An excavator is a large, tracked machine with a boom and bucket on its arm. A bobcat is a small, wheeled machine with an articulating arm and claw. Excavators are typically used for larger projects, while bobcats are ideal for smaller projects.

A dozer is used to clear earth, level land and break up asphalt. It has a blade attached near the front which is pushed into the soil or material that needs to be moved. It also has tracks that are used for pulling along large objects such as tree trunks which need to be pulled out of the way.

A bobcat is the best machine for residential excavation jobs. It has a small size which makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, and it has a powerful arm with a claw for grabbing onto objects. It can also be fitted with a ground-level attachment for removing smaller vegetation.

A backhoe makes digging safer and easier by taking some of the weight off the operator. It has long arms which are used to dig into the ground, and its bucket can either be placed in front of or behind the machine. This allows it to scoop up earth with greater precision than a standard excavator.