When you’re planning a construction or landscaping project, one of the first questions that comes up is: What size excavator should I rent? Choosing the right size isn’t just about budget—it’s about safety, efficiency, and getting the job done right.
At Riverside Equipment Rentals, we help contractors and homeowners across Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, and the Fraser Valley find the right excavator for their job site. Whether you’re digging a foundation or cleaning up storm damage, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
🚧 Excavator Sizes Explained
Excavators are generally categorized by their operating weight:
| Class | Weight Range | Typical Use |
| Mini (Compact) | 1–8 tons | Backyard trenches, tight residential work |
| Mid-Size | 8–20 tons | Utility work, demolition, small foundations |
| Large | 20–30+ tons | Commercial jobs, site prep, heavy lifting |
Below, we’ll focus on the most commonly rented sizes: 8-ton, 20-ton, and 30-ton machines.
8-Ton Excavator: For Tight Spaces and Residential Jobs
The 8-ton class (such as a Hitachi ZX85) is ideal for small-scale jobs that still need solid reach and digging power.
✅ Best For:
- Trenching for utilities or drainage
- Digging footings for garages or additions
- Residential landscaping
- Working in tight areas near buildings or fences
📏 Specs (Approx.):
- Dig depth: ~14 ft
- Width: ~7 ft
- Transport weight: ~18,000 lbs
🔄 Attachments Available: Cleanup bucket, hydraulic thumb, trenching bucket
20-Ton Excavator: The Versatile Workhorse
This mid-size class includes models like the John Deere 245G or Komatsu PC238. It’s a perfect balance between power and maneuverability, commonly seen on BC construction sites.
✅ Best For:
- Foundation excavation
- Roadwork and grading
- Moderate demolition
- Material handling with thumb or lifting hooks
📏 Specs (Approx.):
- Dig depth: ~22 ft
- Width: ~9 ft
- Transport weight: ~45,000 lbs
🛠️ Can be equipped with quick-change couplers, thumbs, and plate compactors
30-Ton Excavator: Built for Big Jobs
Large machines like the John Deere 235G or CAT 336 offer serious reach, capacity, and lifting strength. These are best suited for commercial and heavy civil work.
✅ Best For:
- Site development
- Retaining wall excavation
- Deep trenching and mass excavation
- Lifting large pipe or rock
📏 Specs (Approx.):
- Dig depth: ~24 ft
- Width: ~10 ft
- Transport weight: ~56,000–75,000 lbs
💡 Many of our 30-ton machines can come with enviro oil for environmentally sensitive projects
Choosing the Right Machine: Key Questions
Before you rent, ask yourself:
- What is the tightest access point on-site?
- How deep or wide do I need to dig?
- Will I be lifting, trenching, or grading?
- What’s the ground condition—muddy, rocky, or dry?
Our team at Riverside will help you match the right size and attachment to your specific project and site.
🚚 Need Delivery? We’ve Got You Covered.
We deliver throughout Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Hope, Mission, Langley, and beyond—on time, every time. Flexible daily, weekly, or monthly rental terms are available.
🏁 Start Digging with Confidence
Renting the right excavator doesn’t have to be complicated. With well-maintained machines, optional attachments, and local expertise, Riverside Equipment Rentals is your trusted partner for excavator rentals in BC.
📞 Call Daryl at 604-556-0557 to get a quote or book your rental today