Excavators for Drainage and River Work in South America

Excavators for Drainage and River Work in South America

by Sam from Dige International Trading

In countries across South America, managing water is a year-round priority. From seasonal floods in Colombia to canal work in Brazil and irrigation projects in Peru, construction companies and government agencies rely on excavators for riverbank shaping, drainage trenching, and waterway maintenance. And when it comes to cost-effective performance, used excavators are the smart choice.

At Dige International Trading, we specialize in supplying heavy equipment suited for real-world terrain. For drainage and river work, selecting the right model—especially with the correct boom and undercarriage setup—is essential.

Why Excavators Are Ideal for Water-Related Projects

Excavators are favored for river and drainage work because of their:

• Long reach and digging depth

• Hydraulic power for wet, heavy soil

• Mobility across muddy, uneven terrain

• Ability to mount attachments like clamshell buckets or rippers

Whether you’re creating flood drainage ditches or dredging canals, a used excavator can save labor and speed up progress—especially when equipped with the right arm and pad combination.

Best Excavator Models for River and Drainage Applications

Hyundai 220LC-9S

• Powerful and fuel-efficient

• Wide track base offers good stability near slopes or riversides

• Smooth hydraulic control, excellent for precision trenching

Caterpillar 320D / 320DL Long Reach

• Long reach boom option available

• Reliable cooling system for hot and humid South American climates

• Great choice for canal dredging and levee work

Doosan DX225LC

• Budget-friendly but strong hydraulic flow

• Easy to maintain and repair in the field

• Performs well in mud and loose soil conditions

Many of our South American clients request used excavators with 18–20 meter long arms for extended digging. These machines are ideal for standing far from a water edge while still reaching into channels or drainage basins.

What to Check in a Used Excavator for River Work

If you’re buying for drainage, irrigation, or flood-control work, we recommend inspecting:

• Undercarriage condition – wet conditions wear faster

• Boom/bucket pins – loose joints affect digging precision

• Hydraulic system – no leaks, smooth cylinder motion

• Long-arm installation – check welds and reinforcements

• Cabin sealing – keep out dust and moisture

At Dige, we test all units before shipment and offer walk-around and digging demonstration videos so buyers can see real-world performance.

Export and Delivery to South America

We export regularly to South American ports such as:

• Callao (Peru)

• Santos and Itajaí (Brazil)

• Guayaquil (Ecuador)

• Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Our team handles loading, customs documents, pre-shipment inspections, and CIF/FOB shipping terms. Many machines arrive within 30–35 days from Shanghai.

Want to explore more machines and updates? Check out our YouTube channel for detailed videos!

Follow us on TikTok to see more real-time videos and featured equipment!