Just what is Tail Swing and Digging Depth anyway?

Whether a contractor is hiring or purchasing a new mini-digger to get into those cramped quarters that no other machine can reach, there’s a need for an experienced eye. Depend on the services of a salesperson if there’s reason to believe the business is trustworthy, but it’s preferable to call in someone who knows the ins and outs of the compact diggers. Who knows, this practice may save money in the long run. One thing is certain, you’ll get the most out of your mini-digger if you select the right machine for the job.

Heavy equipment and powered tools tend to come with design specifications. Not every foreman will be ably to translate those engineered characteristics, which is why easy to read engineering tables are such handy features within sales literature. These tables provide an easy to compare listing and cross-checking layout where a potential buyer can run a finger along a series of columns and rows to determine the top features of the equipment. That’s a beyond useful means of distilling information for customers, but what if some of the terms used in the table resemble double-talk?

Capacity is an obvious characteristic, as is the dimensions of the digger, its width and the width of the attached bucket, but what’s tail swing? It’s logical to conclude that the label refers to the rear of the vehicle, but that’s only part of the answer. Tail swing is a ‘yes or ‘no’ value assigned to diggers. In other words, either the mini-digger has a tail swing or it doesn’t. As for defining the feature, the compact digger is an incredibly versatile machine, one capable of rotating a full 360° while carrying out any manner of tasks with its bucket, but it can be hampered if there is a projecting rear section. Now, there are numerous reasons why older diggers have a ‘tail.’ Hydraulic components and engine parts required the additional projection of the chassis, as did vents and weight distribution, but a ‘tail-less’ model has the advantage of being able to turn without worrying about the rear bumping into a wall or other construction feature. Of course, if there is a tail swing, the literature that describes the digger will detail the length of the swing. For the ultimate in versatility, always opt for a digger with a reduced or zero tail swing.

Moving on to maximum digging depth, this feature is of particular concern when digging trenches and focusing on the foundation work in a large construction project. Typical digging depths vary around the 3.33-meter mark, a favourable depth for a mini-digger weighing 3.5-tons, but be aware that smaller diggers, around 1.5-ton, will have a subsequently reduced digging depth of approximately 2.11-meters.

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