Everything You Need To Know: 'Ferrari' of Spider Excavators - Menzi Muck

Among the vast expanse of construction machinery available, there are a few unique pieces that stand out with their ingenious designs and unrivaled capabilities. One such machine is the 'Spider Excavator'. With an appearance similar to a giant spider and a remarkable capability to adapt to any terrain, these machines have earned their name and reputation in the construction industry. This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of spider excavators, with a special focus on the Swiss-made Menzi Muck range, often referred to as the 'Ferrari of spider excavators'.

Introduction

Overview of Spider Excavators

The term 'spider excavator' may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it's all reality in the world of construction. These machines are designed with flexibility and adaptability at their core, allowing them to tackle tasks that other excavators can't. Named for their resemblance to a spider, these excavators feature independently movable legs that can adjust to various terrains, making them ideal for work on steep slopes or uneven surfaces.

Features and Construction Quality

The Menzi Muck range of spider excavators is known for its top-notch construction quality and impressive features. Developed by Mr. Ernst Menzi, who created his "walking excavator" back in 1966, the Menzi Muck range has been working wonders in Europe and beyond. These machines are equipped with various hydraulic cylinders and patented booms, enabling them to adapt their wheels and supports to any terrain.

Their advanced high-tech chassis and innovative kinematics set them apart from other excavators. The Menzi Muck offers wide-angle kinematics with a power booster, ensuring optimum work in close-up ranges while also allowing maximum stretching of the boom. This flexibility ensures the highest possible forces over the entire working range, making these machines an excellent choice for challenging terrains.

Pricing Options

While the Menzi Muck range offers unparalleled performance and adaptability, it does come with a price tag to match. Depending on the specific model and additional options, prices can range from $130,000 for a two-tonne model up to between $550,000 and $600,000 for the M5 model. Despite the steep pricing, the unrivaled capabilities and construction quality of these machines make them a worthwhile investment for businesses that frequently work on challenging terrains.

Grapple Operations with Spider Excavators

Efficient Grapple Operations

Grapple operations are a crucial aspect of many construction projects, and spider excavators excel in this area. Their flexible design and advanced hydraulic systems allow them to handle grapple operations with precision and efficiency. Whether it's moving heavy objects, clearing debris, or performing demolition tasks, the adaptable nature of spider excavators makes them an excellent choice for grapple operations on challenging terrains.

Building Brush Piles

Spider excavators also shine when it comes to building brush piles. Their unique ability to adapt to any terrain, combined with their powerful lifting capacity, allows them to collect and pile up brush efficiently. This makes them an invaluable asset for land clearing operations, especially in areas with uneven or sloped terrain.

Dangle Head Processor Applications

Mobility and Diversity of Applications

One of the main advantages of spider excavators is their mobility. Their versatile design enables them to move around construction sites with ease, making them ideal for a diverse range of applications. For instance, they can be equipped with a dangle head processor for tasks such as delimbing, bucking, and topping trees. This gives businesses in the forestry sector a powerful tool that can navigate complex terrains while performing intricate tasks.

FAE – 60” Drum Mulcher Attachment

Mulching and Chipping Capabilities

In addition to their impressive lifting and excavation capabilities, spider excavators can also be used for mulching and chipping tasks. By attaching a FAE 60” drum mulcher, these machines can quickly and efficiently turn trees and vegetation into mulch. This capability is particularly useful for land clearing operations and can help businesses save time and resources.

Control over Wood Debris

The ability to control wood debris is another significant advantage of using a spider excavator with a drum mulcher attachment. Instead of leaving behind a trail of wood chips and splinters, these machines can create a neat pile of mulch. This not only helps keep the worksite clean but also provides valuable material that can be used for landscaping, composting, or other purposes.

Forestry Winch for Spider Excavators

Securing the Machine and Yarding Materials

When working on steep slopes or in slippery conditions, securing the machine is critical for safety and efficiency. This is where the forestry winch comes into play. By attaching a forestry winch to a spider excavator, operators can secure the machine to a stable anchor point, reducing the risk of sliding or tipping over. Furthermore, the winch can also be used for yarding materials, adding another layer of versatility to these incredible machines.

Grading and Excavating Buckets for Spider Excavators

1500mm Grading Bucket

For grading tasks, spider excavators can be equipped with a 1500mm grading bucket. This wide bucket allows for efficient leveling and spreading of materials, making it an excellent tool for landscaping and site preparation tasks.

600mm Toothed Bucket

For excavation tasks, a 600mm toothed bucket can be used. Thetoothed design of the bucket provides excellent digging and ripping capabilities, making it ideal for tasks that require breaking through tough surfaces or removing debris.

Tires and Chains for Spider Excavators

Large, Low-Impact Tires

Spider excavators are equipped with large, low-impact tires that help to minimize damage to the terrain. These specially designed tires distribute the weight of the machine evenly, reducing the risk of soil compaction and preventing unnecessary damage to delicate surfaces. This feature is particularly beneficial when working in environmentally sensitive areas or on soft ground.

Forestry Chains for Winter Operations

In winter conditions or when working on icy surfaces, spider excavators can be fitted with forestry chains. These chains provide additional traction and stability, allowing the machine to operate safely and effectively even in slippery conditions. With the right tires and chains, spider excavators can overcome challenging winter conditions with ease.

Transport and Storage of Spider Excavators

Tri-Axle Trailer and Shipping Container Setup

Transporting and storing spider excavators requires careful planning and consideration. These machines are typically transported using a tri-axle trailer, which provides stability and ensures safe transportation. Additionally, to protect the machine during long-distance shipping or storage, a shipping container setup can be utilized. This setup provides a secure and weatherproof environment for the spider excavator, ensuring it arrives at its destination in optimal condition.

Contact us at www.evolutionmechanical.ca for pricing details on the Menzi Muck collection, we are the exclusive dealer of Menzi Muck in Canada.