Excavating Radios

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

Motorola RMU2040 Channels: 4 Power: 2 watt Frequency: UHF (450-470 MHz) Coverage: 250,000 sqft

Motorola RMU2080d One of the most durable radios on the market. Channels: 8 Power: 2 watts; UHF Coverage: 250,000 sqft / 25 floors Display for ease of use, extremely durable

Larger Sites - Multiple Buildings

Motorola DTR700 Channels: 50 Power: 1 Watt; Digital (equates to 4 watt analog) Coverage: 350,000 sqft Flexible Call Options (call-all available, private reply), No FCC License Required!

Motorola CP100d-UA Channels: 16 Power: 4 watts; UHF Coverage: 400,000 sqft indoor / 2-3 miles outdoor (in good conditions) Rugged IP54 rated, pre-programmed text messages, voice announcement

Best Unlimited Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)

Motorola WAVE PTX Series Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states. Unlimited coverage through LTE and WiFi, eliminating traditional radio limitations. GPS Tracking to locate staff Emergency button for staff safety Talk to radios from your phone! Requires monthly subscription per device. ‘Lease-to-Own’ payment options available to help with upfront costs and get you started ASAP. As a failsafe, when wifi/cell service goes out, the radio works antenna to antenna and gets 350,000 sqft of coverage

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!