Method for fabricating an excavator base

A method of fabricating an excavator base for subsequent assembly to an excavator, comprising:

• erecting a substructure proximate a site at which the excavator is to be used;
• assembling a series of flat plates on the substructure and welding together adjacent edges of the flat plates to form a top plate;
• cutting the perimeter of the top plate;
• removing the top plate from the substructure;
• assembling a series of flat plates on the substructure and welding together adjacent edges of the flat plates to form a floor plate;
• cutting the perimeter of the floor plate;
• assembling a series of upright internal diaphragms and edge plates on the floor plate and welding the diaphragms and edge plates to the floor plate and to each other;
• attaching the top plate onto the diaphragms and edge plates and welding the top plate thereto so as to form an excavator base;
• removing the excavator base from the substructure for attachment to an excavator;
• and
• attaching said excavator base to an excavator.

A method of fabricating an excavator, comprising:

• shipping excavator subassemblies for assembling into an excavator from a factory to a site at which the excavator is to be used;
• shipping a series of flat plates to said site;
• erecting a substructure at said site;
• assembling said series of flat plates on the substructure and welding together adjacent edges of the flat plates to form a floor plate;
• cutting the perimeter of the floor plate;
• assembling a series of upright internal diaphragms and edge plates on the floor plate and welding the diaphragms and edge plates to the floor plate and to each other;
• attaching a top plate formed of flat plates welded together onto the diaphragms and edge plates and welding the top plate thereto so as to form an excavator base;
• and
• removing the excavator base from the substructure for attachment to an excavator.