Hello, fellow operators. I’m Old Chen. I’ve been in the excavation equipment industry for almost twenty years. From domestic mini excavators to Caterpillar and Komatsu machines, I’ve operated just about every common type of hydraulic excavator out there. Back when I worked on dry land, competition was fierce. We worked ourselves to the bone, only to see profits get thinner and thinner.
The real turning point came when I helped transform a standard machine into what’s truly called an amphibious excavator—also known as a pontoon excavator or floating excavator. Today, I’ll share three key moves that can turn your equipment into a profit machine.
Move 1: The Right Foundation – From Land Machine to Water Warrior
Why do traditional excavators struggle in soft conditions? Their design is for hard surfaces. My approach is straightforward: enhance rather than replace.
Take our client with a PC70 fitted with an 11m Hitachi arm. He needed to clear a 1.3m deep rural river—impossible for a standard machine. Our solution proved the power of the right setup:
- We kept his valuable upper structure
- Installed our RS80 amphibious undercarriage
- Added RC80 side pontoons for essential buoyancy
The transformation created what’s essentially a swamp excavator or marsh buggy—completing the month-long project without a single stuck incident. This wasn’t just about finding an amphibious excavator for sale; it was about building the right solution.
Before
After
Move 2: Beyond the Machine – The Attachments Advantage
Many think getting a swamp buggy excavator solves everything. Reality check: the machine is just the beginning. True expertise lies in how you use it.
Here’s my approach to excavator operation:
- Master Your Tools: Knowing when to use an excavator tilt bucket versus standard excavator buckets, or adding an excavator thumb for material handling, makes all the difference
- Safety First: Proper excavator safety protocols in water environments are non-negotiable
- Document Everything: Before/after records build the case for your next project
The right excavator attachments transform capability. It’s not just about having a marsh excavator—it’s about having the right tools for the job.
Move 3: The Business Mindset – Logistics and Year-Round Operations
Where standard machines see obstacles, true amphibious equipment sees opportunity. But success requires mastering the full business cycle:
Secure Specialized Work
Use your unique capability to win projects others can’t touch. That rural river job? Perfect for amphibious capability.
Master Transport Logistics
Efficient excavator transport between water-based job sites is crucial for profitability. Plan it like you plan the work itself.
Operate Through Seasons
While others shut down in wet conditions, your floating excavator enters peak season. My equipment works 280+ days annually.
Understand True Value
When evaluating excavator price, consider annual earning potential, not just purchase cost. The right amphibious solution pays for itself through year-round operation.
Old Chen’s Final Word
In the excavators market, I’ve seen all the mistakes:
- Buying questionable marsh buggy for sale options that cost more in repairs
- Using standard machines for swamp work, then paying for recovery
- Letting expensive equipment sit idle
The successful path looks different:
- Invest in the right amphibious solution
- Master excavator operation and safety in water environments
- Build a business around year-round capability
Whether you’re looking at amphibious excavator for sale options or converting existing equipment, remember: the right setup transforms not just your machine, but your entire business model. In today’s market, that transformation might be your smartest move yet.
The water doesn’t have to be your enemy. With the right approach, it can become your most profitable workplace.