10 Best excavators 2025
Discover the top 10 excavators in 2025. Evaluated by brand and model, these machines excel in construction, mining, and heavy-duty earthmoving, offering superior performance and reliability from leading global manufacturers.
The Komatsu PC400-8 delivers heavy-duty digging and smart efficiency in a 47 t class machine. Large capacity and smart hydraulics get the job done faster.
- 257 kW (345 hp) engine in a 47.1 t frame
- 2.87 m³ bucket, up to 9.26 m dig depth, 13.18 m reach
- HydrauMind hydraulics, economy mode, KOMTRAX onboard
- Transport size ~11.9 m length, 3.64 m width, 3.27 m height
Overview
The PC400-8 (2007–2014) weighs ~47.1 t and uses a 257 kW SAA6D125E-5 engine. It digs to 9.255 m and reaches 13.18 m, with transport dimensions of ~11.905 m × 3.64 m × 3.265 m.
Smart hydraulics and economy features save fuel and time.
Tech-heavy setup may require skilled operators.
Performance & Efficiency
Hydraulic and engine tuning with smart features help minimize fuel burn while KOMTRAX keeps you ahead of maintenance.
In Comparison
Punches above midsize excavators while staying more maneuverable and affordable than full-range giants.
Verdict
Great choice for heavy-duty, high-output work. Go elsewhere if your site is narrow or needs bare-bones simplicity.
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AED 900,000Starting from
AED 500,000The Komatsu PC450 LC-8 delivers high-capacity digging and intelligent efficiency in a 45 t class chassis. Big bucket, deep reach, smart hydraulics flag it as a high-production machine you can actually manage.
- 257 kW (345 hp) engine in a roughly 45 t body
- Bucket up to 2.8 m³, ~9.26 m dig depth, ~13.37 m reach
- ECO and multiple operating modes with KOMTRAX support
- Transport dimensions ~12 m × 3.5 m × 3.25 m
Overview
Built 2007–2013, the PC450 LC-8 brings a net 257 kW (345 hp) SAA6D114E-5 engine into a 45 t chassis. It offers ~9.26 m dig depth and ~13.37 m reach, with manageable transport dimensions for a large excavator.
ECO mode and KOMTRAX keep fuel and maintenance in check.
Advanced features need operator know-how to exploit.
Performance & Efficiency
ECO and operating modes paired with KOMTRAX monitoring help optimize fuel and uptime. Smart hydraulics deliver consistent productivity.
In Comparison
Stronger and more capable than midsize units, but more agile and cost-effective than full-range mega excavators.
Verdict
For heavy-duty, high-production work, this is a strong pick. Not ideal for compact urban jobs or minimalist fleets.
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AED 700,000Starting from
AED 350,000The Cat 349F L combines heavy-duty performance with precision tech in a 48.6 t (107,100 lb) chassis. It handles serious material with fewer swings and smarter control.
- 311 kW (417 hp) C13 engine in a 48.6 t frame
- 3.1 m³ bucket capacity—fewer cycles per load
- Cat Grade, Payload, Lift Assist, E-Fence, and Product Link standard
- Up to 10 % better fuel efficiency, 15 % lower maintenance cost
Overview
The 349F L is a large crawler excavator weighing 48.6 t (107,145 lb), equipped with a 311 kW (417 hp) Cat C13 ACERT engine. It achieves a dig depth of 7.66 m and horizontal reach of about 11.73 m. Bucket capacity is 3.1 m³, tear-out force 267 kN, and transport size is roughly 12.5 m long, 3.34 m wide, and about 3.71 m high.
Fully integrated Cat tech increases precision and reduces mistakes.
Advanced tech setup requires operator training to unlock full value.
Performance & Efficiency
Smart Mode aligns hydraulic and engine output to load needs, enhancing fuel efficiency by up to 10 %. Maintenance is more economical—15 % lower—thanks to extended service intervals and accessible layout.
In Comparison
Compared to older 349s, the F L adds power and smart tools without much extra weight. Compared to newer Cat excavators, it keeps things simpler while staying production-ready.
Verdict
Perfect for high-volume digging and heavy work. Powerful, smart, and built to last. Not ideal for narrow, lightweight tasks or minimal tech systems.
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AED 1,200,000Starting from
AED 600,000The Komatsu PC300–8M0 balances power and efficiency in a 31–32 t frame. With a 1.8 m³ bucket and smart hydraulics, it thrives on big jobs while keeping running costs manageable.
- 194 kW (260 hp) SAA6D114E-3 engine in a 31–32 t chassis
- Bucket capacity up to 1.8 m³, reach ~10.25 m
- HydrauMind twin-pump hydraulics, Economy mode, KOMTRAX onboard
- Quiet, low-vibration cab with auto-idle
Overview
The PC300–8M0 weighs 31,100–32,000 kg, powered by a 194 kW (260 hp) SAA6D114E-3 Tier 3 engine. Bucket ranges from 0.52 to 1.8 m³, dig depth ~6.54 m, horizontal reach ~10.25 m.
Efficient hydraulics and economy mode lower fuel use.
Tech-rich features need skilled use to shine.
Performance & Efficiency
HydrauMind and economy mode dial in fuel savings; KOMTRAX keeps tabs on uptime. Comfortable cab and auto-idle reduce operator fatigue.
In Comparison
Stronger and more capable than smaller mid-size excavators; easier on cost and mobility compared to full-size rigs.
Verdict
Smart, strong, and suited for high-output mid-size jobs. Not for ultra-tight access work or simplicity-only operations.
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AED 900,000Starting from
AED 450,000The Cat 320 brings serious power and smart tech into a 22.6 t (49,800 lb) package. It digs deep, hauls heavy, and keeps operators fresh with a comfort-oriented cab and factory-grade assist systems.
- 172 kW (230 hp) C4.4 power in a 22.6 t frame
- 1.19 m³ bucket soaks up more material per swing
- Cat Grade 2D/Assist and payload onboard
- Ground-level maintenance and long filter life
Overview
The Cat 320 is a 22.6 t (49,800 lb) next-gen excavator powered by a 128.5 kW (172 hp) Cat C4.4 engine. It delivers up to 6.72 m (22 ft) digging depth and 1.19 m³ (1.56 yd³) bucket capacity.
Full factory tech (Grade Assist, payload, UI) reduces setup and rework.
Built-in tech requires operator training to get full value.
Performance & Efficiency
Main hydraulics at 429 L/min and up to 5,500 psi pressure deliver high dig force and control. Fuel use is cut by ~25%, and maintenance cost drops up to ~15% versus older models.
In Comparison
Compared to the 320 GC, you gain full tech and more power for not much more weight. Against the 323, it’s lighter, easier to move, and more cost-effective.
Verdict
The Cat 320 hits the utility-productivity-tech sweet spot. Perfect for high-production digging and grading. Skip it if your work is ultra-compact or you want the simplest rig.
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AED 950,000Starting from
AED 450,000The Cat 336 delivers big power in a 36.6 t (80,600 lb) frame, with a roomy 2.27 m³ bucket and factory automation that cuts rework and boosts productivity.
- 223 kW (300 hp) C7.1 engine in a 36.6 t frame
- 2.27 m³ bucket swallows more per cycle
- Cat Grade with Assist, Payload, and VisionLink included
- Grouped service points and long maintenance intervals
Overview
The Cat 336 is a 36.6 t (80,600 lb) Tier 4 Final excavator powered by a 223 kW (300 hp) Cat C7.1 TTA engine. It features a 2.27 m³ bucket, 8.2 m (26.9 ft) digging depth, and up to 11.73 m (38.5 ft) reach.
Factory tech (Grade Assist, Payload, VisionLink) cuts grade time and error.
Packed with tech, so operator training matters.
Performance & Efficiency
With 560 L/min hydraulic flow and high dig force (~210 kN), it balances power with precision. Fuel consumption drops up to 15%, maintenance costs fall due to extended service intervals.
In Comparison
Compared to the 336 GC, you get more hydraulic power and tech at a modest weight bump. Against the 340, it's easier to transport and still accurate.
Verdict
The Cat 336 delivers utility, accuracy, and productivity in one package. Ideal for large excavation and grading tasks. Skip it for ultra-tight access sites or if you need stripped-down simplicity.
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AED 1,250,000Starting from
AED 700,000The John Deere 350 packs Tier 4 Final power and reach into a mid-size 36.7 t chassis. With deep reach and smart systems, it’s built for productivity at scale.
- 202 kW (271 hp) in a 36.7 t frame
- Dig depth 8.18 m (26 ft 10 in)
- Grade Guidance and SmartGrade ready
- Powerwise system and optional auto-idle save fuel
Overview
The 350 P-Tier is a mid-size excavator weighing ~36 734 kg (80,985 lb), delivering 202 kW (271 hp), and capable of digging up to 8.18 m deep. It offers enhanced visibility options and integrated technologies.
Technology-ready with SmartGrade and camera lighting improve accuracy and safety.
Tech features require operator training to unlock full benefits.
Performance & Efficiency
Powerwise engine-hydraulic control and auto-idle improve fuel economy. Optional cameras and lighting cut operator fatigue and boost safety.
In Comparison
Oversized compared to smaller mid-excavators for more reach and control; more agile and efficient than full-sized models.
Verdict
Great for high-production mid-size work with modern controls. Avoid if your work is ultra-compact or simplicity is the mission.
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AED 1,000,000Starting from
AED 750,000The Cat 303 CR packs compact footprint and full Tier 4 power into a 3.55 t (7,817 lb) package. It turns tight spaces into productive zones with zero-tail-swing agility and solid kit.
- Zero-tail swing, narrow chassis for tight-access sites
- 17.6 kW (23.6 hp) C1.1 Turbo, Tier 4 Final compliant
- Ground-level servicing keeps downtime low
- Auto-idle, two-speed travel, and stick-steer control
Overview
The Cat 303 CR is a compact-radius mini excavator weighing 3.55 t (7,817 lb), with a C1.1 Turbo engine producing 17.6 kW (23.6 hp). It delivers 2.95 m (9.7 ft) digging depth, 5.24 m (17.0 ft) reach, and top travel speed of 4.5 km/h (2.8 mph).
Simple tech and easy service access make it rental-friendly.
Modest power, not ideal for breakout or deep rock work.
Performance & Efficiency
Tier 4 Final emissions paired with auto-idle and efficient hydraulics lower fuel burn. Two-speed travel ensures balance between speed and traction.
In Comparison
Smaller than the 303.5 CR with less power, but more manoeuvrable. Compared to 305E2, it's lighter, better for compact jobs, and easier to move around.
Verdict
Great tool for tight sites, residential jobs, and rental yards. Pass on it if you’re handling heavy-duty digging, rock work, or large removal tasks.
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AED 129,000Starting from
AED 105,000The Cat 306 CR fits Tier 4 Final power into a narrow 7.15 t (15,766 lb) body. Zero-tail swing and upgraded hydraulics mean agile performance and fuel savings.
- Zero-tail swing, ~1.5 m width fits tight access
- 41.7 kW (55.9 hp) C2.4 Turbo engine, Tier 4 Final compliant
- Ground-level servicing and auto-idle cut maintenance time
- Stick-steer travel and optional Indicate/E-Fence assist
Overview
The Cat 306 CR is a compact-radius mini excavator weighing ~7.15 t (15,766 lb), with a 41.7 kW (55.9 hp) C2.4 Turbo engine. Max digging depth around 4.11 m (13.5 ft); transport width ~1.5 m (4.9 ft). Equipped with load-sensing hydraulics for efficient use.
Tier 4 features with ground-level service reduce downtime.
Modest power isn’t built for hard digging or heavy tools.
Performance & Efficiency
Load-sensing hydraulics plus auto-idle/auto-shutdown boost fuel savings. Stick-steer travel provides precise control in tight spots.
In Comparison
Compared to smaller models like 305 CR, it brings more power and reach without much extra width. Lighter and simpler transport than bigger mid-size units.
Verdict
Smart choice for compact, efficient digging and maneuvering. Skip it if you expect long runtimes in rocky ground or full-scale demolition.
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AED 450,000Starting from
AED 280,000The Cat 308 CR packs Tier 4 Final power and load-sensitive hydraulics into a zero-tail-swing package that's agile and operator-friendly.
- Zero-tail swing, ~1.585 m width includes counterweight
- 51.8 kW (69.5 hp) C3.3B engine, Tier 4 Final clean power
- Load-sensing hydraulics with variable displacement for efficiency
- Comfortable cab, stick-steer travel, ground-level service
Overview
The Cat 308 CR is a compact-radius mini excavator weighing ~8,387 kg (min) to ~9,380 kg (max with extras), powered by a 51.8 kW (69.5 hp) C3.3B Tier 4 Final engine. Dig depth tops out at 4.64 m with load-sensing hydraulics for smooth and efficient digging.
Efficient hydraulic systems with auto-idle and accessible service reduce downtimes.
Modest horsepower may slow heavy or abrasive ground operations.
Performance & Efficiency
Load-sensing hydraulics, tractive force up to ~67.5 kN, and travel speeds ~5.1 km/h. Fuel savers like auto-idle and smart pump design cut operating expenses.
In Comparison
Compared to smaller 305 CR, it gains power, reach, and cab comfort with minimal bulk increase. Easier to move and more efficient than larger excavators.
Verdict
Smart mix of power, efficiency, and maneuverability. Ideal for tight, versatile site work. Skip it if you’re often in rock trenches or deep excavation zones requiring brute force.
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AED 346,000Starting from
AED 310,000Related machinery rankings
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