On this page
Excavator sizes at a glance: operating weight and dig depth
Excavators are commonly compared by operating weight. A nominal 5-ton or 20-ton machine is not guaranteed to weigh exactly that amount. The chart below shows one manufacturer-documented example in each weight band, not a fixed performance requirement for that band.
| Size band | Example | Operating weight / max. dig depth |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 t | Cat 301.5 | 1.775 t3,913 lbDepth: 2.54 m / 8.3 ft |
| 2–5 t | John Deere 50 P-Tier | 4.92 t10,847 lbDepth: 3.53 m / 11.6 ft |
| 5–10 t | Cat 305 CR | 5.754 t12,685 lbDepth: 3.67 m / 12 ft |
| 10–20 t | Cat 313 | 13.8 t30,424 lbDepth: 5.84 m / 19.2 ft |
| 20–40 t | Cat 320 | 22.6 t49,824 lbDepth: 6.72 m / 22 ft |
| 40+ t | Cat 395 | 94 t207,235 lbDepth: 9.67 m / 31.7 ft |
Weight bands are practical comparison groups, not standardized machine classes. Maximum depth depends on the quoted boom/stick setup and does not establish digging depth at every reach.
Find an excavator that meets your depth and weight limits
View all 19 modelsThe reference table below works without JavaScript. Match maximum digging depth, machine weight, access dimensions and the exact configuration before selecting a machine.
Use a published maximum dig depth as an initial screen, then verify the working-range diagram, ground support and the actual lift chart. Results compare model examples, not an approved machine for your site.
Compare two excavator models side by side
Excavator size chart: 19 Caterpillar, John Deere and Bobcat models
Browse the documented operating weights and maximum digging depths, with links to the original manufacturer descriptions. These are representative models and configurations, not a complete inventory. Different arms, booms, buckets and counterweights change specifications.
No matching models. Clear the search or reset the filters.
On narrow screens, swipe sideways to view all columns. The first column remains visible.
| Cat 300.9D | Caterpillar | 0.935 t2,061 lb | 1.731 m5.68 ft | Under 2 t | Cat mini line-up; 935 kg and 1,731 mm maximum depth. Manufacturer data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat E10 | Bobcat | 1.176 t2,593 lb | 1.829 m6 ft | Under 2 t | Compact excavator; published 2,593 lb and 6 ft maximum depth. Manufacturer data |
| Cat 301.5 | Caterpillar | 1.775 t3,913 lb | 2.54 m8.33 ft | Under 2 t | Maximum canopy operating weight; long-stick depth; configuration-dependent. Manufacturer data |
| John Deere 30 P-Tier | John Deere | 3.275 t7,220 lb | 2.79 m9.15 ft | 2–5 t | Manufacturer compact-model comparison; published model specification. Manufacturer data |
| Bobcat E35 (standard arm) | Bobcat | 3.474 t7,659 lb | 3.078 m10.1 ft | 2–5 t | 25 hp standard-arm configuration; other E35 arms have different values. Manufacturer data |
| Cat 303.5 CR | Caterpillar | 4.19 t9,237 lb | 3.11 m10.2 ft | 2–5 t | Maximum cab operating weight; long-stick depth. Manufacturer data |
| John Deere 50 P-Tier | John Deere | 4.92 t10,847 lb | 3.53 m11.58 ft | 2–5 t | Manufacturer compact-model specification; 4,920 kg and 3.53 m. Manufacturer data |
| Bobcat E60 | Bobcat | 5.586 t12,315 lb | 3.993 m13.1 ft | 5–10 t | Model-listing example: 12,315 lb; 13.1 ft maximum dig depth (rounded). Manufacturer data |
| Cat 305 CR | Caterpillar | 5.754 t12,685 lb | 3.67 m12.04 ft | 5–10 t | Maximum cab weight without bucket; long-stick depth. Manufacturer data |
| John Deere 60 P-Tier | John Deere | 6.18 t13,625 lb | 3.77 m12.37 ft | 5–10 t | Manufacturer compact-model comparison; model-specific specification. Manufacturer data |
| Cat 308 CR (C2.8) | Caterpillar | 9.42 t20,768 lb | 4.643 m15.23 ft | 5–10 t | C2.8 version, maximum cab weight and long stick; bucket excluded. Manufacturer data |
| John Deere 130 P-Tier | John Deere | 13.407 t29,557 lb | 6.03 m19.78 ft | 10–20 t | Manufacturer mid-size comparison; stated model specification. Manufacturer data |
| Cat 313 | Caterpillar | 13.8 t30,424 lb | 5.84 m19.16 ft | 10–20 t | Reach boom, R3.0 m stick, GD 0.53 m³ bucket. Manufacturer data |
| Cat 320 | Caterpillar | 22.6 t49,824 lb | 6.72 m22.05 ft | 20–40 t | Reach 5.7 m boom, R2.9 m stick and HD 1.19 m³ bucket. Manufacturer data |
| John Deere 210 P-Tier | John Deere | 23.56 t51,941 lb | 6.67 m21.88 ft | 20–40 t | Manufacturer mid-size comparison; stated model specification. Manufacturer data |
| John Deere 300 P-Tier | John Deere | 31.15 t68,674 lb | 7.87 m25.82 ft | 20–40 t | Manufacturer current mid-size model listing. Manufacturer data |
| John Deere 350 P-Tier | John Deere | 36.734 t80,985 lb | 8.18 m26.84 ft | 20–40 t | Manufacturer mid-size model; 36,734 kg and 8.18 m. Manufacturer data |
| Cat 336 | Caterpillar | 36.8 t81,130 lb | 8.21 m26.94 ft | 20–40 t | Reach 6.5 m boom, 3.9 m stick and HD 2.00 m³ bucket. Manufacturer data |
| Cat 395 | Caterpillar | 94 t207,235 lb | 9.67 m31.73 ft | 40+ t | GP 8.4 m boom, R4.4 m stick and SD 5.2 m³ bucket. Manufacturer data |
Source methodology: weights and depths are from the linked Cat, Deere and Bobcat listings. For Bobcat models published in pounds and feet/inches, metric values are calculated conversions. For metric-source models, pound values are calculated and may differ slightly from the manufacturer’s separately rounded pound listing. Weight and depth configurations are specific to each row, not a promise about rental inventory. Published maximum dig depth is not equivalent to useful digging depth at every radius. Machine width, lift charts and bucket capacity are not inferred from weight.
Excavator Size Chart — 19 manufacturer-backed illustrative model specifications, not a lifting/transport selection.
What are mini, midi, standard and large excavator sizes?
Excavator classes are marketing and equipment-management categories rather than a single worldwide weight classification. Caterpillar markets mini excavators roughly from 1 to 10 metric tonnes, while John Deere places some machines below 10 tonnes in its mid-size group. Therefore, the six weight bands above are just convenient comparison ranges, not manufacturer definitions.
| Approximate size discussion | Examples from this page | Common planning focus |
|---|---|---|
| Very compact / under 2 t | Bobcat E10; Cat 301.5 | Restricted access and light trenching; verify gate clearance |
| Compact / 2–5 t | Bobcat E35; Deere 50 P-Tier | Residential utilities, drainage, landscaping |
| Compact-to-midi / 5–10 t | Cat 305; Deere 60; Cat 308 | Deeper utility trenching and greater work envelopes |
| Intermediate / 10–20 t | Deere 130; Cat 313 | Site work and foundations subject to access and loading |
| Production / 20–40 t | Cat 320; Deere 300; Cat 336 | Bulk earthmoving and truck loading where site permits |
| Large / 40+ t | Cat 395 | Large-scale excavation and specialized production |
These work examples describe common reasons to investigate a class; they are not endorsements for a particular excavation, structural load or ground condition. Equipment companies may quote a nominal “3-ton machine” even when the specific configuration weighs more than 3,000 kg.
What size excavator do I need for my project?
Begin with your work envelope, not a model number. Record the deepest and furthest point you must reach, where the tracks can stand, the material being removed, the available swing clearance and whether material must be loaded into a truck. Then compare manufacturer diagrams for the exact machine and attachment.
Backyard drainage or utilities
Measure gate and path widths, trench depth and working radius. Confirm the machine can travel and swing safely without damaging nearby services.
Foundation or basement excavation
Check slope/benching or support design, soil conditions, required depth at reach, spoil handling and access. A deeper catalog maximum alone is insufficient.
Bulk earthwork and loading
Compare material density, bucket suitability, dump height, truck geometry and expected cycle time. More operating weight is not automatically higher productivity for every site.
Placing structures or pipes
Use the model-specific lift chart for the object weight, radius, lift height, configuration and rigging. This page never estimates lifting ability from tonnage.
Manufacturers also recommend checking bucket size, reach, counterweight, hydraulic attachments, tire/track choices, service support and cost. See Caterpillar’s excavator right-sizing guidance for a useful planning framework.
Maximum digging depth is not digging depth at every reach
Manufacturers publish maximum digging depth for a particular boom, stick, bucket and machine position. A job may instead require a known depth several feet away from the tracks, or a level-bottom trench. Review the machine’s working-range diagram, maximum reach, vertical-wall depth and suitable standing position before deciding that a machine will do the work.
For example, Caterpillar’s Cat 308 CR C2.8 has a published 4,643 mm long-stick depth but a different figure with its standard stick. Treat the same model name with a different stick, coupler or bucket as a new configuration to verify.
How wide is a mini excavator? Access, tail swing and clearance
There is no universal width for a 1-, 3- or 5-ton excavator. The width depends on the exact tracks, undercarriage setting, blade and model version. The Cat 301.5, for example, lists a retractable undercarriage of approximately 990 mm and an expanded width of approximately 1,300 mm for the stated configuration; these are different travel and working positions.
Record the narrowest gate/door, overhead utilities, turning corridor and clear swing envelope. Check both transport width and the additional room required to operate. Zero-tail-swing or reduced-tail-swing labels do not remove the bucket, boom, attachment, counterweight or bystander clearances.
If a planned access width is near a manufacturer’s stated track width, do not approve access from that single measurement. Request the full machine dimensions and plan clearance for surfaces, slopes and movement.
Excavator bucket sizes, hydraulic attachments and production
Bucket capacity is configured rather than implied by the excavator tonnage. Examples in the original Cat specifications include the Cat 313 at 0.53 m³, Cat 320 at 1.19 m³, Cat 336 at 2.00 m³, and Cat 395 at 5.2 m³ for the stated bucket options. These are example installed bucket capacities, not mandatory buckets for the model.
Actual production depends on material density, fill factor, swing distance, loading geometry, cycle time, stability, permissible attachment mass, hydraulic capacity and crew practices. Do not use the nominal bucket volume as a guaranteed payload. Hammers and augers require mounting, hydraulic flow, pressure and return-line compatibility checks.
Does a 5-ton excavator lift 5 tons?
No such conclusion follows from the name. Operating weight is not rated lifting capacity. Lift limits vary with radius, height, direction over the machine, blade position, track width, counterweight, lifting point and equipment/rigging deductions. A weight-class filter cannot substitute for the manufacturer-supplied load chart.
Similarly, excavator ground pressure is not enough by itself to establish safe operation near an excavation edge. Soil conditions, underground voids, utilities and excavation protective systems require separate assessment. For actual lifting or trench work, use the job-specific plan and the applicable qualified personnel.
Before renting: transport weight, attachments and machine configuration
1 metric tonne = 1,000 kg ≈ 2,204.62 lb. A U.S. short ton is exactly 2,000 lb. A 20-tonne machine and a 20-U.S.-ton machine are not the same mass. State the unit explicitly in rental requests and freight plans.
Ask for actual transport dimensions and shipping mass with the specified bucket, coupler, tracks, counterweight, fuel and attachments. Some manufacturer operating-weight figures exclude a bucket. Trailer payload also depends on the trailer itself, carried tools, towing or hauling vehicle, axle and route limitations; the comparison weight in this page does not verify transport legality.
Send a dealer the planned task, maximum digging depth at reach, bucket or attachment, site access, ground conditions, load-handling needs and desired machine model. Request the offered machine’s exact spec sheet, working-range diagram, lifting chart where relevant, and any dimension changes due to options.
Excavator Size Chart FAQs
What size excavator do I need?
Choose based on required digging depth at the actual reach, access width, attachment, material, loading geometry and ground conditions. Compare weight only after these requirements are known; the finder provides a specification shortlist, not an engineering approval.
How much does a mini excavator weigh?
The manufacturer category varies. Caterpillar’s mini line spans roughly 1–10 metric tonnes, while the sampled Bobcat E10 is about 1.18 tonnes and the Cat 308 CR C2.8 example is 9.42 tonnes. Verify the specific machine and attachments.
What is the digging depth of a 3-ton excavator?
There is no fixed depth for all machines described as 3-ton. For reference, the John Deere 30 P-Tier has a listed 2.79 m maximum depth, and the Bobcat E35 standard-arm example lists 121.2 in (about 3.08 m), but their weights and configurations differ.
How deep can a 5-ton excavator dig?
A 5-ton label is approximate. This chart includes a John Deere 50 P-Tier at 4.92 t and 3.53 m maximum digging depth and a Cat 305 CR configuration at 5.754 t and 3.67 m. Useful depth at your working radius still needs a range diagram.
How deep does a 20-ton excavator dig?
The Cat 320 model example weighs 22.6 metric tonnes and has a published maximum digging depth of 6.72 m. Other nominal 20-ton machines have different booms, sticks and working ranges.
Can a 5-ton excavator lift 5 tons?
Not on the basis of its operating-weight class. Lifting capacity requires the manufacturer’s exact lifting chart at the load radius, height, orientation and equipment configuration.
How wide is a 1- or 2-ton excavator?
Width varies by model and undercarriage position. The Cat 301.5 offers approximately 990 mm retracted and 1,300 mm expanded track width in the cited configuration. Check the exact spec and operating clearance.
What is the difference between a ton and a tonne?
A metric tonne is 1,000 kg (about 2,204.62 lb); a U.S. short ton is 2,000 lb. The comparison chart uses metric tonnes plus pounds to avoid that ambiguity.
Are Cat 308 and Cat 320 model numbers exact weights?
No. The cited Cat 308 CR C2.8 example is 9,420 kg, while the Cat 320 example is 22,600 kg. Numbers and generations are product designations, not certified operating-weight values.
Can I use the maximum dig depth to select a trenching machine?
Not alone. The maximum value occurs at a specific geometry. Confirm depth and reach simultaneously, suitable ground support, bucket dimensions, excavation protection and the exact machine configuration.
Are bucket capacities standardized by excavator class?
No. Buckets, couplers and attachments vary. Use the manufacturer’s approved capacity, hydraulic specifications and material-loading guidance for the offered model.
Manufacturer sources, definitions and limitations
The table compiles selected manufacturer-listed operating weights and maximum digging depths reviewed October 29, 2026. It is not a single testing program: equipment options, regions, generations and the inclusion of a bucket can differ. Where the source uses U.S. units, metric values are converted using exact unit factors, not measured independently. For metric-source entries, displayed pound figures are derived conversions and may differ from separately rounded catalog pound listings. A printed three-decimal depth does not indicate a field-measurement accuracy of 1 mm.
- Caterpillar — mini excavator models and specifications (including 300.9D and 301.5 examples).
- Caterpillar — 308 CR C2.8, with variant-specific weights and depths.
- Caterpillar — 313; 320; 336; 395.
- John Deere — compact and mid-size excavator comparison; includes model-specific published weights and maximum digging depths.
- Bobcat — E35 variants and digging depth; Bobcat — compact model lineup (E10 and E60).
- Caterpillar — project-based excavator sizing considerations.
Always consult the current specification and approved working-range or lifting chart for the actual machine before purchase, rental, transport, trenching or lifting operations.