Excavator Size Classes Explained

Mini (compact) excavators — under 6 metric tons

Operating weight under ~6 t (13,000 lb), dig depths roughly 2.1–4 m (7–13 ft), engine power 15–50 hp. Typical models: Bobcat E35/E50, Kubota KX040/U55, John Deere 35G/50G, Cat 303.5–305, Takeuchi TB240–TB260, Yanmar ViO series.

Best for: residential landscaping, irrigation and utility trenching, footings, pools, stump removal, work inside structures or behind houses. Most minis fit through a standard gate (many are under 1.8 m / 6 ft wide) and can be towed on a 10k-rated equipment trailer behind a heavy pickup — no CDL in many states, but verify combined weight ratings.

Limits: dig depth tops out around 3.5–4 m, so a full-depth basement (typically 2.4–3 m dig plus over-dig) at the far wall is a stretch; lifting capacity and bucket size make big jobs slow.

Midi excavators — 6 to 10 metric tons

Dig depths ~4–4.8 m (13–16 ft), power 50–75 hp, transport width 2.2–2.3 m. Typical models: Kubota KX080, Cat 308, Deere 85G, Volvo ECR88.

The utility-contractor sweet spot: enough depth for most sewer/water laterals and shallow foundations, still transportable on a tag trailer behind a medium-duty truck without oversize permits. Most midis are reduced-tail-swing designs, so they work well on road jobs and tight lots.

Standard (full-size) excavators — 10 to 25 metric tons

The 20-ton class (Cat 320, Komatsu PC210, Deere 210G, Volvo EC220, Hitachi ZX210, Case CX210, Doosan DX225) is the industry's general-purpose machine: dig depths ~6.5–6.8 m (21–22 ft), reach ~9.7–9.9 m, 145–175 hp, bucket around 1 m³. Handles basements, mass excavation for commercial pads, deep utilities, demolition with the right attachments.

Transport: ~2.8–3.0 m wide and 21–24 t — needs a lowboy/RGN trailer and a tractor; over-width/over-weight permits depending on state. Factor $500–2,000 per move.

Large excavators — over 25 metric tons

30–50 t machines (Cat 336/349, Komatsu PC360, Deere 350G) for mass excavation, deep sewers, quarry and heavy demolition. Dig depths 7.3–7.7+ m, 250–415 hp. Every move is a permitted oversize/overweight load; owning one only pays with sustained production work.

Long-reach variants

Factory long-reach (LR) configurations trade bucket size and breakout force for a longer boom/stick — reach can exceed 15 m on a 20–36 t base. Used for pond/canal dredging, slope work, and demolition from a distance. A long-reach machine is a poor general excavator: verify whether a listing is LR when the reach number looks unusually high for the weight class.

General guidance to help you shop — figures are typical ranges, not a valuation. Confirm the specifics of any machine with the seller before you buy.