The walking excavators' special features are based on a sophisticated high-tech chassis and the patented boom: various hydraulic cylinders enable the all-rounder to adapt its wheels and supports to any terrain. For this in some countries the Menzi Muck is also called spider excavator.

A walking excavator or popularly spider excavator is a special type of all-terrain excavator. Like the regular excavator it consists of a boom, stick, bucket and cab on a rotating platform known as the "house".

Fixed tilting edges on Menzi Muck tracked excavators can be adjusted depending on the task ahead thanks to the adjustable wheel and claw supports. As a result, it produces lifting and ripping forces beyond those of conventional excavators. A Menzi Muck weighing 9.5 tons produces an output similar to that of a 20 ton tracked excavator.