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Top 10 large excavators

Looking for a large excavator that can handle serious earthmoving without breaking down mid-project? This ranking breaks down ten of the best large excavators on the market today, from the Cat 349F L to the Komatsu PC450 LC-8, comparing operating weight, dig depth, bucket capacity, fuel economy and hydraulic power. You'll see exactly which machine suits quarrying, road building or heavy infrastructure work, plus the pros and cons operators report after real hours in the seat. Every model featured is available inspected and ready to ship through Makana's global marketplace.

Table of contents

01

Komatsu PC400 Large excavators
2007-2014

Generation-Komatsu PC400 Large excavators-cover

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.

Pros Bulky reach and bucket capacity boost throughput.
Smart hydraulics and economy features save fuel and time.
Cons Roughly 47 t of machine; needs solid ground and smart hauling.
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.

41,200 kg Operating weight
10,200 m Max dump height
1.9 m3 Bucket capacity
7,640 mm Max digging depth
214.02 kw Gross power
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 900,000

Starting from

AED 500,000
See owner ratings
02

Cat 349 Large excavators
2017-2019

Generation-Cat 349 Large excavators-cover

The 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.

Pros Large bucket and depth boost dig output.
Fully integrated Cat tech increases precision and reduces mistakes.
Cons Nearly 49 t of mass demands solid ground and careful transport prep.
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.

45,200 kg Operating weight
10,340 m Max dump height
7.5 m Boom length
1.9 m3 Bucket capacity
7,990 mm Max digging depth
214.02 kw Gross power
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 1,200,000

Starting from

AED 600,000
See owner ratings

Large excavators. For sale.

03

Komatsu PC450 Large excavators
2007-2013

Generation-Komatsu PC450 Large excavators-cover

The 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.

Pros Large bucket and reach reduce cycles.
ECO mode and KOMTRAX keep fuel and maintenance in check.
Cons Roughly 45 t—needs proper ground conditions and transport setup.
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.

45,200 kg Operating weight
7,990 mm Max digging depth
10,340 mm Max dump height
13,270 mm Max digging reach
1.9 cu m Bucket capacity
214.02 kw Gross power
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 700,000

Starting from

AED 350,000
See owner ratings

Related machinery rankings

Top CAT excavators Top medium excavators Best mini excavators for tight space 10 Best excavators 2025

Top 10 large excavators FAQ.

The Cat 349F L and Komatsu PC450 LC-8 are consistently ranked among the top choices, offering large bucket capacities, deep digging reach and proven reliability for quarrying and infrastructure work.

Prices vary widely by brand, hours and condition, but well-maintained large excavators typically range from $150,000 to over $400,000, with certified inspection reports helping justify pricing on the used market.

Large excavators generally weigh 40 tons or more, distinguishing them from mini (under 10 tons) and medium (10-35 ton) classes used for lighter digging and grading tasks.

Focus on undercarriage wear, hydraulic system condition, engine hours and service history — a 75+ point certified inspection report, like those provided on Makana, covers all of this before you buy.

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