Faq Excavator Tonnage Classes and Representative Models
Excavators are primarily categorized by their operating weight, which determines their size, power, and suitable applications. The market offers a continuous range from compact mini excavators for urban work to giant mining machines. This guide outlines standard tonnage classes and lists corresponding models from major global and Chinese brands.
1. Standard Excavator Tonnage Classes
Weight classes define the machine's core capability and job site.
- Mini/Micro Excavators (1 - 6 Tons):
- Ideal for landscaping, utility work, and tight urban spaces.
- Often have zero or minimal tail swing for working close to obstacles.
- Small Excavators (7 - 15 Tons):
- The most versatile class for general construction, residential projects, and drainage.
- Balances power, reach, and transportability.
- Medium Excavators (16 - 30 Tons):
- The workhorse for commercial construction, road building, and medium-sized earthworks.
- Offers high productivity and can handle a wide range of attachments.
- Large Excavators (31 - 90 Tons):
- Used for major infrastructure projects, quarrying, and heavy demolition.
- Requires specialized hauling equipment.
- Mining/Ultra-Large Excavators (100+ Tons):
- Designed for large-scale mining and major dam construction.
- Extreme digging force and bucket capacity.
2. Representative Models by Tonnage Class
Below are key models from leading brands across different weight segments.
Mini/Micro (1-6 Tons)
- Caterpillar (US): 301.5 (~1.5T), 303 CR (~3T)
- Komatsu (JP): PC30 (~3T)
- Volvo CE (SE): EC18 (~1.8T)
- SANY (CN): SY16 (~1.6T), SY35 (~3.5T)
- XCMG (CN): XE15 (~1.5T), XE35 (~3.5T)
Small (7-15 Tons)
- Caterpillar: 308 CR (~8T), 312 (~12T)
- Hitachi (JP): ZX85 (~8.5T)
- Doosan (KR): DX140 (~14T)
- SANY: SY75 (~7.5T), SY135 (~13.5T)
- Zoomlion (CN): ZE60 (~6T), ZE135 (~13.5T)
Medium (16-30 Tons)
- Caterpillar: 320 (~20T), 336 (~36T)
- Komatsu: PC200 (~20T), PC350 (~35T)
- Volvo CE: EC240 (~24T)
- SANY: SY215 (~21.5T), SY335 (~33.5T)
- XCMG: XE215 (~21.5T), XE370 (~37T)
Large (31-90 Tons)
- Caterpillar: 349 (~50T), 395 (~100T - Borderline Mining)
- Komatsu: PC490 (~50T), PC800 (~80T)
- Liebherr (DE): R 956 (~50T)
- SANY: SY550 (~55T)
- XCMG: XE700 (~70T)
Mining (100+ Tons)
- Caterpillar: 374 (~74T - Large, not mining), 395 (~100T), 6090 (~1000T)
- Komatsu: PC1250 (~125T), PC3000 (~300T)
- Hitachi: EX1200 (~120T), EX5600 (~560T)
- Liebherr: R 9800 (~800T)
- SANY: SY870 (~87T - Large), SY1250 (~125T)
Excavator Tonnage and Model Reference Table
| Tonnage Class | Operating Weight Range | Brand (Example) | Model Example | Approx. Weight (Tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 1 - 6 T | Caterpillar (US) | 301.5 | ~1.5 |
| Mini | 1 - 6 T | SANY (CN) | SY35 | ~3.5 |
| Small | 7 - 15 T | Volvo CE (SE) | EC140 | ~14 |
| Small | 7 - 15 T | Zoomlion (CN) | ZE135 | ~13.5 |
| Medium | 16 - 30 T | Komatsu (JP) | PC200 | ~20 |
| Medium | 16 - 30 T | XCMG (CN) | XE215 | ~21.5 |
| Large | 31 - 90 T | Doosan (KR) | DX800 | ~80 |
| Large | 31 - 90 T | SANY (CN) | SY550 | ~55 |
| Mining | 100+ T | Caterpillar (US) | 395 | ~100 |
| Mining | 100+ T | Hitachi (JP) | EX1200 | ~120 |
Conclusion: Selecting the correct excavator tonnage is fundamental. Mini excavators (1-6T) are for confined spaces, while small (7-15T) and medium (16-30T) classes handle the majority of construction work. Large (31-90T) and Mining (100+T) machines are for heavy industry. Both international (Caterpillar, Komatsu) and Chinese (SANY, XCMG) brands offer extensive portfolios across these classes. International brands often lead in the premium large/mining segment with advanced technology, while Chinese brands provide exceptional value and competitiveness across the small to large spectrum, dominating the global volume market.