Mini, Medium or Large? Choosing an Excavator Size

An excavator that is too small spends the day working at its limits. One that is too big costs more to move, may not fit the site, and can damage the ground it works on. Size class is the first decision, and most of the others follow from it.

Mini and compact excavators

Usually up to somewhere between six and ten tonnes, depending on where a manufacturer draws the line. They work in gardens, inside buildings, beside live roads and in utility trenches where space is tight, and many can be towed on a plant trailer. Zero and reduced tail-swing models keep the counterweight within the tracks, so the machine can slew close to walls and traffic.

Medium excavators

Roughly the 10 to 40 tonne range, and the workhorse of general construction: bulk earthmoving, drainage, foundations and loading trucks. They carry a wide range of attachments and have the hydraulic flow to run breakers, grabs and compaction plates.

Large excavators

Above about 40 tonnes, built for mass excavation, quarrying and heavy demolition. Moving one usually needs a low-loader, sometimes with the machine partly dismantled, so transport is part of the plan from the start.

Questions that narrow the choice

• What digging depth and reach does the work need, and what is the heaviest lift?
• How will the machine get onto site, and what are the access widths and ground conditions?
• Which attachments will it run, and do they need auxiliary hydraulics?
• Tracks or wheels? Tracks spread the load and grip soft ground; wheeled excavators can drive between nearby jobs on the road.

See our excavators, or send us the job details and we will recommend a size.