What is a Swamp Excavator?

A swamp excavator, also known as an amphibious excavator, pontoon excavator, or floating excavator, is a type of digging machine that can perform dredging and similar tasks while remaining afloat in swampy terrain that would normally be inaccessible to traditional excavation machines. Swamp excavators are ideal for wetlands, swamp conditions, and shallow waters. Amphibious excavators make use of a variety of different pontoon systems and other accessories which make them invaluable for operating in even the most inhospitable conditions. When compared to barge-mounted dredgers, amphibious excavators are superior at removing silty clay, building terraces, and clearing slotted trenches. 

How Does a Swamp Excavator Work? 

Amphibious excavators have a cab, boom, and attachment system similar to traditional excavation equipment. However, by making use of sealed pontoons to add buoyancy, the chassis crawler is able to work in especially swampy conditions. Additional weighted support prevents excessive arm swinging and rollovers during the excavation process. Buoyancy tanks in a dual-body boat form aid in movement across moderately deep waters. A reducer propels the crawler chain, allowing unrestricted and easy movement. An amphibious excavator's upper structure is modified to endure the wet conditions while still allowing for 360-degree rotation and full hydraulic operations.

Sealed Pontoons

Sealed pontoons are the secret ingredients that allow swamp excavators to operate with ease in marshy environments. Typically manufactured from high-tension steel, the best amphibious excavator pontoons are resistant to saltwater and atmosphere corrosion. Multiple pontoons are used in order to better control an excavator’s balance. Each pontoon has multiple independent compartments that are watertight with various access points for maintenance. This allows for extra security which prevents the entire pontoon from becoming flooded with water in the rare event that the reinforced steel becomes compromised. Since it's typically impossible to see what could possibly scrape the bottom of a pontoon in swampy waters, the best amphibious excavators will always have reinforced pontoons for operating in rough terrain. Hydraulic pumps with traveling motors, along with the excavator’s main engine, provide power for the pontoon tracks.

Common Swap Excavator Accessories

There are several different accessories that can be attached to a swamp excavator for increased versatility such as: 

• dredging pumps 
• demolition sorting grabs
• clamshells
• excavation buckets
• piling vibrators 
• additional pontoons
• and more

The Best Swamp Excavators for Sale Today

Wetland Equipment customizes swamp excavators for several different industries so that construction can progress as planned. From swamp buggies to crew haulers and more, additional amphibious buggies and excavation equipment are also available for customization. Reach out to us today via phone or email to learn more about how Wetland Equipment can help with the heavy lifting you need done on any terrain!