It is very important to pick the right size and model of Caterpillar excavator to get the most work done on your job site. Caterpillar has the right equipment for every job, from small mini excavators for landscaping in cities to huge mining excavators for moving heavy loads of dirt.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll analyze Caterpillar excavator sizes across four categories – mini (1-6 tons), small (6-10 tons), medium (10-30 tons), and large (30+ tons) – with detailed specifications for 14+ popular CAT models. We’ll also help you decide whether to buy new or used equipment based on your budget and project requirements.
The image below is an infographic about Cat excavator size, which can help you quickly understand the relevant information and reduce your reading time.
Mini Excavators (1-6 Tons) – Compact Powerhouses
Mini excavators are ideal for tight urban job sites where maneuverability matters more than raw power. Their compact dimensions and zero-tail-swing designs allow operation in confined spaces between buildings or fences.
Popular Mini Excavator Models
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Dig Depth | Bucket Capacity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 301.5 | 21 HP | 1.5 tons | 8.2 ft | 0.04–0.1 yd³ | 12’10″×3’3″×7’4″ |
| CAT 301.8 CR | 24 HP | 1.8 tons | 9.5 ft | 0.05–0.12 yd³ | 13’3″×3’5″×7’7″ |
| CAT 302 CR | 24.8 HP | 2.6 tons | 10.8 ft | 0.06–0.16 yd³ | 14’6″×4’7″×8’1″ |
| CAT 303 CR | 24.8 HP | 3.3 tons | 11.5 ft | 0.07–0.18 yd³ | 15’9″×4’11″×8’6″ |
| CAT 305.5 CR | 42 HP | 5.5 tons | 13.1 ft | 0.1–0.28 yd³ | 18’×5’11″×9’2″ |
Best Uses for Mini Excavators
- Residential Construction: Digging foundations, trenches for plumbing/septic systems
- Landscaping: Pool installations, tree planting, yard grading
- Utility Work: Cable/pipe laying in urban environments
- Demolition: Interior demolition where space is limited
Pros: Easy to transport (fits on smaller trailers), fuel-efficient, low ground pressure minimizes turf damage
Cons: Limited digging depth and lifting capacity compared to larger models
Small Excavators (6-10 Tons) – The Versatile Middle Ground
Small excavators strike the perfect balance between power and maneuverability. They’re powerful enough for serious digging yet compact enough for suburban job sites.
Popular Small Excavator Models
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Dig Depth | Bucket Capacity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 307.5 | 52 HP | 7.5 tons | 14.8 ft | 0.15–0.35 yd³ | 18’×6’6″×9’4″ |
| CAT 308 CR | 61 HP | 8.3 tons | 16.4 ft | 0.16–0.4 yd³ | 19’×6’11″×9’8″ |
| CAT 309 CR | 69 HP | 9.7 tons | 17.9 ft | 0.2–0.45 yd³ | 20’×7’6″×10′ |
| CAT 310 | 73 HP | 10.2 tons | 18.3 ft | 0.22–0.5 yd³ | 21’×7’9″×10’2″ |
Best Uses for Small Excavators
- Agricultural: Pond digging, barn construction, land clearing
- Municipal: Roadside drainage, park maintenance
- Construction: Small-scale commercial projects, foundations
- Forestry: Log handling and processing
Pros: More power than minis while still being trailer-transportable, wider range of compatible attachments
Cons: May require permits for road transport depending on location
Medium Excavators (10-30 Tons) – Heavy-Duty Workhorses
The backbone of commercial construction sites, medium excavators handle demanding tasks like quarry work and highway construction with ease.
Popular Medium Excavator Models
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Dig Depth | Bucket Capacity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 313 GC | 100 HP | 13.1 tons | 19.7 ft | 0.3–0.65 yd³ | 24’×8’6″×10’8″ |
| CAT 315 | 107 HP | 15.4 tons | 20.3 ft | 0.35–0.75 yd³ | 25’×9’×11′ |
| CAT 320 | 163 HP | 22.8 tons | 21.7 ft | 0.5–1.25 yd³ | 30’×9’6″×10’2″ |
| CAT 330 | 228 HP | 29.8 tons | 23.6 ft | 0.75–1.8 yd³ | 32’×10’×11′ |
Best Uses for Medium Excavators
- Civil Engineering: Bridge construction, highway maintenance
- Mining: Small quarry operations, material handling
- Demolition: Commercial building teardowns
- Industrial: Factory construction, shipyard operations
Pros: Powerful enough for most commercial applications, wide variety of attachments available
Cons: Require specialized trailers for transport, higher fuel consumption
Large Excavators (30+ Tons) – Mining & Megaproject Giants
When massive earthmoving capacity is required, large excavators deliver unmatched productivity for mining and major infrastructure projects.
Popular Large Excavator Models
| Model | Net Power | Weight | Dig Depth | Bucket Capacity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 336 | 354 HP | 36.5 tons | 25.9 ft | 1.1–2.5 yd³ | 35’×11’×13′ |
| CAT 349 | 354 HP | 50 tons | 27.9 ft | 1.5–3.5 yd³ | 42’×11’×14′ |
| CAT 374 | 456 HP | 74 tons | 29.5 ft | 2.5–5.5 yd³ | 46’×14’×16′ |
| CAT 395F | 537 HP | 94 tons | 31.5 ft | 3–7 yd³ | 49’×15’×17′ |
Best Uses for Large Excavators
- Mining: Coal, iron ore, copper extraction
- Major Civil Works: Dam construction, harbor dredging
- Oil & Gas: Pipeline trenching, tar sands operations
- Mega Construction: High-rise foundations, subway tunneling
Pros: Highest productivity per hour, extreme digging force
Cons: Very high operating costs, specialized maintenance requirements
CAT Excavator Types
Beyond standard models, Caterpillar offers specialized excavator configurations:
Long-Reach Excavators
Models like the CAT 320 LR feature extended booms (up to 50+ ft) ideal for:
- Dredging rivers and canals
- Deep foundation work
- Demolition projects requiring reach
Demolition Excavators
Reinforced with:
- Protective canopies against falling debris
- Heavy-duty attachments (shears, hammers)
- Enhanced cooling systems for intense operation
Waste Handling Excavators
Designed for landfills with:
- Enclosed cabs with air filtration
- Grapples/clamshell buckets
- Stainless steel components
Buying Considerations
New vs Used Excavators
New Excavators Benefit From:
- Latest fuel-efficient engines
- Advanced technology (Grade Control, Cat Connect)
- Full factory warranty
- Maximum residual value
Used Excavators Offer:
- Significant cost savings (40-60% less than new)
- Faster availability
- Better ROI for short-term projects
- Lower depreciation risk
Tip: Always inspect undercarriage wear, engine hours, and hydraulic systems when buying used.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Needs
Consider these factors:
- Job Site Conditions: Tight spaces require compact models
- Digging Depth Requirements: Match excavator specs to project needs
- Attachments Needed: Verify hydraulic flow/pressure compatibility
- Transport Limitations: Check local regulations for oversize loads
- Budget Constraints: Used equipment can reduce capital expenditure
Final Recommendations
For African, Middle Eastern, and South American markets, popular choices include:
Mini: CAT 302 CR (versatile performer)
Small: CAT 308 CR (all-around capability)
Medium: CAT 320 (best-selling commercial model)
Large: CAT 349 (powerful yet manageable)
Need help finding quality used Caterpillar excavators? Contact us. With over 15 years of export experience, we ensure you get reliable equipment that meets your region’s needs. We specialize in supplying fully inspected used Caterpillar equipment to the African, Middle Eastern, and South American markets.
Summary
From mini CATs for urban jobs to 94-ton monsters mining quarries, pick the right excavator size—then weigh new vs. used based on budget and project lifespan.
