Mini Excavators Unleashed: Key Roles in Greenhouse Foundation Engineering & Internal Groundworks

I. Applications in Greenhouse Foundation Construction

(1) Site Preparation and Layout Positioning

• Scope of Work: Clearing weeds, gravel, and debris from the construction area. Using the excavator's bucket or breaker to level the site, ensuring a horizontal error ≤5cm for the foundation surface.

• Technical Advantages: The hydraulic control system allows precise bucket height adjustment. When paired with GPS positioning, it enables rapid marking of greenhouse boundaries and foundation axes according to design specifications.

• Case Study: In plastic greenhouse foundation work, a 1.5-ton mini-excavator can complete the initial leveling of a 1,000㎡ site in 2 hours—over 10 times more efficient than manual labor.

(2) Foundation Pit and Trench Excavation

• 1. Independent Foundation Pits

• Operation Guidelines: Excavate pits at 3-4m intervals (common column spacing) with dimensions of 0.8-1.2m depth and 0.5-0.8m side lengths. Ensure vertical pit walls and flat bottoms.

• Equipment Benefits: Narrow tracks (≤1m width) allow maneuvering between 1.5m-spaced pits, minimizing soil compaction.

• 2. Strip Foundation Trenches

• Applicable Scenarios: Continuous trenches (0.6-1m deep, 0.4-0.6m wide) for glass or multi-span greenhouse perimeter beams.

• Technical Details: Utilize the excavator's tilting bucket function to create trenches with drainage slopes (e.g., 2‰), reducing post-excavation manual finishing.

(3) Ground Improvement and Material Handling

• Soil Compaction: Replace the bucket with a vibratory plate to compact pit bottoms in layers (≤30cm per layer), achieving ≥90% compaction for stable foundations.

• Material Transport: Equip hydraulic grabs or hooks to move precast concrete blocks, steel bars, and other materials, especially efficient for narrow greenhouse corridors.

II. Applications in Internal Greenhouse Ground Treatment

(1) Ground Leveling and Soil Enhancement

• 1. Planting Area Preparation

• Soil Amendment: Attach a rotary tiller to break up and mix topsoil (20-30cm deep) with organic fertilizers (e.g., 500kg/acre) to improve aeration.

• Raised Bed Formation: Use the bucket to create planting ridges 15-20cm high and 80-100cm apart, with ≤3cm surface irregularity, ideal for strawberries and tomatoes.

• 2. Non-Planting Area Hardening

• Subgrade Compaction: Employ a tamper attachment to compact paths or work areas before laying 10-15cm gravel bedding for concrete pouring.

• Concrete Spreading: The bucket assists in pushing concrete, enabling 1,000㎡ of rough leveling in 4 hours—50% faster than manual methods.

(2) Drainage Systems and Specialized Groundwork

• 1. Drainage Trench Excavation

• Design Specifications: Install 1-2% sloped channels (15-20cm wide, 10-15cm deep) connecting to external drains.

• Excavation Precision: Laser-guided systems ensure accurate slopes, while hydraulic breakers quickly cut through hardened surfaces.

• 2. Impermeable and Insulation Layers

• Seepage Control: Use the bucket edge to smooth and secure HDPE geomembranes (0.5mm thick) in aquaculture or nursery greenhouses, preventing leaks.

• Insulation Installation: Level bases and transport 5-10cm polystyrene boards for underfloor insulation, reducing material damage during handling.

(3) Intelligent Operations and Efficiency Gains

• Precision Control: Laser leveling systems achieve ≤2cm elevation accuracy, ideal for hydroponic greenhouses requiring high-precision surfaces.

• Multi-Tool Integration: Quick-attach tools (e.g., augers, shears) enable simultaneous tasks like column drilling and old floor removal, shortening project timelines.

III. Operational Precautions for Mini Excavators