What are the Best Excavators Makes & Models?
Excavator Brands
When it comes to major construction projects, the choice of equipment can be a deciding factor in the job’s success. Excavators, with their versatility and power, are a staple on any site, but with so many brands available, making an informed choice can be daunting.
From Caterpillar’s reliability to Komatsu’s innovative technology, Volvo’s eco-conscious design, Sany’s affordability, John Deere’s fuel efficiency, Hitachi’s operator comfort, KOBELCO’s noise reduction, Doosan’s power, Hyundai’s durability, or CASE’s versatility – each brand offers something unique.
This guide aims to demystify your decision by presenting detailed insights into the top eleven excavator manufacturers operating in the US. These brands – Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, Sany, John Deere, Hitachi, KOBELCO, Doosan, Hyundai, and CASE – are renowned for their quality, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
Each brand is profiled with a brief history, a look at one of their most popular models, and specifications to help you decide which excavator could be the right fit for your projects. Let’s dive in!
10. Case
American manufacturer CASE, with roots back to 1842, offers versatile excavators designed for substantial power and performance, regardless of the task at hand.
Popular Model: CASE CX210D
- Engine: Isuzu AM-4HK1X
- Operating Weight: 50,400 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 21’9″
- Price Range: $150,000 – $200,000
Learn more about Case Excavators
9. Hyundai
Since 1947, Hyundai from South Korea has been developing high-quality, efficient construction equipment. Hyundai excavators offer outstanding performance, durability, and comfort.
Popular Model: Hyundai HX220L
- Engine: Cummins QSB6.7
- Operating Weight: 51,500 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 22’1″
- Price Range: $170,000 – $210,000
Learn more about Hyundai Excavators
8. Doosan
South Korean brand Doosan, with its origins dating back to 1896, offers a diverse range of construction equipment. Doosan excavators are known for their powerful performance and operator-focused design.
Popular Model: Doosan DX225LC-5
- Engine: Doosan DL06
- Operating Weight: 49,604 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 20’1″
- Price Range: $170,000 – $210,000
Learn more about Doosan Excavators
7. KOBELCO
Another renowned Japanese brand, KOBELCO, founded in 1905, focuses on creating excavators that offer advanced technologies, such as noise and vibration reduction, and improved energy efficiency.
Popular Model: Kobelco SK210LC-10
- Engine: HINO JO5EUM-KSSD
- Operating Weight: 47,840 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 21’7″
- Price Range: $180,000 – $220,000
Learn more about KOBELCO Excavators
6. Hitachi
Japanese manufacturer Hitachi, founded in 1910, produces durable excavators designed for fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved operator comfort.
Popular Model: Hitachi ZX210LC-6
- Engine: Isuzu AI-4HK1X
- Operating Weight: 47,900 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 21’11”
- Price Range: $150,000 – $200,000
Learn more about Hitachi Excavators
5. Sany
Sany, established in 1986 in China, has quickly risen to prominence thanks to their reliable, efficient, and reasonably priced construction equipment, which includes a range of robust excavators.
Popular Model: Sany SY215C
- Engine: Cummins QSB6.7
- Operating Weight: 51,500 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 21’4″
- Price Range: $150,000 – $200,000
Learn more about Sany Excavators
4. John Deere
John Deere, an iconic American brand established in 1837, provides dependable and innovative construction equipment. Their excavators deliver excellent fuel efficiency, reduced noise levels, and powerful performance.
Popular Model: John Deere 350G LC
- Engine: John Deere PowerTech PSS 9.0L
- Operating Weight: 77,970 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 26’7″
- Price Range: $240,000 – $280,000
Learn more about John Deere Excavators
3. Volvo
Swedish brand Volvo, founded in 1832, prioritizes eco-friendliness and cutting-edge technology. Volvo excavators are built for power, efficiency, and operator comfort.
Popular Model: Volvo EC480E
- Engine: Volvo D13J
- Operating Weight: 108,000 – 117,000 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 25’1″
- Price Range: $300,000 – $350,000
Learn more about Volvo Excavators
2. Komatsu
Japan’s Komatsu, established in 1921, has a strong global presence. Their advanced technology, superior performance, and fuel efficiency make Komatsu excavators a go-to choice for many contractors.
Popular Model: Komatsu PC210LC-11
- Engine: Komatsu SAA6D107E-3
- Operating Weight: 52,036 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 21’9″
- Price Range: $170,000 – $210,000
Learn more about Komatsu Excavators
1. Caterpillar
Founded in 1925, Caterpillar is a respected American institution with a vast product line. Known for robust and reliable equipment, they’ve become a trusted name in the construction industry globally.
Popular Model: Caterpillar 336
- Engine: Cat C9.3B
- Operating Weight: 81,900 lb
- Maximum Digging Depth: 24.7 ft
- Price Range: $250,000 – $300,000
Learn more about Cat Excavators
The Bottom Line
Each excavator brand brings its unique strengths to the construction site. Caterpillar, an industry stalwart, is renowned for its robust and reliable equipment, offering high-performing machines like the Caterpillar 336.
Komatsu, with its century-old legacy, impresses with advanced technology and superior performance, epitomized in the Komatsu PC210LC-11.
Volvo, a brand committed to sustainability, provides powerful, efficient machines, such as the EC480E, engineered for optimal operator comfort.
An emerging global player, Sany, combines efficiency and affordability without compromising on power as seen in the SY215C model.
John Deere, an American classic, ensures excellent fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels in its equipment, a testament to their commitment to innovative technology demonstrated in the 350G LC model.
Meanwhile, Hitachi with its Japanese efficiency focuses on reducing emissions and enhancing operator comfort, evidenced by the ZX210LC-6.
KOBELCO, another stalwart from Japan, brings advanced technologies, such as noise and vibration reduction, to its range of excavators, with the SK210LC-10 standing as a fine example.
Doosan, one of South Korea’s finest, offers powerful, operator-friendly designs in its range, embodied in the DX225LC-5 model.
Hyundai, a household name from South Korea, consistently offers high-quality, efficient construction equipment. Their HX220L model stands as a testament to their commitment to performance, durability, and comfort.
Finally, CASE, a brand rooted in American history, offers versatile excavators designed for power and performance, like the impressive CX210D.
As you seek to invest in an excavator, remember that the best brand is the one that meets your specific needs. Factors like the nature of your projects, budget, and specific requirements will guide your choice.
All of these manufacturers offer a wide range of models and cutting-edge innovations, ensuring that the perfect machine for your construction project is just within your reach.
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