The Ultimate Excavator Size Chart and Spec Guide

Extremely valuable tools for land clearing, demolition, grading, construction, and more, excavators are popular pieces of heavy equipment for many large projects. Also commonly called diggers, these machines are versatile, coming in both tracked and wheeled forms, and are extremely powerful. However, it's important to choose the model with the right specs as it will affect your efficiency.

When choosing the best model for your project, it's important to consider your options. There are 11 popular brands that offer excavators, providing over 180 total models. Although most manufacturers have a wide range of weights available, we will be focusing on the upper ranges of weight classes, drawing the line at a minimum of 7.5 tons. If you're looking for a smaller, more compact excavator, you can check out our mini excavator spec guide.

This piece is meant to serve as a complete excavator spec guide. We'll break down the size ranges for this equipment as well as provide an overview of the most important specs for every model from the top brands in the industry.

Skip ahead to the following brands and their size charts:

• John Deere

• Kato

• Liebherr

• Komatsu

• Hitachi

• Hyundai

• Caterpillar

• Sany

• Doosan

• CASE

• Bobcat

The Sizes of Excavators

Excavators are typically categorized into three main size ranges: small, medium, and large. These categories are determined by operating weight, which is generally a good indication of the power and capability of the machine. Small models range from 7.5 to 25 tons, medium from 25 to 50 tons, and large models exceed 50 tons lbs, though a select few can even exceed 500 tons for intense land mining projects.

Small models of excavators make up a little less than a third of the market. These machines generally range between 15 to 22 feet in terms of dig depth, 18 to 24 feet in dump height, and 50-170 horsepower (hp). The smaller models on the market are excellent options for projects that require heavy lifting and some ability to work in tight spaces.

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Significantly more impressive in their dig depth and dump height specs, the medium range of excavators are great choices for most projects. Variations of these models can reach dig depths and dump heights exceeding 30 feet, to go along with engine power topping out at 359hp. This range of machines can at times outperform some large-class models while maintaining a lighter weight and are extremely valuable tools on the job site.

The large range of excavators achieves dig depths of over 40 feet and a maximum dump height of 37 feet 1 inch and varies between 300-2000hp, depending on the industry they're typically used in. This class provides the widest selection of weights to choose from, and the upper tier of models is generally used for only the most extreme projects like quarrying and mining.

The Most Important Excavator Specs

Before diving into the specs and sizes of each brand's selection of excavators, we need to talk about what you should be looking for in an excavator. In this guide, we focus on six main specs: operating weight, maximum dig depth, maximum dump height, maximum reach, bucket capacity, and engine power.

Operating weight generally indicates the overall capabilities of a machine, including breakout force, and bucket capacity. The weight of the equipment, along with horsepower, also dictates the amount of stress applied to the surrounding environment. As a general rule, lighter equipment is better if it gets the job done.

Maximum digging depth shows how deep the excavator can dig with the boom, stick, and bucket all extended downwards. This is perhaps the most important spec for these machines, as depth is often the primary necessity for buying or renting an excavator. Maximum dump height is how high the bucket can be safely dumped. Unfortunately, not all brands provide this spec on their website, though its importance varies depending on the project.

Maximum reach (sometimes listed as max. reach at ground level or max. digging reach) reflects how far the arm of the excavator can reach across the surface of the ground. This is vital for job sites where you cannot get the machine too close to where you need to dig. If there are obstacles or obstructions which require you to keep the machine further away from the dig site, max. reach is an important spec to keep your eye on.

Bucket capacity is exactly what it sounds like, the amount of material you can fit into the bucket of the excavator. The higher the bucket capacity the fewer shovelfuls it takes to finish your project, making your job faster and more efficient.

The amount of power a machine generates is reflected in its total horsepower. This indicates the effectiveness of a piece of equipment and the speed at which it can achieve movements such as lifts, dumps, or driving. A more efficient hydraulic system can make up for lost horsepower, but more power is usually better.

Are these excavators too big for your liking? Check out our in-depth mini excavator spec guide.

Specs and Sizes for Every Excavator Brand

John Deere

One of the most trusted heavy equipment providers in North America, John Deere's lineup of excavators lives up to the company's reputation. With 17 models listed as "mid-sized", which range up to 45 tons, and "full-sized" which reach 94.4 tons, these machines have some of the most impressive specs in the industry.

Designed to accelerate your profitability and productivity, their mid-sized models provide power when you need it. With special features including reduced-tail-swing, grade management, and super-long front options, it's easy to find an excavator that fits your job requirements. With operator-friendly controls and a single-pedal propel system, these machines are great choices for small to medium-sized projects.

Although John Deere only has three full-sized models, the 470, 670, and 870 P-Tier excavators, they are designed to handle jobs that smaller machines can't. Reaching up to 36 feet and 7 inches in digging depth to go along with 512hp, these are powerful machines with industry-leading specs. With smooth, one-of-a-kind efficiency, they're perfect for jobs like digging out building foundations, moving materials in a quarry, or trenching and placing pipe.

John Deere Excavator Specs

Kato

Only offering three total models, the HD512LC-7, HD514MR-7, and the HD823MR-7, Kato has the second-fewest excavators in their lineup of the brands on this list. Be that as it may, we've chosen to include them for good reason. With built-in error-prevention features, high-power digging and quick response systems, and easy maintenance, these machines are more than capable of handling smaller jobs and may come at a more reasonable price point.

These models are built for operator comfort and easy manipulation. Going out of their way to put your needs first, Kato may not have quite the variety of some other brands, but are without a doubt worth considering in your search for an excavator.

Kato Excavator Specs

Liebherr

The largest selection of machines available on the market, Liebherr crawler excavators are available in tunnel and demolition versions to cover special requirements for these applications. Only coming in behind Hitachi and Komatsu in operating weight range, they also provide some of the heaviest and most capable machines in the industry.

Liebherr demolition excavators are tailored perfectly to the job requirements. With as little as 9 feet 9 inches of dig depth but well a maximum dump height reaching well over 30 feet, these machines are some of the most effective you'll find. Their tunnel excavators are equally well designed, with specially made accessories to the equipment which enables the operator to work through a single operation without ever changing the attachment.

Productive, reliable, and comfortable, Liebherr excavators always get the job done. Although their heaviest models are somewhat limited in engine power in comparison to other brands, the average horsepower on their machines hovers around the industry average and does not detract from their quality. If you need an excavator that meets specific job requirements and can handle the toughest environment, keep Liebherr near the top of your list while you conduct your search.

Liebherr Excavator Specs

Komatsu

Providing models in every size range Komatsu supplies three models over 500 tons, the PC5500-11, PC7000-11, and PC8000-11. They also have one of the largest selections overall. Because of this, there is no doubt that Komatsu's lineup of excavators is one of the best in the industry.

Although Komatsu provides some massive pieces of heavy equipment, they also produce some of the smaller models on the market like the PC78US-11, PC88MR-11, and PC130-11. These popular excavators, with reasonably modest specs, are designed specifically for compact versatility.

A short tail swing offers extra maneuverability while high-flow hydraulics with proportional joysticks allow for excellent adaptability to the job site. The cabs offer high-end operator comfort, with an air suspension seat, Bluetooth radio, and a high-resolution monitor. As the saying goes "happy operator, happy job site".

Komatsu provides the second-largest model on the market, the PC8000-11, which weighs just under 850 tons with an engine power of over 2000hp. This machine allows you to cycle through large loads and is customizable for your operation. Equipped with a sustainable engine and rigorously designed and engineered for durability and performance, this model - and its similarly large counterparts - are ready to take on any job you can imagine.

Komatsu Excavator Specs

Hitachi

Following up one excavator powerhouse with another, Hitachi is the only brand that competes with Komatsu in providing the heaviest and most powerful machines on the market. Built on reliability and comfort, Hitachi excavator models are high-performing, heavy-duty models built to handle the toughest jobs.

Their vast selection of small and medium-sized machines are built with the same toughness as their monstrous mining excavators and come equipped with fuel-efficient engines and excellent safety features. With a reduced tail swing, some of these smaller models, like the ZC85USB-5N, ZX130-6, and ZX160LC-6, come specifically designed for those congested areas contractors so often work in. Efficient, reliable, and durable machines, these models can help you tackle tough jobs with confidence.

Moving to their breathtakingly large excavators, Hitachi offers a class of mining models ranging from 126.8 to 924.8 tons. Each of these models comes with two variations, an electric engine or a Tier 4 Final engine. With state-of-the-art safety features, advanced hydraulics, and simple controls, these excavators can be operated safely and easily. Providing efficient power options, you can handle any and every job with the reliable, productive, and extremely capable models of Hitachi excavators.

Hitachi Excavator Specs

Hyundai

With great horsepower and a wide range of models spanning 14.8-103.3 tons, Hyundai excavators are excellent options for your project. Hyundai's HX series of crawler excavators offer fuel-efficient fast cycle speeds to go along with versatile equipment performance. An impressive hydraulics system increases the efficiency of the machines overall, generating extra power from their already-strong engines.

With precision control, these excavators are operator-friendly and allow for digging and dumping exactly where you want them. With variations like the HX220A LR (long reach) model managing up to 38 feet 7 inches of dig depth on a medium-size machine, they are more than capable of taking on the challenges of a job site.

Whether you need an excavator for construction, road work, handling materials, demolition, laying pipe, moving earth, dredging, or digging trenches, Hyundai provides excavation equipment for you.

Hyundai Excavator Specs

Volvo

Providing a wide variety of models, variations, and attachments, Volvo excavators are great for projects of all sizes. With the perfect combination of power and stability, you can trust these machines to consistently perform at a high level.

Perhaps the best trait of Volvo's lineup is its industry-leading bucket capacities. Sometimes limited in depth and reach, these machines can still hold higher volumes of material than it's closest competitors, allowing you to work more quickly and efficiently.

Although many of the specs seem fairly similar and lack variation, Volvo provides options for longer arms and mono vs two-piece booms that can help you dig deeper and dump higher. Optimized for maximum productivity and profitability, don't overlook these high-quality excavators when you make your renting decision.

Volvo Excavator Specs

Caterpillar

No matter what type of work you do, Cat excavators deliver top performance, unmatched versatility, and excellent fuel efficiency. Outstanding durability and safety technology to go along with simple operations that will help your team reach the next level of productivity.

The largest selection of models on the market, most of Cat's models fall under the small and medium weight classes. Although this makes them somewhat limited in terms of competing for bigger sizes, unlike Komatsu or Hitachi, there are many options for more reasonably sized projects. Many of these models, particularly the 395 - Tier 4, provide some of the best-in-class horsepower, placing them among the most efficient excavators available.

The Cat 340 Long Reach is one of their most impressive models, reaching over 40 feet in both dig depth and dump height, along with a mind-boggling max reach of almost 60 feet! And it does all of this while only weighing 48.4 tons. This isn't even their only excavator with over 40' of digging depth; so if you're looking to maximize depth, dump height, reach, and horsepower while still keeping the operating weight low, you should consider renting a Cat excavator.

Cat also offers a selection of wheeled excavators, which are great for the transportation of materials between job sites. These models take a downtick in horsepower and reach, and you should almost always choose a tracked excavator if it's compliant with your job requirements.

Caterpillar Excavator Specs

SANY

Only reaching a peak weight of 60.1 tons, SANY excavators cannot compete with the heaviest models of some of their competitors, but that's not their goal. Making 11 reliable models, some of which provide the best horsepower on the market at their weight, these machines are not to be overlooked.

Designed to provide power and performance without high operating costs, these machines offer selectable working modes that match performance output to the job at hand. Efficiency features can help save up to 10% on fuel costs, while the excellent cooling system ensures clean and quiet operation in any conditions.

Powerful, robust, reliable, and capable, consider SANY's lineup of excavators for any small to medium-sized projects you might have.

Sany Excavator Specs

Doosan

Offering 14 models spanning 16.1-90.5 tons, Doosan excavators can handle most projects. Updated comfort features and intuitive controls make these machines a favorite of operators, and excellent fuel efficiency and versatility make them loved by managers who want to keep costs low.

Some models, like the DX420LC-7, come equipped with multiple power modes to match any application, providing better control over machine performance. A one-touch power boost can momentarily increase hydraulic power when you're in the middle of a difficult task, and the fine swing minimizes the bucket's shaking as you turn.

With powerful digging, fast cycle times, and unbeatable operator comfort, it's hard to go wrong when renting a Doosan excavator. Coming in around the industry average on dig depth and horsepower, they may not be the most expansive brand on the market, but they certainly make high-quality, reliable, and productive machines.

Doosan Excavator Specs

CASE

With 18 models spanning every size category, CASE excavators are some of the most versatile on the market. Built for speed, power, efficiency, reliability, comfort, and responsiveness, the new E Series models include seven new powerful machines like the CX140E, CX170E, and CX365 E SR, that will boost your team's productivity on the job site.

Many of CASE's models offer better horsepower than their closest competitors, giving these machines extra power for your project. This power makes difficult jobs that much easier, and gives operators one less thing to worry about.

Their CX750D model provides a best-in-class dig depth to go along with excellent engine power to provide faster cycle times and pure performance. Promising to help you move more dirt, this machine is one of the best on the market and can compete with any model in its weight class.

CASE also provides specialized models like the CX290D Material Handler, with reduced dig depth and horsepower. This model is equipped with additional guarding on the cab and undercarriage to protect the operator and the excavator while working on tough waste and scrap handling applications. CASE excavators are all great options for your construction site, and with their vast selection, you're sure to find a model perfect for you.

CASE Excavator Specs

Bobcat

Although they only provide two models, the E145 and E165, Bobcat is known as one of the best brands in construction for a reason. These excavators both fall under the smaller weight class, allowing them to provide operators with greater maneuverability in tight spaces. With the quality and versatility you've come to expect from a Bobcat, these machines offer leading cycle times and powerful lifting capabilities.

Class-leading hydraulics for reliable power and increased torque help boost productivity and maximize efficiency. Plus, selectable power modes provide adaptable performance from the comfort of your cab. Picking up where their mini-excavators leave off, Bobcat excavators are excellent options for small but difficult projects.

Bobcat Excavator Specs

Renting an Excavator

With all the options that are available, searching for an excavator is never easy. After reading through this guide, we hope it has helped you decide on the type of excavator you need.

Whether you're looking for a small, medium, or large excavator from John Deere, Kato, Liebherr, Komatsu, Hitachi, Hyundai, Caterpillar, Sany, Doosan, CASE, or Bobcat, you can find your next excavator rental with DOZR.

Not convinced that an excavator is the best option for your project? Check out our backhoe spec guide to help you in picking out the perfect backhoe rental.