This selection of 40-ton and larger excavators will have you digging up aggregates in record time.

Kobelco Construction Machinery America

Tackles heavy applications

Kobelco’s new SK485 high-performance excavator is the largest of the company’s Mark 9 excavator series. The company says the new model delivers up to a 15-percent improvement in fuel efficiency. Features include upgraded intelligent hydraulics; a new Economy power mode for greater fuel efficiency; a Tier 4 Interim Hino engine equipped with cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) emission technology; a new ROPS/FOPS cab with a larger, more comfortable work environment; and a low engine cover and standard rear-view camera for improved visibility. Additional features include swing flashers and step extensions. A full selection of buckets, couplers, and thumbs are available.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co.

Boom/Swing Priority modes

The Hitachi EX1200-6 hydraulic excavator comes with a front-shovel bucket range of 7.7 to 8.5 cubic yards. The machine features an auto-level crowd mechanism for one-lever crowding of the bucket into the material at a constant level, which is said to keep a cleaner floor and increase bucket fill. Boom Priority mode increases boom-raise speed to reduce cycle time when the swing angle is small in a cycle of digging, swinging, and dumping. Swing Priority mode increases swing speed when the swing angle is large. The unit is also available in backhoe configuration with standard and bulk excavation booms.

Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment

Designed for heavy-duty quarrying

Doosan says its largest crawler excavator, the DX700LC, is designed for heavy-duty mining and quarrying. The excavator features an operating weight of 156,748 pounds with standard boom and arm, 35.4-inch double grouser shoes, and a 4.32-cubic-yard bucket. It provides a bucket breakout force of 78,485 pounds with standard bucket. Maximum digging reach is 41 feet, 8 inches at ground level; maximum digging depth is 25 feet, 5 inches. Additional features include a new power mode control system, an electronic power optimizing system (EPOS), and a six-cylinder common-rail diesel engine.

Caterpillar Inc.

Refined design, added safety

Cat says its 198,000-pound 390D L hydraulic excavator incorporates a refined design that provides greater hydraulic power, stronger structural components, and added safety and convenience features, plus improved serviceability when compared to its 385C predecessor. This is said to create a more productive, more durable, more efficient machine that is comfortable to operate. An increase in hydraulic operating pressure, combined with larger-diameter hydraulic cylinders, results in a 7-percent boost in digging-arm and bucket breakout forces.

Deere & Co.

Comfortable, spacious cab

John Deere’s 870G LC excavator is equipped with a 532-horsepower IT4 engine. The 87-metric ton machine offers a lifting capacity of 43,800 pounds and is equipped with Deere’s Powerwise III engine management system, which is said to offer more hydraulic flow for faster work cycles. A comfortable and spacious cab improves operator comfort. The excavator comes standard with JDLink Ultimate, which offers 24/7 online access to machine health, use, and fuel consumption.

Volvo Construction Equipment

Low emissions, high productivity

Volvo says its EC480D Tier 4i-compliant excavator enters a new era of low emissions and high productivity. The machine features an automatic idling system that reduces engine speed when the levers and pedals are not activated — aiding fuel efficiency and lowering external noise. It also features a heavy-duty undercarriage, advanced hydraulics, and a roomy working environment with clear visibility and easy-to-handle controls. The excavator is said to excel in heavy digging and lifting duties, offering superior cycle times and greater fuel efficiency.

LBX Co., LLC

Fixed or expandable side frames