Use a 1–2 t mini excavator for landscaping and narrow access (around 1 m wide), a 3–5 t machine for house footings, driveways and service trenches, an 8–14 t machine for larger residential and light civil work, a 20–25 t machine for civil trenching and loading trucks, and 30 t+ for mass excavation and rock.
Start with access
The narrowest point between the road and the dig sets the upper limit. Mini excavators with retractable tracks can pass through gaps of around 0.8–1 m; 5 t machines need roughly 1.6–2 m.
Then match the dig
Check maximum dig depth and reach against your deepest trench and furthest spoil point. Bigger machines dig faster and deeper but need more space and heavier transport.
Think about transport
Machines up to about 5 t can travel on a large tilt tray or trailer; 8–25 t machines need a float; 30 t+ may need permits and escorts.
| Class | Approx. width | Typical dig depth | Common jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 t mini | 0.8 – 1.3 m | 1.8 – 2.4 m | Landscaping, pools, narrow access |
| 3–5 t | 1.5 – 2.0 m | 2.8 – 3.5 m | Footings, driveways, service trenches |
| 8–14 t | 2.2 – 2.5 m | 4.0 – 5.0 m | Larger sites, detention tanks, subdivisions |
| 20–25 t | 2.8 – 3.2 m | 6.0 – 6.7 m | Civil trenching, bulk dig, truck loading |
| 30 t + | 3.2 m + | 7 m + | Mass excavation, quarry, rock breaking |
Dimensions vary by make and configuration; confirm specifications with the supplier.
Common questions
What size excavator for a pool?
A 3–5 t excavator is common for residential pools, or a 1.7–2.5 t mini where access is tight.
What size excavator for a house slab?
Most house-site cut and fill and footings suit a 5–8 t excavator, often with a skid steer.
Can a mini excavator dig footings?
Yes, a 1.7–2.5 t machine can dig standard strip and pad footings, though more slowly than a larger machine.