Excavators are sometimes called diggers because they primarily dig or excavate material from the ground. This process involves using their bucket attachment, which is connected to a hydraulic arm, to scoop up and remove soil, rocks or other materials. The term digger derives from this action, emphasizing the machine's primary purpose in various construction, mining and earthmoving projects. Both terms, excavator and digger, are used interchangeably to describe this versatile piece of heavy equipment.