Excavator Size Chart | Excavator Weight & Digging Depth Guide

Excavator Size Chart

Excavators are available in a wide range of sizes designed for different types of construction, landscaping, and excavation projects. From small mini excavators used in residential yards to large machines used for commercial construction, choosing the correct excavator size ensures efficiency, safety, and productivity.

This excavator size chart explains the different machine classes, including operating weight, digging depth, bucket capacity, and typical project applications.

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Excavator Size Chart

Excavator Class Operating Weight Digging Depth Bucket Capacity Typical Uses
Micro Excavator 2,000 – 4,000 lbs 5 – 7 ft .03 – .05 yd³ Tight access jobs
Mini Excavator 4,000 – 10,000 lbs 7 – 10 ft .05 – .15 yd³ Landscaping, utilities
Compact Excavator 10,000 – 18,000 lbs 10 – 14 ft .15 – .30 yd³ Construction, trenching
Mid-Size Excavator 18,000 – 40,000 lbs 15 – 20 ft .30 – .75 yd³ Road work, foundations
Large Excavator 40,000 – 90,000 lbs 20 – 30 ft .75 – 2 yd³ Heavy construction
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Micro Excavators (1–2 Ton)

Micro excavators are designed for extremely tight workspaces. These machines are commonly used for residential projects where access is limited or where larger equipment could damage landscaping or structures.

Typical uses

  • Fence installation
  • Utility repairs
  • Small trenching projects
  • Interior demolition
  • Residential landscaping
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Mini Excavators (2–4 Ton)

Mini excavators are among the most popular machines for residential construction and landscaping work. They provide excellent maneuverability while still offering enough digging power for trenching and small excavation projects.

Typical projects

  • Drainage installation
  • Utility trenching
  • Retaining walls
  • Septic installation
  • Landscape grading
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Compact Excavators (4–8 Ton)

Compact excavators offer greater digging depth and lifting capacity while still remaining maneuverable on construction sites. These machines are commonly used by contractors for residential and light commercial projects.

Applications

  • Foundation excavation
  • Driveway preparation
  • Storm drainage systems
  • Utility trenching
  • Land clearing
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Mid-Size Excavators

Mid-size excavators are designed for large residential construction and small commercial development projects. They provide significantly greater reach and lifting capacity than compact machines.

Typical uses

  • Road construction
  • Large foundation excavation
  • Drainage infrastructure
  • Commercial site preparation
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Large Excavators

Large excavators are heavy-duty machines used for major construction projects. These machines provide maximum digging power and reach and are typically used for large infrastructure and commercial developments.

Typical projects

  • Highway construction
  • Major earthmoving
  • Large commercial foundations
  • Industrial site preparation
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Excavator Attachments

Modern excavators can perform many tasks by switching hydraulic attachments.

Attachment Purpose
Hydraulic Breaker Concrete demolition
Auger Drilling post holes
Grapple Handling logs and debris
Trenching Bucket Utility trenching
Mulching Head Vegetation clearing
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Related Excavator Rental Pages

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Excavator Safety Resources

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NorthPoint Equipment Rentals Locations

NorthPoint Equipment Rentals provides excavator rentals across New Hampshire from five locations.

Tilton NH
185 Laconia Road
Tilton NH 03276
Phone: 603-499-7926

Ashland NH
130 Main Street
Ashland NH 03217
Phone: 603-375-4161

Hooksett NH
5 Cross Road
Hooksett NH 03106
Phone: 603-736-7145

Rumney NH
935 NH-25
Rumney NH 03266
Phone: 603-952-3550

Colebrook NH
88 Main Street
Colebrook NH 03576
Phone: 603-255-3790

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Reserve an Excavator

Need excavation equipment for your next project? NorthPoint Equipment Rentals provides excavators across New Hampshire.

Call 603-499-7926 to reserve equipment or schedule delivery.

Reserve Equipment Online