Many people know excavators for their usefulness in earth moving. Their signature bucket attachments have teeth-like edges that enable the machine to dig and scoop earth. The earthmoving applications for excavators include:

Trench digging: Trenches have multiple uses in construction, utilities and many other industries. Operators dig trenches with excavators to set foundations, install wires and pipes or create an area to plant seeds. Excavators can dig trenches that would take significant time and effort with manual equipment.
Landscape grading: During the landscape grading process, an excavator operator levels or sculpts the ground to prepare an area for a project. In construction, grading creates a level ground for a building or another piece of architecture. Grading in landscaping can involve controlling water flow from an area or creating a space for plants, paths and other elements.