Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Excavators

  • The largest excavators in the world, made for construction and mining  

    The largest excavators in the world, made for construction and mining  

    When it comes to heavy machinery, bigger sometimes is better. From construction sites to massive mining operations, these massive machines are built to handle the toughest tasks. Whether you’re a contractor, equipment enthusiast, or just fascinated by giant machines, you’ll love this rundown of the biggest and most powerful excavators ever built. Our list of the largest excavators in the world includes the Hyundai R1200-9 and the Komatsu PC8000-11, but first place goes to the behemoth CAT 6090 FS. With an operating weight of 1102 tons and 4500 horsepower, this oversized excavator can tear into anything in its path. 

    7 largest excavators in the world

    • Bobcat E165
    • John Deere 870 P-tier
    • Volvo EC950F
    • Hyundai R1200-9
    • Komatsu PC8000-11
    • Hitachi EX8000 7
    • CAT 6090 FS

    Largest Bobcat Excavator: E165 

    Price: $220,000

    Bobcat is well known for its excavators, and the Bobcat E165 represents the largest Bobcat excavator in the lineup. The E165 provides plenty of slewing torque and power for slewing, backfilling and overall machine performance. Operators enjoy four power modes, fast cycle times, and interior comfort with climate controls, as well as a pressurized cab with sound-isolating seal.

    Product features:

    • Operating weight: 38,376 lbs
    • Bucket capacity:  
    • Height: 10’
    • Engine power: 131 horsepower 

    Largest John Deere Excavator: 870 P-Tier

    Price: Unavailable

    The John Deere 870 P-Tier is John Deere’s largest excavator, equipped with a final tier 4 Isuzu engine that reduces nitrous oxides emissions. The cab interior makes it easy for operators to work comfortably, with a multi-language LCD display monitor that provides access to machine information and functions. The excavator has a maximum dig depth of up to 36’ 7”, and is compatible with several optional attachments, including plate compactors, hammers, and rotary cutters.

    Product specs:

    • Operating weight: 188,716 lbs
    • Bucket capacity: 4.57 cubic yards  
    • Height: 16’10”
    • Engine Power: 512 horsepower

    Largest Volvo excavator: Volvo EC950F 

    Price: $1,332,000

    The Volvo EC950F harnesses the sleek efficiency of one of Sweden’s leading machinery manufacturers to take on the construction sites’ most challenging excavation jobs. With an operating weight of 104.5 tons, and powered by a 449 kW engine, the Volvo EC950F is the largest excavator in Volvo’s lineup, and it gets the job done. Despite not being the largest excavator in the world, the EC950F has an impressive dig depth of just over 23 feet, and a maximum digging reach of 40 feet. It also features an innovative attachment management system that stores settings for up to 20 attachments, making switching tasks quick and easy. 

    Product specs:

    • Operating weight: 104.5 tons
    • Bucket capacity: 9.2 cubic yards 
    • Height: 14 feet
    • Engine power: 603 horsepower

    Largest Hyundai Excavator: Hyundai R1200-9 

    Price: $500,000

    The Hyundai R1200-9 has a digging depth of 23 feet and six inches, making it a force to be reckoned with for tearing through compacted dirt, rocks, and substrate. A redesigned hydraulic system provides superior control, including improved pump flow and engineered spool valves. The South Korea-built R1200-9 also takes advantage of high-tech tools like Advanced Around View Monitoring, which provides operators a 360-degree view of their surroundings, plus an ECO Gauge for real-time fuel-efficiency data.

    Product specs:

    • Operating weight: 130 tons 
    • Bucket capacity: 8.7 cubic yards
    • Height: 13’11”
    • Engine power: 740 horsepower

    Largest Komatsu Excavator: Komatsu PC8000-11

    Price: Unavailable

    The PC8000-11 hydraulic excavator was created by Japan-based Komatsu for use in surface mining operations. This large machine weighs in at 768 tons, and has 4,020 horsepower driving its excavating strength. With 55 cubic yards of bucket capacity, Komatsu’s largest excavator makes quick work of any obstacle in its path. 

    Product specs:

    • Operating weight: 768 tons
    • Bucket capacity: 55 cubic yards
    • Height: 32’1”
    • Engine power: 4,020 horsepower

    Largest Hitachi Excavator: EX8000 7 

    Price: Upon request

    Hitachi’s largest excavator weighs an astonishing 911 cubic tons and, with its backhoe attachment, can dig to a maximum depth of over 25 feet. The Hitachi EX8000 7 is built with technology designed to reduce fuel consumption and a cab optimized for performance and operator comfort. With almost 2000 horsepower, this massive machine is built to move mountains.  

    Product specs:

    • Operating weight: 911.6 tons
    • Bucket capacity:  58.9 cubic yards
    • Height: 32’6” 
    • Engine power: 3,888 horsepower

    Largest Caterpillar Excavator: CAT 6090 FS

    Price: $15 million

    Topping our list, the world’s largest excavator is the Caterpillar 6090 FS. This behemoth mining shovel has an operating weight of 1102 metric tons and a bucket capacity of 68 cubic yards.  Unfortunately for those who want to purchase one of these big boys, Caterpillar has discontinued production of the 6090 FS, but if you can find an existing model for sale, it’ll set you back around $15 million. 

    Product specs:

    • Operating weight: 1102 tons
    • Bucket capacity: 68 cubic yards 
    • Height: 32’9”
    • Engine power: 4,500 horsepower

    Bottom line

    Excavators come in all sizes, but when it comes to raw power, efficiency, and sheer scale, the machines on this list are in a league of their own. From the versatile Bobcat E165 to the world’s largest excavator, the CAT 6090 FS, these giants rule the world on construction sites and mining operations around the globe. Whether they’re used to earth-moving, deep excavation, or heavy-duty mining applications, these massive machines have played a crucial role in shaping our world.  

    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow Under the Hard Hat on Instagram to read more construction news, health tips, and gear reviews!

  • Excavator essentials: How to choose the right machine for the job

    Excavator essentials: How to choose the right machine for the job

    Excavators are the backbone of construction, demolition, and excavation projects. With their versatility and power, these machines can tackle anything from precision work in tight spaces to heavy-duty digging and lifting on massive job sites. But with so many sizes, configurations, and features, finding the right excavator for your needs can feel overwhelming. To help you determine whether you need a compact model that can fit into tight spaces or a large excavator to take on your biggest jobs, consider factors including size and weight class, tail swing, project size and scope, and what kind of power and performance you need to do the job.

    Quick look

    • Mini/compact excavators generally weigh up to 13,500 lbs and work well in compact spaces.
    • Midi excavators weigh between 16,000 and 22,000 lbs and offer more power than the mini models while being reasonably agile.
    • Standard excavators usually weigh between 22,000 and 100,000 lbs and are the most popular size. These are the machines you’ll find on most construction sites.
    • Large excavators weigh over 100,000 lbs and are used in large-scale demolition and construction projects.
    • To help choose the right excavator, consider factors like size and weight class, tail swing, project size and scope, arm configurations, comfort features, and worksite conditions.

    Types of excavators

    Mini or compact

    • Weight: Up to 13,000 lbs
    • Best for: Smaller jobs in tight spaces

    These are the go-to excavators for jobs in tight spaces that require maneuverability and agility. Both compact and mini excavators are small, but compact excavators are heavier and can handle a bigger load. Mini and compact models are also the most portable; you can load them onto a trailer and tow them behind a truck to move them easily between job sites.

    Of course, the smaller models’ maneuverability and portability come at a price. Mini and compact excavators have a shallower digging depth, less lifting capacity, and shorter reach than larger excavators.

    Midi

    • Weight: 16,000 to 22,000 lbs 
    • Best for: A balance of power and maneuverability

    Midi excavators exist within the Goldilocks zone, small enough to operate within smaller spaces and work in residential environments while also having more power, weight capacity, and digging depth than compact models. 

    Standard

    • Weight: 22,000 to 100,000 lbs
    • Best for: Most construction sites

    This is a full-size excavator capable of handling most heavy-duty tasks. It’s the most popular excavator class and the one you’ll find operating on most construction sites. Standard-sized excavators offer more power and reach than midi models, and the addition of hydraulic systems provides them with greater power and lift capacities.

    Large

    • Weight: Over 100,000 lbs
    • Best for: Big jobs and demolition duty

    This is the granddaddy of excavators, the big guns, the Clydesdale workhorses of the construction world. Large excavators are the machines you want for bigger demolition jobs and massive construction tasks, but you won’t see these machines in city environments due to their size. The immense power, dig depth, and reach of these large machines require an equally large method of transportation, and you’ll need transport trucks to move them.  

    What to consider when choosing an excavator

    1. Size and weight class

    It may be tempting to get the biggest excavator you can afford, but when considering which size and weight class is right for you, consider what jobs you’ll be using the excavator for. When you’re working primarily on smaller-scale construction jobs, in tight areas, or residential applications, the size of larger excavator models will be an impediment, not a TK. 

    Also, consider how you will move the excavator. If you don’t already own transportation equipment and don’t want to invest in a class 3 truck and larger trailer, stick with the mini/compact model.

    2. Tail swing

    The excavator’s size isn’t the factor affecting how well it maneuvers. Tail swing refers to how far the excavator cab extends beyond the width of its tracks when it turns. Zero tail swing models offer greater maneuverability in tight spaces because the machine body doesn’t extend past the excavator tracks. If the excavator fits into a space, you’ll be able to rotate fully within it, making it an excellent choice for working in confined spaces. However, zero-swing excavators have reduced operating capacities due to lower counterweights.

    Conversely, excavators with a conventional tail swing have an upper machine body that extends past the treads when they turn. These excavators also have larger counterweights, offering more stability and balance.

    3. Project size and scope

    The size of your project will also impact what excavator is right for you. Consider the projects you’ll be working on and the scope of your excavation needs, then evaluate the excavators according to their dig depths, dump heights, and lift capacities to figure out which one best suits your projects. 

    While you likely won’t know the scope of every future project, consider the work you’ll most likely be doing with your excavator to determine how much reach, digging power, and hydraulic lift you might need, and then choose your excavator accordingly.

    4. Arm configurations

    If you work in conditions requiring extra-long reach or dig depth, you’ll want to choose an excavator with a long-arm option. A longer arm allows the excavator to reach higher dump heights and dig further into the ground. It also has a counterweight to stabilize the machine during this added reach.  

    5. Worksite conditions

    The environment in which the excavator will be used will affect the size you’ll need. Picture the worksite where the excavator will operate and imagine how it’ll move around within the construction zone, any obstacles to maneuver past or through, and how it will get to and from the site (if necessary). For a residential area or smaller projects, a mini or compact model is ideal for working around houses, landscaping, and other features. For bigger projects with tight clearance, a zero-swing model might be necessary. 

    6. Power and performance

    Weighing your power and performance requirements will help you choose the correct excavator. Smaller excavator models will have less digging force and lift capacity than midsize excavators but perform better in tight spaces. Large models have the power to get through just about any job, but their cost and fuel requirements mean a lower return on investment if you aren’t using them to their full potential. 

    7. Comfort features

    Comfort might not be at the top of your mind when choosing an excavator, but if you’re planning on working full day behind the controls, features like a shock-absorbing seat, air conditioning, smart controls, and other options become almost as important as the more technical specs. Choose an excavator with enough comfort features to help you focus and feel good while getting the job done. 

    Quick tips for picking the right excavator

    • Consider options and add-ons. Many excavators have additional tools, accessories, and optional features that can extend their use and function. Check which ones are available for the models you’re considering and how they might match your project’s needs.
    • Prioritize safety. Excavators are large, heavy machines—even the mini models can cause damage, accidents, and injuries if misused. Safety features like seatbelts, hydraulic safety interlocks, swing protection, backup cameras, and alarms can help reduce the risk of accidents.
    • Look for tech integration. Technology can offer crucial insight into excavator performance and site conditions and provide features like GPS, auto-idling, sensors, and even AI-powered tech to improve excavator operations and offer precision control. 

    Bottom line

    Choosing the right excavator is about more than just picking the biggest machine on the lot. It’s about understanding your project’s demands, the site conditions, and the excavator’s features. Whether you need the maneuverability of a mini excavator or the muscle of a large one, considering factors like tail swing, power, and worksite logistics ensures you invest in equipment that gets the job done efficiently and safely. With the right excavator in your fleet, no job is too big or too small.

    For all the best gear reviews and equipment guides, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media!

  • Volvo rolls out 6 new midsize and large excavators in its biggest update in two decades

    Volvo rolls out 6 new midsize and large excavators in its biggest update in two decades

    Excavators are the workhorses of construction sites, and Volvo’s sleek new lineup provides upgrades where they matter most. Featuring optimized hydraulic systems, 360-degree visibility, and radar-powered obstacle detection, the six new models deliver the power, safety, and lifetime reliability we’ve come to expect from Volvo. 

    New additions to Volvo Excavators are the most significant update in two decades

    Image courtesy of Volvo

    Volvo’s recent launch of a new series of medium and large excavator models is being called the “most significant update to the Volvo excavator lineup in 20 years.” The new North American models are the ECR145 short swing, EC210, EC230, EC370, EC400, and EC500, featuring upgrades to the crawler excavator’s efficiency, safety, and operator comfort.   

    The latest updates

    Images courtesy of Volvo

    Efficiency

    Volvo’s new lineup outperforms previous models and does so more efficiently than ever. Thanks to a smart cooling system, optimized hydraulic system, and engine speed regulation,  the new excavators improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%.

    Safety

    The new Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection allows operators a unique overhead view of the excavator, providing 360-degree visibility of any hazards or obstacles. Combining cameras with a radar detection system, the Smart View system can differentiate between humans and objects for added safety.  

    Comfortable Cabs

    A Volvo press release shares some new upgrades designed to enhance operator comfort, including:

    • Updated seat design with improved ventilation
    • Keyless engine start with the ability to store multiple operator preference settings
    • Larger cab side mirror with heater
    • Built-in cooler/heater compartment for food or drinks
    • Additional safety railings and relocated footsteps
    • New DEF sight gauges and splash guard

    Tech-Assist 

    Operators get a leg up on excavator operations with several systems designed to increase productivity. Volvo says the features included on new models make the excavators easier and more accurate to control: “The enhanced hydraulics enable better machine control and the smooth and precise movement of the boom, bucket, and other hydraulic components…A new creep travel mode coupled with boom and arm shock reduction settings give operators tight command of loads and reduce spillage.”

    Excavators offer the latest version of Volvo’s Co-Pilot program. They feature a larger tablet with a higher-resolution screen, which allows them to use applications like Dig Assist to weigh loads and complete in-field design.

    Reliability

    Less maintenance means less downtime. The updated Volvo excavator models offer a 50% increase in hydraulic oil life, with recommended service intervals stretched to 3,000 hours (when run with regular hydraulic oil) or 6000 hours (with long-life hydraulic oil). 

    All models also still offer the Volvo Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty, which provides coverage for the frame, boom, and arm for as long as you own the excavator.  

    Quick specs

    ECR145EEC210EC230EC370EC400EC500
    Operating weight (lbs)31,770 – 36,79045,149 – 52,94145,560 – 57,64082,890 – 87,46086,800 – 91,600106,110 – 116,400
    Gross power (hp)121154173344339 424
    Bucket capacity (yd³)0.33 – 1.070.63 – 1.88 0.6 – 1.881.14 – 3.191.14 – 3.791.5 – 4.33
    Max. digging reach (ft, in)27′ 5″32′ 10″32′ 7″36′ 10″36′ 10″38′ 9″
    Max. digging depth (ft, in)18′ 2″24′ 8″22′ 1″24′ 11″24′ 11″24′ 6″
    Lifting capacity (lbs)7,96014,31011,39825,36025,01032,407
    Overall width (ft, in)8′ 10″9′ 10″ 9′ 10″11′ 2″11′ 2″11′ 4″