Top mid-size excavators by max reach

Overview

The Kobelco SK380 (SK380XDLC-10) (2022–2026) is a 38.5-ton medium excavator aimed at contractors, quarry operators, and earthmoving fleets that require high digging forces, long reach, and strong loading capacity. Its 209 kilowatt Hino J08E-UN engine, 1.9 cubic meter bucket, 7.56 m digging depth, and 11.26 m reach make it suitable for bulk excavation, quarry support, deep foundations, truck loading, demolition preparation, and major site-development work.

Expert rating: 5 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The 209 kilowatt Hino J08E-UN engine supports a hydraulic pump flow of 609 liters per minute at a relief pressure of 343 bar. Its 252 kN bucket digging force and 165 kN arm crowding force provide strong breakout performance in compacted material and heavy excavation, while the 331 kN drawbar pull and 35-degree gradeability support movement across difficult ground. The 10 rpm swing speed helps maintain steady truck-loading and excavation cycles despite the machine’s heavy operating weight.

In Comparison

Hyundai R220: A lighter and easier-to-transport excavator for general construction, but it offers less bucket capacity, hydraulic flow, digging force, and working reach.
Kobelco SK200: A smaller and lower-cost option for routine excavation, but its 0.8 cubic meter bucket and lower engine output limit production on major projects.
Kobelco SK380: Provides a 38.5-ton platform, 252 kN bucket force, 609-liter-per-minute hydraulic flow, and a 1.9 cubic meter bucket for heavy production work.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Kobelco SK380 is a high-output medium excavator within the AED 490,000–700,000 range. Its powerful hydraulic system, large bucket, long digging reach, and strong traction make it a practical choice for quarries, bulk excavation, deep foundations, and major earthmoving projects where production matters more than transport simplicity.

Overview

The Hitachi ZX350 (ZX350LC-3) (2006–2012) is a 35.02-ton medium excavator aimed at contractors, quarry operators, road crews, and earthmoving fleets that require strong digging force and useful working reach. Its 202 kilowatt turbocharged Isuzu AH-6HK1XYSA-01 engine, 1.15 cubic meter bucket, 7.38 m digging depth, and 11.1 m reach make it suitable for bulk excavation, foundations, truck loading, road construction, quarry support, and general site development.

Expert rating: 5 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The 202 kilowatt Isuzu AH-6HK1XYSA-01 turbocharged engine supports a hydraulic pump flow of 580.2 liters per minute at a relief pressure of 343 bar. Its 239 kN bucket digging force provides strong breakout performance in compacted soil and heavy material, while the 106 kN arm crowding force supports trenching and loading cycles. The 178 kN drawbar pull and 35-degree gradeability help the machine work across uneven ground, while the 10.7 rpm swing speed supports responsive excavation and truck loading.

In Comparison

Cat 323: A lighter and easier-to-transport excavator for general construction, with lower site and transport requirements.
Komatsu PC300: A closely positioned alternative for bulk excavation and truck loading, with similar suitability for medium-to-heavy construction work.
Hitachi ZX350: Provides a heavier 35.02-ton platform, 239 kN bucket digging force, and 580.2-liter-per-minute hydraulic flow for demanding excavation and quarry-support applications.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Hitachi ZX350 is a capable medium excavator within the AED 120,000–240,000 range. Its strong digging force, high hydraulic output, useful reach, and substantial operating weight make it suitable for bulk earthmoving, foundations, quarry support, and road projects, although buyers should inspect the hydraulic system, undercarriage, swing components, and service history carefully due to its age.

Overview

The Kobelco SK200 (SK200SR) (2003–2004) is a 20.4-ton medium excavator aimed at contractors who need useful digging forces and hydraulic output without paying for a newer machine. Its 92 kilowatt Isuzu 4BG1TXBFA engine, 0.8 cubic meter bucket, 6.15 m digging depth, and 9.38 m reach make it suitable for foundations, trenching, loading, utility installation, demolition support, and general site excavation.

Expert rating: 4 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The 92 kilowatt Isuzu 4BG1TXBFA engine supports a hydraulic pump flow of 440 liters per minute at a relief pressure of 323.6 bar. Its 143 kN bucket digging force and 102 kN arm crowding force provide useful breakout performance for trenching, compacted soil, and loading, while the 199 kN drawbar pull and 35-degree gradeability help the machine move across uneven sites. The 11 rpm swing speed supports responsive excavation and truck-loading cycles.

In Comparison

Hyundai R220: A newer and slightly heavier alternative with a larger bucket, more engine power, and stronger arm force for regular production work.
Hitachi ZX330: A substantially heavier machine with greater digging depth and operating mass, better suited to bulk excavation and demanding earthmoving.
Kobelco SK200: Offers a manageable 20.4-ton platform, strong hydraulic flow, and useful digging forces at a lower purchase price, but age and condition have a major effect on value.

Final Verdict

Rated 4 stars, the Kobelco SK200 is a practical used medium excavator within the AED 70,000–220,000 range. Its strong hydraulic flow, useful digging reach, and manageable operating weight make it suitable for general contracting work, but buyers should prioritize service history, hydraulic condition, undercarriage wear, and overall machine inspection.

Overview

The Komatsu PC350 is positioned as a high-production medium excavator, offering 193.9 kW of net power, strong breakout forces, and a hydraulic system tuned for continuous heavy-duty cycles.

Efficiency

With 535 lpm hydraulic flow and a high-pressure system, the PC350 maintains smooth, fast cycles even under sustained load.

In Cabin

The cab focuses on comfort, visibility, and control layout, supporting long shifts with reduced operator fatigue.

In Comparison

Compared to the Cat 336, the PC350 emphasizes smooth hydraulics and efficiency. Against the Kobelco SK350, it favors mechanical simplicity and durability.

Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Komatsu PC350 is a reliable choice for contractors prioritizing productivity and uptime.

Overview

The Doosan DX300LC (2017–2023) is a 30.9-ton medium excavator aimed at contractors, quarry operators, and earthmoving fleets that need high digging forces and useful bucket capacity for demanding work. Its 147 kilowatt turbocharged Doosan DL08K engine, 1.5 cubic meter bucket, 7.3 m digging depth, and 10.55 m reach make it suitable for bulk excavation, foundations, trenching, loading, quarry support, and major site preparation.

Expert rating: 5 stars

Performance & Efficiency

The 147 kilowatt Doosan DL08K turbocharged engine supports a hydraulic pump flow of 494.32 liters per minute at a relief pressure of 323.62 bar. Its 199 kN bucket digging force and 136.31 kN arm crowding force provide strong breakout performance in compacted ground and bulk excavation, while the 247.13 kN drawbar pull and 35-degree gradeability support movement across difficult sites. The 9.9 rpm swing speed helps maintain steady truck-loading and excavation cycles.

In Comparison

Cat 320: A smaller alternative that is easier to transport and better suited to general construction, but provides less operating weight and bucket capacity than the Doosan DX300LC.
Komatsu PC300: A closer competitor in operating class, suited to heavy excavation, quarry support, and high-volume earthmoving.
Doosan DX300LC: Combines a 30.9-ton platform, 199 kN bucket force, and 494.32-liter-per-minute hydraulic flow for demanding production work.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Doosan DX300LC is a strong medium excavator within the AED 300,000–550,000 range. Its powerful hydraulic system, 1.5 cubic meter bucket, long digging reach, and high drawbar pull make it a practical option for bulk excavation, quarry work, foundations, and large site-development projects.