World's largest 10 excavators, last one is a surprise!

When people ask what is the biggest excavator in the world, the answer often sparks debate. Some mention Caterpillar’s massive mining shovels, others point to Liebherr or Komatsu, and a few even bring up the Bagger 293, which is technically the largest land vehicle but not a hydraulic excavator. 

The reality is, the top 10 biggest excavators in the world are machines built to move mountains, with operating weights measured in hundreds of tons, and buckets large enough to swallow trucks whole.

From the biggest excavator bucket in the world to fuel consumption numbers that shock even experienced operators, this ranking will give you a clear picture of today’s giants of earthmoving.

And the last excavator on the list may surprise you.

What are the 10 biggest excavators around the world?

Here are the top 10 excavators in the world ranked by operating weight. 

1. Caterpillar 6090 FS | ~1,000 t

Tthe Cat 6090 FS is widely recognized as the biggest excavator in the world 2025. With a payload of 93.6 tons and 4,500 hp from twin engines, it can fill a Cat 793F haul truck in just four passes. 

And here are some answers to your questions about Cat 6090 FS:

Q1: What is the Caterpillar 6090 FS price?

Prices vary by dealer and configuration, but based on industry insights, the cost for such a massive machine could be in the range of $15 million or more.

Q2: What is the track pad width of the Caterpillar 6090 FS?

The standard track pad width is about 2000 mm per side, providing excellent stability on rough terrain.

Q3: What is the ground pressure of the Cat 6090 FS?

It exerts roughly 25.8 N/cm² (≈ 37.4 psi), helping minimize ground penetration on soft soils.

Q4: How fast can the Caterpillar 6090 FS travel?

Its maximum travel speed is around 2.2 km/h, typical for an ultra-class mining shovel.

Q4: What is the hydraulic oil capacity of the Cat 6090 FS?

The hydraulic system holds about 13,058 liters (~3,450 gallons), ensuring consistent pressure during long operating cycles.

Full specs of Cat 6090

2. Terex O&K RH400 | ~980 t

Built in Germany and now under Caterpillar’s portfolio, the RH400 is a legendary machine in the mining industry, still operating in Canada’s oil sands with buckets of up to 52 m³.

Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Terex RH400?

A: The Terex RH400 has a fuel tank capacity of about 15,100 liters (≈ 4,000 US gallons), allowing long shifts between refueling.

Q1: What is the ground pressure of the RH400 with standard track pads?

The RH400 exerts about 25.8 N/cm² (≈ 37.4 psi), giving it excellent stability on soft ground.

Q2: How fast can the Terex RH400 travel?

The RH400 reaches a maximum travel speed of about 2.2 km/h, standard for ultra-class mining shovels.

Q3: What is the hydraulic oil capacity of the RH400?

The hydraulic system of the Terex RH400 holds about 10,000 liters (≈ 2,640 gallons), ensuring smooth operation.

Q4: How many track shoes per side does the RH400 have?

The RH400 uses 48 track shoes per side, providing better ground contact and traction.

Full specs of Terex RH 400

3. Hitachi EX8000 | ~837 t

Hitachi’s flagship mining excavator offers buckets up to 45 m³, supported by dual engines delivering 3,870 hp. It is one of the most common machines in coal mines worldwide.

And here are some answers to common questions about the Hitachi EX8000:

Q1: What is the maximum travel speed of the Hitachi EX8000?

The EX8000 travels at about 2.0 km/h in high gear and about 1.4 km/h in low gear.

Q2: How many track shoes per side does the EX8000 have?

It uses 39 track shoes per side with standard triple-grouser track shoes.

Q3: What is the hydraulic oil capacity of Hitachi EX8000?

The hydraulic system holds approximately 9,700 liters of fluid.

Q4: What is the shoe width (track shoe width) for the EX8000?

The track shoe width is about 1,850 mm (≈ 73 inches). 

Full specs of Hitachi EX8000

4. Liebherr R 9800 (G6) | ~810 t

This model is known for its advanced hydraulic system and reliability in hard rock mining. Many operators consider it among the best excavators in the world for uptime.

Here are some key answers about the Liebherr R 9800:

Q1: What are the transport dimensions of the Liebherr R 9800 G6?

Length ≈ 14.023 m, width ≈ 8.88 m, height ≈ 10.338 m.

Q2: What is the track width on the Liebherr R 9800 G6?

The standard track width is about 1,630 mm.

Q3: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Liebherr R 9800 G6?

It holds around 19,690 liters of fuel.

Q4: What is the designed service life of the Liebherr R 9800 G6?

Designed for more than 80,000 operating hours before major overhaul. 

Full specs of Liebherr R 9800

5. Komatsu PC8000-11 | ~773 t

Designed for maximum efficiency in large open-pit mines, the Komatsu PC8000-11 excavator can consume nearly 3,000 liters of fuel per day under full load.

Q1: What is the maximum travel speed of the Komatsu PC8000-11?

The PC8000-11 reaches a top travel speed of about 2.4 km/h (≈ 1.5 mph).

Q2: What is the hydraulic pressure of the PC8000-11?

The hydraulic circuits operate at approximately 310 bar.

Q3: What is the hydraulic oil capacity of the PC8000-11?

The hydraulic oil system has a capacity of about 11,500 liters. 

Full specs of Komatsu PC8000

6. Demag H740 OS | ~744 t

A specialized excavator built for oil sands operations. Its design favors endurance over raw power, making it reliable in the harshest digging environments.

Q1: How heavy is the Demag H740 OS?

It weighs around 744 tons, making it one of the largest dedicated oil sands excavators.

Q2: What makes the H740 OS unique?

It was purpose-built for oil sands, with reinforced structures and systems designed to withstand abrasive material and extreme temperatures.

Q3: Is the H740 OS focused on high horsepower?

Not necessarily, its strength is endurance, prioritizing reliability and uptime over raw power output.

Q4: Where can you still find the H740 OS in use?

Mainly in Canada’s oil sands, where it remains a workhorse in overburden removal and ore loading.

Full specs of Demag H740 OS

7. Komatsu PC7000-11 | ~692 t

Slightly smaller than the PC8000 but still a beast, with up to 36 m³ bucket capacity. It is widely used in gold and copper mining.

Q1: What are the transport dimensions of the PC7000-11?

Approximate transport dimensions are 13.105 m length, 9.62 m width, 9.001 m height.

Q2: What is the track width in wide-shoe setup for the PC7000-11?

The wide track shoe configuration uses 1,900 mm track width, which reduces ground pressure.

Q3: What is the usable fuel tank capacity of the PC7000-11?

Usable fuel capacity is about 13,033 liters, including reserve.

Q4: What is the maximum dumping height for the front shovel configuration?

With the front shovel, PC7000-11 can reach a dumping height of approximately 13,682 mm (~44.9 ft). 

Full specs of Komatsu PC7000

8. Liebherr R 996 B | ~676 t

One of Liebherr’s most successful models, with hundreds still in operation worldwide. Known for balanced fuel economy and productivity.

Q1: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Liebherr R 996 B?

The R 996 B has a fuel tank capacity of about 15,140 liters, enabling long operating shifts.

Q2: What is the breakout force of the R 996 B?

The breakout force is around 1,500 kN, allowing it to handle hard rock efficiently.

Q3: How many track shoes per side does the R 996 B use?

It uses 46 track shoes per side for improved weight distribution and stability.

Q4: What is the maximum gradeability of the R 996 B?

The machine can climb grades of up to 50%, depending on ground conditions.

Q5: What is the expected service life before major overhaul?

With proper maintenance, the R 996 B is designed for over 70,000 operating hours before a major rebuild is required.

Full specs of Liebherr R 996 B

9. XCMG XE7000 | ~673 t

A Chinese-built ultra-class excavator that shows how rapidly China’s heavy machinery industry is advancing.

Q1: What is the fuel tank capacity of the XCMG XE7000?

The XE7000’s fuel tank holds approximately 13,000 liters, allowing long shifts without refueling.

Q2: What is the standard track shoe width of the XE7000?

About 1,800 mm, helping distribute weight and reduce ground pressure.

Q3: How much hydraulic oil does the XE7000 system hold?

Around 9,000 liters, ensuring consistent hydraulic pressure.

Q4: What is the breakout force of the XE7000?

Approximately 1,600 kN, allowing efficient rock and overburden handling.

Q5: Where is the XE7000 commonly used?

It is widely deployed in coal, iron ore, and other large-scale mining projects across Asia and Africa.

Full specs of XCMG XE7000

10. Liebherr R 9600 (G8) | ~645 t

Here’s the surprise: it’s smaller than the giants above, but it represents the future. With Liebherr Power Efficiency delivering ~20% lower fuel consumption vs. R 996 B and Bucket Filling Assistant providing semi-autonomous digging, the R 9600 shows that tomorrow’s biggest gains come from software + hydraulics, not just steel.

Q1: How much fuel saving does the Liebherr R 9600 offer compared to older models?

Around 20% lower fuel consumption thanks to Liebherr Power Efficiency, reducing annual operating costs.

Q2: What is the standard track width of the R 9600?

Approximately 1,630 mm, improving stability and lowering ground pressure.

Q3: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Liebherr R 9600?

About 14,000 liters, allowing extended operating hours before refueling.

Q4: What semi-autonomous features are included?

It features Bucket Filling Assistant and smart sensors for load monitoring and efficient digging.

Q5: What is the designed service life of the R 9600?

Over 80,000 operating hours before requiring major overhaul when maintained properly.

Full specs of Liebherr R 9600

What is the biggest excavator in the world 2025?

As of 2025, the Caterpillar 6090 FS holds the title of the biggest excavator in the world.

• Operating weight: ~1,000 tons.

• Engine power: 4,500 hp (twin engines).

• Bucket payload: 93.6 tons.

• Application: Large-scale mining, often paired with haul trucks like the Cat 797F.

This machine’s scale makes it far beyond typical construction needs. Its fuel consumption is also massive, with estimates exceeding 3,000 liters per day in intensive mining operations.

Is the Bagger 293 the largest excavator in the world?

The Bagger 293 is technically the largest land vehicle ever built, but it is a bucket-wheel excavator, not a hydraulic mining excavator. 

It weighs over 14,000 tons and is used in German lignite mines. While impressive, it belongs to a different category than the machines listed above.

For hydraulic excavators, the Cat 6090 FS is the largest.

Read: World's 10 largest construction machines. 

Caterpillar’s largest mining excavators

Here are Caterpillar’s top excavators:

• CAT Hydraulic Shovel 6090 FS

~1,000 t operating weight, 93.6 t payload, 4,500 hp.

• Cat 6060/6060 FS Hydraulic Shovel

~599 t weight, 61 t payload, powered by dual 3512E engines producing 3,015 hp.

• CAT Hydraulic Shovel 6040/6040 FS

~404.6 t weight, 39.6 t payload, 2,079 hp.

• Cat 6030 / 6030 FS Hydraulic Mining Shovels

~294 t weight, 30 t payload, 1,649 hp.

• Cat 6015 Hydraulic Mining Shovels

~140 t weight, 14.6 t payload, 824 hp.

The largest Cat construction excavator

Caterpillar’s largest “construction class” machine is the Cat 395 (Next Gen), not to be confused with its mining shovels.

• Operating weight: 94,000 kg (FS version: 96,300 kg).

• Engine power: 542 hp.

• Application: Earthmoving, quarrying, and large-scale infrastructure projects.

This model represents the top end of standard excavators available for contractors outside mining.

Biggest excavator bucket in the world

Excavator performance is often measured by its bucket size. The Caterpillar 6090 FS carries one of the largest standard buckets, with a payload over 90 tons. However, some custom buckets for mining projects have exceeded 100 tons of material capacity.

The choice of bucket type, standard, rock, or coal, affects productivity, fuel consumption, and wear rates. This is why matching bucket size to haul trucks is a critical part of mine planning.

Large excavators available on makana.com

While ultra-class excavators like the 6090 FS are outside the scope of most contractors, makana.com offers a range of large excavators that provide serious power for demanding earthmoving.

These models are suitable for quarrying, road construction, and infrastructure, giving contractors access to proven heavy equipment with certified inspection reports and global logistics support.

Explore excavartors for sale in Dubai (Mini - Medium - Larged - Wheeled)

Conclusion

The top 10 biggest excavators in the world show just how advanced modern heavy machines have become, from Caterpillar’s 6090 FS to Komatsu’s PC8000-11 and Liebherr’s R 9800. 

These monster excavators shape mining operations on a global scale. For contractors and companies seeking more practical but still powerful equipment, platforms like makana.com provide access to reliable large excavators from Cat, Komatsu, and Volvo, complete with detailed inspection reports and worldwide logistics.