Choosing the Right Excavator for Your Job

Here at SANY New York, our machines are fully loaded, and we are fully loaded with machines. We’re proud to offer 17 different excavator models. In fact, our excavator collection dwarfs the rest of our machines in amount (and sometimes in size, too). There’s no mystery why: Excavators are some of the most versatile models of heavy machinery out there, capable of a wide range of tasks.

If you’re new to this, the size of our excavator collection might be intimidating. You might be wondering, “Which size is right for my job? Do I need the biggest model? What if I have too much machine and too small a job?”

Don’t worry! We’ve got just the guide to help you learn about your excavator options and find the perfect one for your needs.

Mini Excavators

  • SANY Models: SY16C, SY26U, SY35U Cab, SY35U Canopy
  • Gross Power: 15–24.4 HP
  • Dig Depth: 7’ 9’’–10’ 2’’

Mini excavators typically weigh less than seven tons (14,000 pounds). Because it’s so light, a mini excavator is easy to move around, meaning you may not need a special hauling permit for it. (Every state has different laws about this, so be sure to check with your state’s Department of Transportation before proceeding.) Mini excavators are also great for projects on soft earth since they won’t tear up sod as they move. It may not be the most powerful machine, but it’s perfect for minor jobs.

If you have a job in tight quarters – backyards, alleyways, residential areas, etc. – that’s where the mini excavator shines. It also has exceptional precision, so if you need to dig around underground pipes or utilities, the mini is the machine for the job. Grading, residential landscaping, small earthmoving jobs and clearing land are also perfect for a mini. When you’re done, you can get your machine out with little disturbance.

Compact Excavators

  • SANY Models: SY50U, SY60C, SY75C, SY80U, SY95C, SY135C, SY155U
  • Gross Power: 39–105 HP
  • Dig Depth: 11’ 3’’–17’ 11’’

Need a machine with a little more power? Compact excavators weigh between 7–10 tons (14,000–20,000 lbs.). Think of the compact like the mini on steroids. The compact’s reach is better than the mini’s, and you’ll have more power behind your machine.

In addition to the mini excavator’s caliber of work, the compact can also handle slightly heavier jobs, like small-scale demolition, clearing and compacting. If you use attachments, you can open your compact up for other applications, like lifting and light drilling. As always, SANY machines find the right balance between power and size, and our compact models are no exception.

Medium Excavators

  • SANY Models: SY215C, SY225C, SY265C, SY265CLR
  • Gross Power: 163–190.4 HP
  • Dig Depth: 21’ 8’’–43’ 8’’

SANY’s medium-sized excavators weigh between 10–45 tons (20,000–90,000 lbs.). Unlike the mini and compact excavators, these will need a permit for transportation. Their weight will also damage soft ground and things like sidewalks, so that needs to be taken into consideration as well. Watch out for that tail swing – it will prevent the medium excavator from working in close quarters.

Those factors aside, what you get in a medium excavator is power, and it’s a big jump up from the compact’s package. With their power and reach, these machines are used in industrial and construction jobs. Lifting, hauling, digging – whatever you need, the medium excavator can do it.

SANY SY500H_ExcavatorLarge Excavators

  • SANY Models: SY365C, SY500H
  • Gross Power: 275–400 HP
  • Dig Depth: 23’ 11’’–25’ 3’’

You know what they say, go big or go home. SANY’s large excavators both exceed 45 tons (90,000 lbs.), making them the biggest and baddest of our excavator collection. As you might have guessed, transporting these massive machines can be very difficult and requires permits and a lot of coordination. Once you’re past that stage, though, it’s all about the power and functionality. Our large excavator models are perfect for really big jobs, like mining, pipeline installation and other industrial applications. When you need to move a lot of material in a short amount of time, you’ll need a large excavator. Their size gives them the power, leverage and stability needed to handle these tough jobs.

Our wide selection of excavators spans the spectrum of size, versatility and capability. Whatever your needs, we have the right excavator for you. If you have more questions or would like to speak to a representative about renting or owning an excavator, we invite you to contact us on our website or visit us at our locations in Lockport and Rock Tavern. Contact us today, and we’ll get you into the SANY excavator that best fits your needs.

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