How to Run a Giant Excavator in Rust?


Take your Rust gameplay to a new level with Minicopter flights. Discover essential tips and tricks for flying like a pro in this popular game.

It’s time to learn all about running a Giant Excavator Rustoutlines each step, from preparation to gathering resources. This thing is pretty badass, but if you’re strategic, it’ll give you resources like no other monument in the game.


What do you need

  1. Solar: You can’t run this monster without Diesel, so stack it! You need about 20 units for a full 40 minute cycle, and each unit burns every 2 minutes. You can find Diesel at certain monuments, including the Dome and Oil Rig.
  2. Radiation Protection: Excavator pits have radiation, so a Hazmat Suit or gear with high radiation protection is essential if you don’t want to fry yourself when you enter.
  3. Weapons & Ammo: Expect opposition, both from scientists and other potential players. There were around 18 NPC scientists patrolling the Excavator, each armed and ready. Once you start the machine, you will probably attract other players, so be prepared to fight.

Step 1: Entering and Cleaning the Excavator Hole

excavator hole rustexcavator hole rust
via Fandom

When you first arrive, you have to clear out the scientists. Use the cover and take them one by one.

A compound bow or sniper rifle comes in handy here—ideally, keep your distance and avoid unnecessary close encounters.

Once the area is safe, you can start the mining process.

Also Check: How to Fly a Minicopter in Rust?


Step 2: Refueling the Engine

Go to Engine room (near the center of the base), where you will find a fuel tank.

Deposit your Diesel Fuel here, remember that you are limited to a maximum of 20 units per spin. Once you load, press Engine Start button to get things going.


Step 3: Selecting Resources

With the engine running, head to Control Room. You’ll find it near the rotating head of the excavator, accessible via some ladders and ladders. This is where you select the resources you want to mine. You have four options:

  • High Quality Metal (HQM): Suitable for high-end crafts.
  • Sulfur: Important for explosives.
  • Metal Fragments: Used in many important items.
  • Rock: Perfect for base building.

Choose wisely based on your needs, as you can only mine one type at a time, and the fuel starts burning as soon as the engine starts.

Also Check: Rust Force Removal Schedule


Step 4: Gather Resources

Once the Excavator is operational and your resource type is set, the machine will begin collecting materials. Resources will be reduced to two separately collection point: one on the conveyor belt leading to the carriages and another near the pile with the bulldozer.

These locations are about 30 seconds apart, so having an extra player here can help ensure no one sneaks in and steals your loot.

Yield per cycle (using 20 Diesel units) roughly translates to:

  • headquarter: 2,000 units
  • Sulfur: 40,000 units
  • Metal Fragments: 100,000 units
  • Rock: 200,000 units

Step 5: Securing the Area

Running a Giant Excavator is a noisy operation, and its noise tends to attract other players to attack. Ideally, place players at each drop point to defend.

Use high ground or strategic angles to deter raiders, especially if you are mining HQM or Sulfur, which are highly sought after.

Defensive building structures near Excavators can also give you a quick deposit option and allow you to re-engage attackers more quickly.

Also Check: How to Make a Military Tunnel in Rust?


Final Tips

  • Bring Transportation: A car with storage or a camper is a great way to transport your resources without having to do a lot of traveling. Alternatively, a small base nearby could serve as a forward operating base.
  • Pay attention to the clock: Each Diesel unit burns in 2 minutes, so using 20 fuels lasts for 40 minutes. Keep an eye on your fuel level so it doesn’t run out in the middle of a cycle.

Conclusion

Running a Giant Excavator is risky but very rewarding if you prepare well. This is a strategic game—defend your position, choose resources wisely, and watch out for raiders. Once you master it, you’ll have material that can seriously improve your game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to use a large excavator in Rust?

To use the Giant Excavator, fill it with Diesel Fuel in the engine room, then go to the control room to select the resource to mine. Once started, collect resources from two drop off points.

Where do I start my giant excavator?

Start in the engine room at the Excavator base, where you will load the Diesel Fuel. After that, activate the machine and head to the control room to select the power source.

How much diesel is needed to run a giant excavator?

The Giant Excavator requires 20 units of Diesel Fuel for full operation for 40 minutes, burning one unit every 2 minutes.

What fuel do big excavators use in Rust?

The excavator only uses Diesel Fuel, which you can find at various monuments, such as the Dome and Oil Rig.



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