What Is a Long Reach Excavator and Why You Should Consider Hiring One

Not every job can be done with a standard excavator. Some projects need a bit more reach and control, especially when you are working near water, soft ground, or areas that are hard to access. That is where a long reach excavator comes in.

At HammerHire, we supply long reach excavators for dry hire across Sydney and NSW. These machines are made for projects that need extra digging distance and stability, helping contractors complete work safely and efficiently.

What Is a Long Reach Excavator

A long reach excavator is an excavator that has a longer boom and arm, allowing it to reach much farther than a standard excavator.

While a regular excavator can reach around 9 metres, a long reach model can often extend up to 15 to 18 metres depending on the setup. This makes it ideal for jobs where it is unsafe or difficult to position the machine close to the work area, such as near ponds, rivers, or deep trenches.

It is built for reach and balance, featuring:

• A longer boom and arm for extended digging distance.
  
• Heavier counterweights to keep it steady when working at full reach.
  
• Wide tracks for stronger ground stability.
  
• Attachment compatibility, such as mud buckets or ditch-cleaning buckets, depending on the job. 

With these features, the operator can stay safely on firm ground while still getting the job done.

Where Long Reach Excavators Are Used

Long reach excavators are used across civil, environmental, and construction projects throughout Australia. You will often see them working on:

• Canals, rivers, and dams: Clearing silt, weeds, or debris from waterways while keeping the excavator on stable ground
  
• Drainage and slope work: Cleaning or shaping sloped areas without moving too close to the edge
  
• Pond and reservoir maintenance: Cleaning or maintaining large water areas that are difficult to access
  
• Bulk earthmoving: Moving large amounts of soil or rock from a distance, reducing the need to reposition the machine
  
• Flood and coastal projects: Helping with erosion repair, flood clean-up, or similar site work
  

Because of their longer reach and stable design, these excavators are ideal for jobs that require careful control and safe operation.

Why Hiring a Long Reach Excavator Makes Sense

Buying a long reach excavator is a big investment, and unless you use it often, it might not be worth the cost. Hiring is a practical and flexible solution that gives you access to the right machine when you need it.

Here is why many contractors choose to hire from Hammer Hire:

1. Cost Savings

Owning heavy machinery involves high purchase and maintenance costs. Hiring lets you use the machine when needed without any long-term expenses.

2. Flexibility for Any Job

Every project is different. Hiring allows you to choose the right excavator for each site, whether you need a compact model for small areas or a long reach for wide or deep work.

3. Easy Delivery and Setup

Transporting a long reach excavator takes careful planning. Our team handles delivery and pickup across Sydney and NSW so your machine arrives safely and ready to start work.

4. Safe and Site-Ready Machines

All Hammer Hire equipment is fully serviced and compliant with Australian worksite standards. Each excavator comes with:

• Emergency stop systems
  
• Battery and starter isolators
  
• Reversing cameras
  
• Conditional registration and risk assessments
  

5. Support When You Need It

If you need attachments or help while the equipment is on hire, our team is only a call away. We make sure your project keeps running smoothly from start to finish.

How to Know If You Need a Long Reach Excavator

Not sure if a long reach excavator is right for your project? Here are a few quick signs:

• You are working near water or on soft, uneven ground
  
• You need to dig deeper or further than usual
  
• The job area is hard to reach with standard equipment
  
• You want to reduce how often the machine has to be moved around the site
  

If any of these sound familiar, a long reach excavator is likely the best option. Our team at Hammer Hire can help you choose the right machine and attachments for your specific needs.