Getting the right excavator size for construction projects is critical.
No one wants to waste budget on an excavator that turned out way too small or way too big.
So, let’s take a dive into how to choose the right size and strength excavator for your jobsite.
As XCMG’s flagship dealership, we’ll also be providing you with some top-tier machines from our inventory.
Understanding Excavator Size Categories
Excavators come in various sizes, each built for different types of projects.
Simply put, the three categories are:
- Mini Excavators
- Mid-size Excavators;
- Large Excavators (or what you think when someone just says excavator).
Let’s break down these 3 size categories.
Mini Excavators (1-8 tons) – Small but Mighty
These tiny titans of machinery are perfect for tight spaces, landscaping tasks, residential construction, and utility work.
These small models offer the most maneuverability with their compact size without sacrificing on power needed to trench and dig to get to utility pipes or prep your sites for larger models.
These are three of our favorite mini excavator models:
- XE18U – A compact mini excavator designed for urban construction, trenching, and small-scale site prep.
- XE55U – A versatile model with a deeper digging depth, perfect for utility work and light commercial applications.
- XE80U – A small digger that delivers power and efficiency, bridging the gap between mini and mid-size models.
If you’ve got tight, limited space on your job site, and only need to get shallow digging done, this excavator size is perfect for you.
Mid-Size Excavators (13-18 tons) – The Versatile Workhorses
These excavators hit the perfect balance between strength and size.
Mid-size excavators offer higher lifting capacities and greater reach than mini excavators, while still maintaining enough mobility to keep work moving quickly.
This makes them perfect for road construction, site preparation, trenching, and heavy-duty commercial projects
These are three top-shelf options for you to consider:
- XE135U – A solid choice for general construction, roadwork, and excavation with a balance of size and power.
- XE155U – Designed for larger-scale trenching and foundation work, offering more digging power.
- XE155UCR – A compact radius version of the XE155U, perfect for tight urban spaces and confined job sites with large fleets.
Large Excavators (21+ tons) – Heavy-Duty Powerhouses
When you’re looking for power, power, and a bit more power, large excavators should be your starting point.
Their size and strength lets them provide superior digging power and handle heavy materials with absolute ease.
The right excavator size for construction and excavation at scale, mining, and industrial projects.
Here are some massive monsters of machinery we recommend:
- XE210U – A powerful and fuel-efficient option for larger commercial projects.
- XE250U – Ideal for infrastructure projects, major earthmoving, and material handling.
- XE490U – A 49-ton beast built for mining, large-scale excavation, and high-production environments.
- XE235UCR – A compact radius variant of a full-size excavator, designed for urban jobsites requiring high power in limited space.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Excavator For Construction Projects
Getting the right size excavator for your construction project, or any project, doesn’t stop at getting the size category right.
Here are some factors you also want to look at to make sure your saving yourself a headache and getting the right machine for the job:
1. Job Site Conditions
Size and terrain of project sites will also dictate what machines can be used.
In tight urban spaces and for landscaping projects, you’re most likely to opt for a mini excavator.
But, if you need more digging and lifting strength than a mini excavator can offer – consider a compact radius variant of a mid-size excavator (like the XE155UCR).
Compact radius variants let you get larger models with tighter tail swings, letting you work closer to walls and site edges (like when you’re surrounded by buildings on a city project).
2. Lifting & Digging Requirements
You don’t want to be asked to go deeper and not deliver.
Mini excavators are great for trenching and shallow digging.
Mid-size and large excavators offer higher lift capacities and deeper digging depths.
3. Hydraulic Attachments Compatibility
Attachments and machines compatible with a bunch of them get you massive versatility on your job sites.
Get machines that support quick couplers, breakers, augers, grapples, and buckets for massive work site efficiency.
Every XCMG model comes equipped with advanced hydraulics and quick couplers for smooth and quick attachment changes.
4. Fuel Efficiency & Cost
With ever-rising fuel prices, selecting a fuel-efficient excavator can significantly cut costs and stop you from bleeding your budget.
ReadyDig’s XCMG models come with Tier 4 Final engines reducing emissions and maximizing fuel efficiency.
5. Transportation & Accessibility
More of a bonus factor (if you need a large excavator, you’re gonna get a large excavator).
Mini and mid-size excavators are the more easily transported options.
Large excavators are going to require specialized transport and more space to park.
Common Excavator Applications & Best Size Recommendations
Still unsure which excavator is right for you?
Here are some common job types with our recommendations for the ideal excavator size:
- Residential Projects: Mini excavators (XE18U, XE55U) are best for trenching, foundation work, and landscaping.
- Commercial Construction: Mid-size excavators (XE135U, XE155U) provide the perfect balance for site preparation, roadwork, and foundation excavation.
- Heavy-Duty Industrial Projects: Large excavators (XE210U, XE490U) are designed for major excavation, mining, and demolition work.
- Tight Space Projects: Compact radius models (XE155UCR, XE235UCR) help navigate urban job sites while maintaining power offered by their larger sizes.
Get the Right Excavator Size For Your Construction Projects
Choosing the right excavator size for construction projects, any project really, ensures efficiency, a happier budget handler, and optimal performance.
ReadyDig has what you need with its full range of XCMG excavators and machines and backs them up with our exclusive Uptime Guarantee.
✅ Expert machine guidance – Contact our team to find the right fit.
✅ 0% instant financing options – Get the best machine with flexible payments.
✅ Industry-leading Uptime Guarantee – Keep your projects moving without costly downtime delays.
Call us now to book a 1-week demo and get started with the right excavator for your job!
It’s time to meet your next favorite machine.