MAXIMIZE SAFETY & EFFICIENCY WITH HYUNDAI EXCAVATORS IN SOLID WASTE APPLICATIONS
Solid waste handling is one of the most demanding environments for heavy equipment. Between unstable terrain, hidden hazards, and the need for long duty cycles, it’s critical to run machines that are not only powerful—but also built for safety, control, and uptime. That’s where Hyundai Excavators stand out.
At Tracey Road Equipment, we work with municipalities, waste facilities, and contractors to provide excavators that are up to the challenge. Hyundai offers a full line of excavators designed to handle rugged applications, including waste transfer stations, landfills, and material recovery facilities (MRFs). With the right setup, training, and safety practices, you can keep your crew protected—and your operation running efficiently.
Here’s how to make the most of your Hyundai Excavator in solid waste applications.
Engineered for Waste. Backed by Tracey Road. Ready for the Work.

Excavators play a crucial role in solid waste management applications. These are required for efficient and safe handling various waste materials, such as construction debris, municipal waste, and recyclables. However, operating an excavator in solid waste applications requires specific knowledge and skills to ensure optimal performance and minimize risks.
The Role of Excavators in Waste Operations
Hyundai Excavators are used in multiple phases of solid waste handling:
Sorting and stockpiling material at transfer stations or recycling centers
Feeding shredders, balers, or compactors
Excavating waste during landfill cell construction or cleanup
Moving bulky or hazardous loads that can’t be handled by smaller machines
These machines need to work in tight areas, often on uneven surfaces surrounded by debris. Hyundai’s combination of smooth hydraulic control, fuel efficiency, and robust steel construction makes them ideal for this high-impact work.
Choose the Right Hyundai Excavator for Waste Work
Hyundai Excavators come in a wide range of sizes and configurations—from compact models to full-size machines with long-reach or high-lift capabilities. For waste handling applications, it’s important to choose a model with:
Heavy-duty guarding and cab protection
High ground clearance and undercarriage strength
Strong lifting capacity with hydraulic control
Visibility enhancements for working in cluttered environments
Models like the Hyundai HX220A, HX300A, or HX380L are often ideal for this type of work due to their balance of power, control, and operator safety features. You can further customize your excavator with solid waste kits, which include added guarding for the boom, cab, and undercarriage.
Do’s for Operating Hyundai Excavators in Waste Environments
✔️ Use the Right Attachments
Equip your Hyundai Excavator with attachments like:
Hydraulic magnets (for sorting metal waste)
Hyundai’s quick coupler systems make it easy to switch between tools—keeping your machine productive throughout the day.
✔️ Inspect Daily
Waste environments are full of sharp objects, corrosive materials, and hidden hazards. A daily walkaround inspection should include:
Checking track tension and condition
Inspecting boom and cylinder seals
Verifying guard integrity
Checking cab glass and filters
Tracey Road offers preventive maintenance plans to help keep your Hyundai Excavators in peak condition even in extreme duty cycles.
✔️ Prioritize Operator Safety
Operators in waste settings should be trained to:
Maintain safe swing radius awareness
Avoid working on uneven piles of trash or soft ground
Use cameras and mirrors consistently
Keep cabs clean and filter systems checked regularly
Many Hyundai models come with AAVM (All-Around View Monitoring) and Intelligent Moving Object Detection, giving operators full situational awareness.
Don’ts for Excavator Use in Waste Applications
✖️ Don’t Skip Guarding
Skipping out on optional guarding packages might save money upfront, but can lead to costly damage or downtime. Protective covers, side guards, and debris deflectors prevent damage to hydraulic lines and internal components.
✖️ Don’t Ignore Overheating
In waste environments, dust and debris can clog radiators and filters quickly. Always monitor engine temperature and clean coolers daily to avoid unplanned shutdowns.
✖️ Don’t Overload the Machine
It may be tempting to use your Hyundai Excavator for oversized loads, but exceeding weight limits can:
Reduce hydraulic efficiency
Stress booms and cylinders
Compromise safety on uneven terrain
Stick to the rated capacities and let the machine do the work it’s designed for.



Hyundai Excavators Available at Tracey Road
With 11 full-service locations across New York and Pennsylvania, Tracey Road Equipment is your trusted source for Hyundai Excavators built for solid waste applications. We provide:
- In-stock new and used excavators
Solid waste guarding kits and custom builds
Operator training and safety best practices
Rental and rent-to-own options
Our experienced team will help you choose the right machine for your application—and keep it working reliably no matter how tough the environment.
Ready to Power Up Your Waste Operation?
Solid waste jobs demand more from your equipment. When safety, control, and efficiency matter most, Hyundai Excavators deliver. Explore Hyundai Excavators on our website or visit your nearest Tracey Road location to speak with an equipment expert about how to outfit your next excavator for waste handling.