generally slightly lower than standard excavators, so that unit selection should be adjusted to the specific needs of the project: reach and depth versus carrying capacity and speed.
Long Arm Excavator Applications in the Field
Long arm excavators are widely used in the following types of work:
- River normalization and dredging: clean sedimentation, rubbish, and materials that accumulate on the bottom or banks of rivers without having to place the unit directly in the body of water.
- Creation and maintenance of retention ponds or reservoirs: dig and form pond contours at depths that are difficult to reach with standard excavators.
- Drainage and irrigation works: digging large water channels or irrigation canals on agricultural or urban land.
- Handling of slopes and embankments: smoothing or strengthening river slopes and embankments without the unit having to stand in areas prone to landslides.
- Work in wetlands or swamps: suitable for reclamation or land development projects in areas where access is limited for conventional heavy equipment.
Estimated Long Arm Excavator Rental Price
Long arm excavator rental prices vary depending on the unit class, brand, rental duration, and project location. The following is a general overview that can be used as an initial reference before consulting further with heavy equipment rental service providers:
| Unit Type | Rental Scheme | Estimated Price | Notes |
| Long arm kelas PC100 – PC130 | Per hour | Rp180.000 – Rp250.000 | Minimum working hours generally apply |
| Long arm kelas PC200 | Per hour | Rp220.000 – Rp300.000 | Depends on the brand and condition of the unit |
| All classes | Daily / weekly / monthly | Than, generally more economical than accumulated hourly rates | Suitable for long term projects |
| Additional components | – | Mobilization costs, BBM, operator accommodation | Generally outside the basic rental rate |
Please note that the prices above are general estimates and may vary depending on the condition of the unit, project location, as well as the duration of the rental. To get a quote that is accurate and meets project needs, It's best to consult directly with a trusted heavy equipment service provider.
Entrust your Long Arm Excavator needs to PT Perkasa Sarana Utama
Choosing the right heavy equipment provider is as important as choosing the type of excavator that suits your project needs. PT Perkasa Sarana Utama (PSU) provides rental services for long arm excavators and various other heavy equipment, supported by well-maintained units and experienced operators to ensure work in the field runs safely, efficient, and on target.
Contact the PT Perkasa Sarana Utama team now to consult on your project needs and get the best long arm excavator rental offer according to the scale of your work.
