What Size Excavator Do I Need?

What Size Excavator Do I Need? Depth, Reach & Access Checklist (No Guesswork)

Stop Guessing: Use This Excavator Size Checklist

What size excavator do I need? Use our depth, reach and access checklist to choose the right machine, no guesswork. Get the checklist below and plan your project today. If you are in Southeast Wisconsin, CIS Equipment Rental in Union Grove can help you size your machine and deliver fast so you can break ground with confidence.

Depth: required trench or cut depth with a safety margin
Reach: maximum reach at ground and dump height for loading
Access: gate width, overhead obstacles and turning room
Lift and stability: what you need to lift and at what radius
Tail swing: zero, short or conventional, based on clearance
Undercarriage and ground: rubber or steel tracks, soft or firm soil
Slope and grade: safe positioning on inclines
Attachments: buckets, thumbs and specialized tools
Transport: towing limits, delivery access and permits
Budget and schedule: right size for efficiency and rental days

Excavator Size Classes Explained

Picking the right size starts with understanding the common excavator classes and what they do best. The size impacts dig depth, reach, lifting power, transport requirements and how easily you can navigate tight spaces.

Micro and mini excavators, 1 to 2 tons: Very compact machines that fit through narrow gates and work in tight yards. Typical dig depth is 6 to 8 feet. Good for light trenching, drain lines and small landscaping.
Compact excavators, 3 to 6 tons: A versatile sweet spot for residential and light commercial work. Typical dig depth is 9 to 12 feet. Often available with zero or short tail swing. Good for utility trenching, footings, small ponds and light demolition.
Midi excavators, 7 to 10 tons: More reach, depth and lift without jumping to a full-size machine. Typical dig depth is 12 to 15 feet. Good for deeper utilities, larger footings, septic systems and truck loading on smaller sites.
Standard excavators, 11 to 24 tons: Serious production capacity. Typical dig depth is 15 to 22 feet with strong lifting power and greater stability. Good for basements, roadwork, mass excavation and heavy truck loading. The 2019 CAT 315 available from CIS Equipment Rental is in this class and is ideal for medium to large projects.
Heavy excavators, 25 tons and up: Specialized heavy civil and mass excavation with very deep digs and long reaches. Often require special transport and larger sites.

Choosing a larger machine than you need can raise cost and complicate access. Choosing a smaller machine than you need can lead to slow production, multiple setups and safety risks. The sections below give you a clear method to find your fit.

Depth: How Deep Must You Dig?

Dig depth is the first number to lock in. You need enough stick length, boom geometry and bucket clearance to reach your target depth without forcing the machine or working at unsafe angles. A good rule is to have at least 1 to 2 feet of extra depth capacity beyond your target so you can shape the bottom and deal with variations in grade.

Identify your target depth. Measure from finished grade to the bottom of the trench or excavation.
Add a safety margin of 1 to 2 feet for shaping and overdig.
Consider trench boxes or shoring if required. Boxes can reduce available reach and depth and may change your machine choice.
Check for water table or groundwater. Working in wet conditions may require a larger machine for stability and production.

Examples help make it clear. For a yard drain at 4 feet, a 1 to 2 ton mini will often suffice. For a water or sewer line at 8 to 10 feet, a 3 to 6 ton compact excavator is common. For a basement cut at 10 to 14 feet, a midi or standard excavator such as a CAT 315 is more appropriate. If your dig is near the limit of a machine’s depth chart, step up one size for efficiency and safety.

Reach: Can You Load or Place From One Setup?

Maximum reach at ground and achievable dump height determine how many times you must reposition the machine and whether you can load trucks efficiently. Repositioning adds time and can reduce jobsite safety. It is best to select a machine that reaches both the dig and the spoil or truck location from a stable, centered position.

Measure horizontal distance from machine center to the dig area.
Measure horizontal distance from machine center to the truck or spoil pile position.
Confirm dump height. Most tandem dump trucks have side heights in the 9 to 11 foot range. You need at least a foot of overhead margin for smooth dumping.
Compare to the machine’s spec sheet for maximum reach at ground and maximum dump height.

As a quick guide, compact excavators can dump into most small trucks and trailers with careful positioning. Midi and standard models make loading full size dump trucks faster thanks to extra height and power. If you plan to stay on one bench and place spoil farther back, bias your choice toward a machine with longer reach or a long stick option.

Access and Footprint: Will It Fit and Turn Safely?

The best excavator on paper is the wrong excavator if it cannot get to the work. Always verify access dimensions and obstacles before you book a rental. A machine that barely fits often creates bottlenecks and risk. Aim for comfortable clearances.

Gate and opening width: Measure the narrowest point. Allow at least 6 inches of clearance on each side for safe travel.
Pathway grade and surface: Grass, pavers, soft soil or slopes change traction and turning behavior.
Overhead obstacles: Wires, soffits, tree limbs and bridges can limit boom movement and dumping.
Working room: Swing arc clearance matters. Consider zero or short tail swing if you are near walls, fences or parked vehicles.
Site protection: Plan mats or plywood in soft yards to prevent rutting and protect turf.

Compact and midi excavators with zero or short tail swing are excellent for tight residential spaces. Standard excavators bring more power but need more swing clearance and a stronger surface under the tracks.

Lift Capacity and Stability: Can It Handle the Load?

Digging power is only half the story. Many jobs involve lifting structures, setting manholes, handling trench boxes or placing boulders. Every excavator has a lift chart that varies by boom and stick position, radius from the center of the machine, and whether you are lifting over the front or the side. Lifting over the side generally reduces capacity.

Know the weight of what you will lift, including slings and any quick coupler or thumb.
Check lift capacity at the actual radius where you will be working. Capacity drops quickly as the radius increases.
Use a conservative rule of thumb. Plan your lift so the expected load is no more than 75 percent of the charted capacity at that radius.
Consider a heavier machine if you will be lifting frequently or at long reach.

Approximate attachment weights to factor into lifts: a 24 inch trenching bucket can weigh 200 to 400 pounds, a hydraulic thumb can add 200 to 500 pounds, and quick couplers vary widely. If your work involves steady lifting or box handling, stepping up to a midi or standard excavator such as the CAT 315 provides stability and control.

Ground Conditions and Traction

Soil type and moisture influence track choice and machine class. Rubber tracked compact excavators protect pavement and lawns and reduce vibration. Steel tracks bite into rock and resist wear on harsh sites. Low ground pressure machines reduce rutting in soft soils. On steep slopes, you may need more weight for stability and a skilled operator. If conditions are muddy or unstable, plan for mats, staging areas and a machine class with enough power to climb and hold grade without spinning.

Transport and Permits

Transport can be a deciding factor. Very small machines can be towed by a half ton or three quarter ton truck on a suitable trailer within local rules. Larger machines require a CDL driver, a heavier trailer and sometimes permits for width or weight. Delivery by your rental partner saves time and avoids compliance headaches. CIS Equipment Rental can deliver directly to your jobsite in Southeast Wisconsin and coordinate safe drop-off and pickup.

Under about 10,000 pounds: often towable by properly equipped pickups. Confirm local rules and trailer ratings.
10,000 to 20,000 pounds: usually needs a larger trailer and may require a CDL depending on the combined weight rating.
Over 20,000 pounds: plan for professional transport, route checks and possible permits.

Attachments and Job Types

Attachments can change what a machine can do and how big it needs to be. A tilt bucket can speed finish grading. A thumb helps with demolition and handling debris. A narrow bucket is ideal for utilities. Always match hydraulic flow and coupler type to the excavator. When you rent from CIS Equipment Rental, ask about bucket widths, thumbs and compatible options for the machine model you choose so you can arrive on site ready to work.

Examples: Choose the Right Size for Common Projects

Yard drain or irrigation lines at 2 to 4 feet deep: 1 to 2 ton mini. Fast in tight yards with minimal turf damage.
Residential water or gas service at 6 to 8 feet: 3 to 4 ton compact excavator. Enough depth and stability with a narrow bucket.
Sewer laterals at 8 to 10 feet with a small trench box: 5 to 6 ton compact. Consider stepping up if you need longer reach or frequent lifts.
Septic system or small pond excavation at 10 to 12 feet: 7 to 10 ton midi. Extra reach speeds loading and shaping.
Basement cut or addition foundation at 10 to 14 feet: 11 to 15 ton standard excavator. A CAT 315 class machine is a strong fit.
Heavy truck loading on a commercial site: standard excavator. More dump height and cycle speed increase production.
Garage demolition with debris sorting: 5 to 10 ton with a thumb. Balance lift, reach and maneuverability.
Boulder placement and hardscape: choose the smallest machine that safely lifts your heaviest piece at the working radius.

Quick Decision Tree: What Size Excavator Do I Need?

What is your required dig depth? If under 8 feet, look at mini or compact. If 9 to 12 feet, compact or midi. If 13 feet and deeper, midi or standard.
Do you need to load full size dump trucks? If yes, favor midi or standard with ample dump height.
How tight is access? If gate width is under 5 feet, you are in mini territory. If you are working near walls or fences, consider zero or short tail swing.
Are you lifting heavy items at long reach? Step up a size for stability and check lift charts.
Is the ground soft or sloped? Choose a machine with the right tracks and enough weight to hold grade.
Transport available? If towing limits you, plan for rental delivery from CIS Equipment Rental.

Why Rent From CIS Equipment Rental in Union Grove, WI

CIS Equipment Rental is a local, service-focused rental partner based in Union Grove, Wisconsin. We help contractors and property owners select the right iron for the job so you can work safely and hit your deadline. Our fleet includes machines that cover key workloads and budgets, and our team can talk through depth, reach and access to match a model to your plan.

2019 CAT 315 standard excavator: Daily rate 700 dollars. Ideal for basements, deeper utilities, truck loading and mid-size site work. Strong reach and stable lifting performance.
2023 CAT 259D3 compact track loader: Daily rate 400 dollars. Perfect companion for backfilling, grading and moving material after excavation.
2017 Cat D5K2 LGP dozer: Daily rate 600 dollars. Low ground pressure dozer for shaping, road base, pads and finishing after the dig.

Call David Schaefer at 262-977-8811 or email sales@cisequipment.com to confirm availability, discuss bucket options and schedule delivery. CIS Equipment Rental serves Southeast Wisconsin with straightforward pricing, responsive service and clean, work-ready machines.

How to Get a Precise Sizing Recommendation

If you want a fast and precise answer to what size excavator do I need, gather the checklist measurements below and contact CIS Equipment Rental. We will look at depth, reach and access as a whole and suggest the smallest machine that gets the job done safely and efficiently. We can also coordinate the right companion equipment, like a compact track loader for backfill, so you stay productive from start to finish.

Printable Checklist: Depth, Reach and Access

Project type and location
Required dig depth and desired overdig margin
Trench width or excavation footprint
Soil type and moisture conditions
Groundwater or dewatering needs
Required reach to spoil or truck, and dump height
Gate width and tightest access point
Overhead obstacles and safe boom height
Turning room and tail swing clearance
Slope grade and working platform plan
Items to lift, weights and lift radius
Attachments needed and bucket widths
Transport method or delivery address
Estimated duration and schedule
Budget range

FAQ: What Size Excavator Do I Need?

Is a mini excavator enough for utility trenching?

If your trench is 8 feet or less and access is tight, a 3 to 4 ton compact excavator with a narrow bucket often balances depth, reach and speed well. For shallow yard drains or irrigation lines, a 1 to 2 ton mini is often the fastest and least disruptive option.

When should I choose a midi or standard excavator?

Choose a midi or standard machine when your dig depth exceeds 12 feet, when you need to load full size dump trucks efficiently or when lifting demands at long reach call for more stability. For basements and larger utility work, a standard excavator like the CAT 315 from CIS Equipment Rental is a proven choice.

Do I need zero tail swing?

Zero or short tail swing reduces the risk of hitting walls, fences and parked vehicles and is useful in tight residential sites. Conventional tail swing machines often offer slightly better stability and lift. Match the tail swing profile to your clearance and risk level.

What if my site is soft or muddy?

Plan for mats or aggregate working pads, use rubber tracks on compact machines to protect surfaces and consider stepping up a size for better traction and stability. Low ground pressure designs and wider tracks help in soft conditions.

Can a CAT 315 work in residential areas?

Yes, if you have adequate access, turning room and a stable surface, a CAT 315 class excavator can be very productive on residential additions, basements and large landscaping. Verify gate width, overhead clearances and haul route first. CIS Equipment Rental can help you confirm fit before delivery.

How do I budget for the right size?

Balance daily rate with productivity. A slightly larger machine that reduces setups and loads trucks faster often lowers total cost by cutting rental days and labor hours. CIS Equipment Rental provides transparent daily rates and helps you estimate the right duration.

Your Next Step

Now that you know how to answer what size excavator do I need, take five minutes to fill out the checklist and call CIS Equipment Rental. Share your depth, reach and access numbers, and we will recommend a machine that fits your site and budget. Contact David Schaefer at 262-977-8811 or email sales@cisequipment.com to schedule your rental and get your project moving today.