Acquiring the right equipment is a crucial decision for any excavation contractor. Contractors need machines that are versatile and capable of handling a wide range of job requirements. This can be particularly challenging in Central NY, where diverse ground conditions—ranging from rock and sand to different types of clay—can make equipment selection even more complex.
Excavation work often demands specialized machinery, and having quick access to the right tools is essential. Whether through direct ownership, industry partnerships, or rental services, having the right equipment when you need it can make all the difference.
Below are some of the most commonly used machines in excavation work throughout Central NY.
The backbone of excavation projects, the excavator is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment. While primarily used for digging and backfilling, a skilled operator can utilize an excavator for a range of tasks, including grading, demolition, lifting, and setting concrete blocks and other materials.
You’ll find excavators of all sizes across Central NY, from compact models like the Cat 301.7 to large-scale 45-ton and 60-ton machines. Experienced contractors typically have access to multiple excavator sizes to accommodate different job requirements.
Often referred to as a Bobcat (a brand name rather than a machine type), skid steers are a staple on excavation sites. These machines are excellent for loading trucks, grading material, light land clearing, driveway installation, and more. Additionally, there is massive aftermarket support for skid steers. Hundreds of attachments allow contractors to transform these machines into high-powered snowblowers, soil conditioners, forklifts, mowers and more.
Available in various forms, rollers serve one primary purpose—compaction. They are used to compress material into a stable base for roads, buildings, parking lots, and other structures. When fresh material is placed, it must be compacted to ensure stability. Rollers rely on their weight and vibration to press gravel, sand, and soil into a solid foundation capable of supporting heavy loads.
Bulldozers are designed to move material by pushing it forward. They play a key role in land clearing, driveway construction, landscaping, material spreading, grading and even compaction. Many bulldozers also feature rear rippers, which help break up tough soil or clay, dislodge roots, stumps and rocks, making them even more useful for site preparation.
Wheel loaders are built for efficiently moving and loading large volumes of material. Whether on-site or loading trucks, these machines are invaluable when dealing with bulk aggregates such as dirt, sand, and gravel. Their large buckets and high lift capacities make them ideal for stacking and loading operations. Thanks to their articulated design, wheel loaders offer impressive maneuverability, making them a common sight at gravel pits and large job sites, though they are less frequently seen on smaller digs.
At the end of the day, having the right equipment is crucial to the success of a project. There are countless other types of excavation equipment, but the machines listed above are the most commonly used on job sites throughout Central NY.
If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced excavation contractor in Central NY, look no further. RYCOE Enterprises is ready to take on your next excavation project. Contact us today to get started!
