The Best Two-Way Radios for Excavating
If you go out and buy the first radio that you see for your team, you might be in for a rude awakening. Static, poor battery life, messages that sound like a drive-through speaker...
That’s why you need a quality radio tailored to your excavating team, and we’ve got you covered!
We don't want you to buy any radio just because you like the name or the price. We want you to make an educated decision and purchase the perfect radio within the scope of your needs, staff, and location.
We’ve sold thousands of radios and have compiled all that knowledge right here in this brief guide.
What do you need in a walkie talkie for excavating?
The trench crew just hit a buried utility line. The operator in the excavator has his bucket suspended mid-air, waiting for direction.
The foreman is on the other side of the site, completely unaware. Meanwhile, the dump truck driver is idling at the entrance, unsure whether to come in or wait it out.
These are all common issues in excavating - and they can easily be solved with clear, quality two-way radios.
Let's walk through some important components when comparing radios.
Coverage Considerations
When choosing two-way radios for your team, it is important to match radio power and coverage of your building size and layout.
Selecting a radio that is too powerful for your needs can lead to overpaying, while choosing one with insufficient coverage may result in poor quality and dead zones.
For small sites, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger sites (or multiple buildings), covering up to 350,000 square feet, require more powerful radios in the 3-4 watt range on analog (or 1 watt on digital) that can transmit clearly through walls and across larger distances.
You also need to take obstructions and building materials into account. If you have thick concrete walls, it may be necessary to go 1-watt stronger.
For unlimited coverage, across multiple locations, consider radios that use LTE and Wi-Fi, like the Motorola WAVE PTX series.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
Recommended groups for Excavating:
- Crew Operations – For general communication between laborers, operators, and the foreman on daily tasks.
- Equipment Operators – A dedicated channel for excavator, dozer, and skid steer operators to coordinate movements safely.
- Dump Trucks & Hauling – For managing incoming and outgoing trucks, material delivery, and site access.
Easy breezy. That’s concise and direct communication.
Channels can also be used to set up private conversations: “Sarah, call Tom on channel two.”
Sarah and Tom can then have an in-depth conversation over the radio without bothering the rest of the staff.
Quality Brands Make a Difference
You need a radio that is not going to fall apart within a year. You need one that will last so you’re not throwing away money.
Motorola and Kenwood two-way Radios are the most quality brands on the market because they are purpose-built for reliable communication with a durable build.
Designed to be easy to use and intuitive their radio series are affordable, cost-effective and eliminate monthly cell phone plans.
Tested for 5 years of field use, Motorola and Kenwood make sure you see a return on your investment.
Not to mention the included manufacturer warranty (1-3 years depending on model).
What features make a great excavating radio?
- Rugged and Durable Build – Withstands dust, water, drops, and harsh weather conditions.
- Long Battery Life – Powers through full shifts without needing constant recharging.
- Clear Audio Quality – Cuts through engine noise and heavy machinery for clear communication.
- Noise-Canceling Microphone – Reduces background noise so voices come through loud and clear.
- Hands-Free Capability (VOX) – Allows workers to talk without pressing buttons while operating equipment.
- Private Line or Interference Elimination Codes – Keeps communication secure and reduces chatter from other nearby users.
- Multiple Channels – Enables team segmentation for smoother operations across different tasks.
- Emergency Alert Function – Sends a distress signal in case of an accident or urgent situation.
- High Power Output (UHF preferred) – Provides stronger signal penetration around buildings, hills, and machinery.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Excavating
These recommendations come from our own experience working with thousands of these radios. Each one has a rock-solid history and great reputation.
Small Sites
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One of the most durable radios on the market.
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Larger Sites - Multiple Buildings
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Best Unlimited Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)
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Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states.
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Request a Quote for Bulk Purchases
Need to equip your team? We want to help!
Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.
We are here for you!
If you have any questions on which radio is right for your excavating team – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.
You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!