The Differences Between Standard Excavators and Rubber Ducks
Excavators are commonly used pieces of machinery within the construction industry. Used for digging purposes along with additional lifting and carrying tasks, they are invaluable in a range of situations. Of course, as with most things, there is no ‘one size fits all’ with excavators, which is why there are different types that are suited to particular applications.
In this post, we’ll discuss what the differences are between a standard tracked excavator and a rubber duck - don’t worry, we’ll enlighten you to what the latter is, first!
What is a ‘Rubber Duck’?
When we refer to a rubber duck in construction, we’re not talking about the little yellow ducky that keeps you company at bathtime. This actually refers to an excavator that has wheels, rather than tracks - it’s a strange name, we know!
The reason they are called this affectionate name is simply due to the fact that their appearance is akin to a duck when in operation, due to the way they seemingly bob around. Despite this unassuming name, they are actually incredibly useful pieces of machinery, especially in situations where the use of tracks on a surface is undesirable.
Tracks vs Wheels
There are certain features of a construction site that can have an impact on the types of machinery that are to be used, such as accessibility to the site itself, the terrain and whether or not surface disruption is a concern.
Wheeled and tracked excavators distribute weight differently due to the surface area that is in contact with the ground at any given time. Looking at wheeled excavators (or rubber ducks), for example, these continuously transfer the full weight of the excavator to the ground, with the weight being distributed evenly between four separate points - the wheels.
As for tracked excavators, the tracks offer much greater ground contact and significantly reduce the load transfer of the excavator to the ground. Unfortunately, this does make them slower than their wheeled counterparts.
So, which is better for specific ground conditions?
Well, when it comes to muddy, gravelly or soft terrain, then tracked excavators are ideal. This is because their constant contact and lesser load transfer allows them to navigate such surfaces easily without getting stuck or disrupting the ground surface, nor can they be punctured by rocks, whereas wheels would be more likely to sink in, cause damage and/or become stuck.
In comparison, rubber ducks are ideal for urban projects that require excavation work on roads and pavement. They are able to navigate such surfaces easily and quickly without causing damage, whereas steel tracks would.
Excavator Hire in Scotland
Regardless of which kind of excavator you require for your project, we’ve got you covered here at Bedrock Plant Hire Ltd.
From rubber ducks to mini excavators, we offer a wide range of plant machinery for hire to suit your construction needs.
Get in touch with us today to enquire.
