Top 10 Biggest Excavators In The World

Excavators, often called the workhorses of the construction and mining industries, are a testament to human engineering ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of efficiency in heavy machinery. 

These versatile, hydraulically powered giants have revolutionized how we shape the world around us, whether digging trenches, carving foundations, mining precious resources, or demolishing structures.

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With their distinctive arm-like booms and formidable attachments, excavators are the embodiment of power and precision, playing a pivotal role in countless infrastructure projects worldwide.

Here we would like to share with you the top 10 biggest excavators in the world according to their operating weights with shovel attachments.

10. Hitachi EX5600-6 (533 Tons)

Credit: Lectura Specs

The Hitachi EX5600-6 is a huge hydraulic mining excavator manufactured by Hitachi. They are designed to handle heavy-duty applications in industries like mining, quarrying, and construction.

It features an operating weight of 533 tons and a bucket capacity of 27 cubic meters. This tracked excavator is constructed to deliver a remarkable 1119kW or 1500 horsepower, harnessed from its robust Cummins engine, to the substantial 533-ton EX 5600-6 machine.

9. Caterpillar 6060-FS (570 Tons)

Credit: CAT

The Caterpillar 6060-FS is a massive hydraulic mining excavator manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. With a substantial operating weight of 570 metric tons, it ranks among the heaviest excavators out there.

It is equipped with a 3000 horsepower engine and has a bucket capacity of 34 cubic meters. The excavator was designed so that it can fully fill dump trucks in roughly 4 rounds.

8. XCMG XE7000 (673 Tons)

Credit: XCMG

The XCMG XE7000 is a one-of-a-kind excavator manufactured by XCMG Group, a prominent Chinese construction machinery manufacturer. It has a huge operating weight often exceeding 700 metric tons.

The Chinese mostly used this excavator for mining purposes but it can also be used for other types of constructions. The cool feature of the XE7000 is that it has An external valve flow regenerative system that captures and reutilizes energy generated during the machine's lifting and loading operations.

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Not only that but an intelligent monitoring system continuously observes the excavator's activities in real-time ensuring the effectiveness of the excavator.

7. Liebherr R 996 B (745 Tons)

Credit: Lectura Specs

The Liebherr R 996 B is an exceptional hydraulic mining excavator designed and manufactured by Liebherr Group, a Swiss company known for its precision engineering. The Liebherr R 996 B is one of the largest hydraulic excavators in the world with Its substantial operating weight reaching 745 metric tons.

It also has a massive bucket capacity, which can reach up to 36 cubic meters or more. The good thing about this excavator is that it is much lighter than other excavators on this list but it commands substantial force when it comes to its ground pressure and breakout capability.

On top of that, it is also suitable to be used in extreme weather conditions.

6. Komatsu PC8000-11 (768 Tons)

Credit: Komatsu

The Komatsu PC8000-11 is an impressive hydraulic mining excavator manufactured by the renowned Japanese company Komatsu. With a substantial operating weight that can exceed 800 metric tons, it ranks among the largest hydraulic excavators globally.

A standout feature of this excavator is its colossal bucket capacity, which can reach up to 42 cubic meters or more. The equipment is engineered with a flexible loading shovel bucket capacity that can be tailored to suit the requirements of various projects. 

Additionally, it features an in-cab LED screen, providing operators with a comprehensive 360-degree view of their environment.

5. Liebherr R9800 (810 Tons)

Credit: Liebherr

The Liebherr R9800 is a monumental hydraulic excavator designed and manufactured by the renowned Swiss company Liebherr Group. It can have an operating weight surpassing 800 metric tons, making it one of the biggest excavators available.

The excavator has a massive bucket capacity extending up to 42 cubic meters or more. The R9800 operates with the propulsion of two robust diesel engines, strategically engineered to optimize productivity.

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Equipped with an electro-hydraulic system that enhances power transmission efficiency, a standalone cooling system, and a closed-loop swing circuit, the machine facilitates safe deceleration and minimizes fuel consumption.

4. Demag H740-OS (815 Tons)

Credit: Lectura Specs

The Demag H740-OS is a colossal hydraulic mining excavator that commands attention with its sheer size, power, and exceptional capabilities. This excavator was produced by Demag, a well-known heavy equipment manufacturer.

It has a substantial operating weight which can achieve 815 metric tons. At the outset, its design had a specific focus on tackling KMC Mining's challenging oil sand operations, but its versatility allows for utilization in various other demanding extraction and excavation endeavors too.

It has one of the most powerful engines yet which generates 4,464 horsepower.

3. Hitachi EX8000-7 (911.6 Tons)

Credit: HitachiCM

Developed by the renowned Japanese manufacturer Hitachi Construction Machinery, this colossal machine is celebrated for its exceptional power, impressive bucket capacity, and cutting-edge technology.

Its substantial operating weight, which can reach 911.6 metric tons, makes it one of the heaviest excavators in existence. It has a massive bucket capacity, which can reach up to 45 cubic meters.

It also has various safety features for its users such as engine stop switches, an on-board inclinometer as well as an auto-lubrication system.

2. Bucyrus RH 400 (1,080 Tons)

Credit: Flickr

Produced by Bucyrus International, which later became part of Caterpillar Inc., this mammoth machine is renowned for its immense size, power, and versatility in a variety of demanding applications.

The Bucyrus RH 400 is one of the largest hydraulic excavators in the world. It boasts an impressive operating weight that can exceed 980 metric tons. On top of that, it has an enormous bucket capacity, which can reach up to 50 cubic meters.

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This formidable piece of equipment is driven by either two 16-cylinder Cat 3516B engines or Cummins QSK60 diesel engines. With such a huge engine in mind, it will require 6 car batteries to power it up.

It also has other cool features like the electronic-hydraulic servo control, TriPower shovel attachment, and an independent oil-cooling system.

1. Caterpillar 6090 FS (1,102 Tons)

Credit: Construction Equipment Guide

The world's biggest excavator, the Caterpillar 6090 FS is often hailed as a marvel of modern engineering, is a formidable hydraulic excavator that stands as a symbol of power and efficiency in the world of heavy machinery. 

Developed and manufactured by Caterpillar Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, the 6090 FS is a colossal excavator designed for the most demanding earthmoving and mining operations.

The Caterpillar 6090 FS boasts an astounding operating weight of 1,000 tons. This immense capacity allows it to move massive quantities of material in a single scoop. Beneath its massive exterior lies a powerhouse of an engine, typically producing over 4,500 horsepower.

With its 52 cubic meters bucket and a payload capacity of 93.6 tonnes, it can load Caterpillar's largest dump truck, the 797, in just four passes.

Also read: Top 7 Biggest Dump Trucks In The World