You can expect an average excavator weight to be about 34 tons (67,865 lbs, 30,783 kg) for a medium to large size excavator. According to CAT, their models range anywhere from 1 ton for a mini and up to 65 tons for a long-reach excavator. The average excavator is about 23 times the weight of an average car. Generally, the heavier an excavator is, the more weight it can handle.
Common uses to know excavator weight if you need to:
- Move it with a truck, rail, or ship
- Lift it with a crane
- Load it into a ship
- Deliver it on a flatbed truck
- Tow it with a trailer
Excavators come in a range of different types and sizes from mini, small, medium, large, demolition, and long reach.
7 Example Excavator Weights
The following chart features example excavator weights of specific models ranging from the light to heavy. Other larger models can even weigh well over 100,000 pounds. Additional details can be found on the manufacturer’s websites. Here’s the excavator weight chart:
| Excavator Model | Average Operating Weight |
| CAT 300.9D Mini Excavator | 1 ton (2,061 lbs, 935 kg) |
| CAT 311F L RR Small Excavator | 14 tons (28,660 lbs, 13,000 kg) |
| CAT 320 GC Medium Excavator | 24 tons (48,281 lbs, 21,900 kg) |
| CAT 336 GC Large Excavator | 40 tons (80,500 lbs, 36,500 kg) |
| CAT 340 Straight Boom Demolition Excavator | 44 tons (87,900 lbs, 39,900 kg) |
| CAT 340 Long Reach Excavator | 48 tons (96,700 lbs to 43,900 kg) |
| CAT 352F LRE Long Reach Excavator | 65 tons (130,955 lbs, 59,400 kg) |
Source: CAT
Load Capacity vs Operating Weight
When going through the manufacturer’s details, it’s important to take a careful look at the rating. This way, you make proper assessments based on weights.
Load capacity or lift capacity refers to how much weight the excavator can safely lift.
Operating weight refers to the basic weight of a vehicle or machine, including the driver or operator and fuel.
Why Do Excavators Weigh So Much?
The main reason an excavator is so heavy is that it includes an internal counterweight. This is necessary in order to keep an excavator from tipping over when in use. It helps to maintain an excavator’s balance and stable center of gravity.
To Conclude
Excavators are quite heavy when it comes to industrial equipment. In some cases, they can weigh up to 23 times the weight of an average car. That’s why it’s so important to follow strict excavator safety protocols while in operation.
It’s important to know the correct weight when looking to tow and transport your excavator. If you’re unsure and want specific weights, you can always check the manufacture’s website or go to a local cat scale to get a more accurate weight.