Excavator Sizes and Dimensions: Global and Chinese Models

Excavator size is defined not just by weight, but also by physical dimensions such as transport width, tail swing radius, dig depth, and reach. These dimensions determine the machine's suitability for specific job sites, from narrow urban alleys to open-pit mines. Here, we categorize excavators by size and list representative models from leading international and Chinese brands.

1. Excavator Size Categories by Physical Dimensions

Size classification based on footprint and operational envelope.

• Zero-Tail-Swing / Compact Swing:
  • The counterweight stays within the width of the tracks when swinging, allowing operation in extremely tight spaces (e.g., next to walls, inside buildings).
  • Typically under 8 tons.
  • Key Dimension: Overall width & tail swing radius.
• Small Standard Excavators:
  • Standard tail swing but compact overall dimensions for easy transport on trailers and access through standard gates.
  • Typically 8-15 tons, width often under 2.5 meters.
• Medium Standard Excavators:
  • The most common size on general construction sites. Balanced dimensions for reach, power, and stability.
  • Typically 16-30 tons, width 2.8m to 3.5m.
  • Key Dimension: Dig depth (6-7m) and reach (9-11m).
• Large Excavators:
  • Significant physical size, requiring planning for transport and site access.
  • Typically 31-90 tons, width over 3.5m.
  • Key Dimension: High dump height and long reach.
• Ultra-Large / Mining Excavators:
  • Extreme dimensions. Not transportable on standard roads; assembled on-site.
  • 100+ tons, with reach over 15 meters and digging depths over 10 meters.

2. Representative Models by Size Category

Models illustrate the dimensional range across brands.

A. Zero-Tail-Swing / Compact (Width typically < 2m)

• Kubota (JP): U10-5 (1-ton class, width ~0.99m)
• Takeuchi (JP): TB216 (1.6-ton, compact swing)
• Caterpillar (US): 301.5 CR (Zero Tail Swing, ~1.5T)
• Bobcat (US): E32 (Zero Tail Swing, ~3.2T)
• SANY (CN): SY16C (Compact, ~1.6T)

B. Small Standard (Width ~2.3m - 2.5m)

• Caterpillar: 308 CR (<2.5m width, ~8T)
• Komatsu (JP): PC78 (<2.5m width, ~8T)
• Volvo CE (SE): EC140E (<2.55m width, ~14T)
• SANY: SY75C (~2.49m width, ~7.5T)
• XCMG (CN): XE150 (~2.5m width, ~15T)

C. Medium Standard (Width ~2.8m - 3.5m)

• Caterpillar: 320 (~2.99m width, ~20T, dig depth ~6.5m)
• Komatsu: PC200 (~2.99m width, ~20T)
• Hitachi (JP): ZX210 (~2.8m width, ~21T)
• SANY: SY215C (~3.19m width, ~21.5T, dig depth ~6.7m)
• Zoomlion (CN): ZE205E (~2.98m width, ~20.5T)

D. Large (Width > 3.5m)

• Caterpillar: 349 (~3.6m width, ~50T)
• Komatsu: PC490 (~3.6m width, ~50T)
• Liebherr (DE): R 956 (~3.5m width, ~55T)
• SANY: SY550H (~3.5m width, ~55T)
• XCMG: XE700 (~3.6m width, ~70T)

Excavator Size and Dimensional Reference Table

Size Category	Key Dimension Focus	Brand & Model Example	Approx. Transport Width	Approx. Operating Weight
Zero-Tail-Swing	Tail Swing Radius, Overall Width	Kubota U10-5	~0.99 m	~1.0 T
Zero-Tail-Swing	Tail Swing Radius, Overall Width	Caterpillar 301.5 CR	~1.5 m	~1.5 T
Small Standard	Transport Width, Dig Depth	Volvo EC140E	< 2.55 m	~14 T
Small Standard	Transport Width, Dig Depth	XCMG XE150	~2.5 m	~15 T
Medium Standard	Reach, Dig Depth, Stability	Komatsu PC200	~2.99 m	~20 T
Medium Standard	Reach, Dig Depth, Stability	SANY SY215C	~3.19 m	~21.5 T
Large	Reach, Dump Height, Ground Pressure	Caterpillar 349	~3.6 m	~50 T
Large	Reach, Dump Height, Ground Pressure	SANY SY550H	~3.5 m	~55 T

Conclusion: Selecting an excavator based on size requires analyzing site access limits (width/gate), tail swing clearance, and required reach/dig depth. For confined urban work, zero-tail-swing models (Kubota, Bobcat, CAT 301.5) are essential. For general construction with standard access, small and medium standard excavators (Volvo EC140, Komatsu PC200, SANY SY215) offer the best balance. Large-scale earthmoving demands large machines (CAT 349, SANY SY550) with greater physical dimensions. Both international and Chinese brands offer capable models across all size spectrums, with Chinese brands like SANY and XCMG providing particularly strong options in the small to large standard categories.