CAT CLASS: HQ-10187

50-65 ft Long-Reach Excavator

The 50-65 ft long-reach excavator represents the standard configuration for deep excavation and waterway work, delivering the reach necessary for canal dredging, river maintenance, and deep retention basins without repositioning. This size class sits at the upper end of the long-reach excavator ladder, handling the majority of municipal drainage projects, environmental remediation, and large-scale slope work. Machines in this band provide the optimal balance of reach and stability for projects requiring extended horizontal and vertical digging envelopes.

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Maximum Reach	50-65 ft horizontal	Determines access to canal centerlines, deep basin floors, and slope faces from levee or bank positioning
Digging Depth	45-55 ft vertical	Maximum depth capability for retention ponds, drainage channels, and below-grade remediation work
Boom Configuration	Extended two-piece articulating	Engineered boom and stick sections provide structural integrity at maximum extension while maintaining bucket breakout force

How to choose

This size class is appropriate for canal and river maintenance, deep stormwater basins, lagoon construction, and slope trimming operations where a single machine position must cover 50-65 feet of horizontal reach. The extended boom allows operators to work from levees, berms, or stable ground without entering soft or submerged areas. For projects with reach requirements under 50 feet—including smaller drainage ditches, pond edges, and standard foundation work—the Up to 50 ft Long-Reach Excavator offers adequate capacity with reduced transport complexity and lower operating weight. No larger long-reach class is cataloged; projects requiring greater reach typically employ specialized dredging equipment or clamshell configurations.

What this size handles

Irrigation canal cleaning and reshaping from levee access roads
Municipal retention basin excavation to 50+ foot depths
River bank stabilization and slope grading across wide channels
Lagoon construction for wastewater treatment facilities
Environmental sediment remediation in wetland restoration projects
Deep stormwater infrastructure and outfall construction

Safety & operation

Operating radius and load charts critical; bucket weight and material loads significantly affect stability at maximum reach
Ground conditions beneath tracks must support combined machine weight and overturning forces during deep digging cycles
Boom position awareness essential near overhead utilities; extended boom height during transport or repositioning can contact power lines
Spotter or ground personnel coordination required when working near water edges, steep slopes, or areas with limited operator sightlines to bucket position

Transport & logistics

Heavy-duty lowboy or multi-axle trailer required due to extended boom length and counterweight configuration
Boom sections typically transported in assembled position; width and height necessitate oversize permits and escort vehicles in most jurisdictions
Loading and unloading performed with hydraulic ramps or dock facilities; machines of this size exceed conventional jobsite trailer capacities

Power & supply

Diesel fuel supply on site; machines in this class consume 8-15 gallons per operating hour depending on load cycles and reach demands
Bulk fuel storage or daily refueling logistics required for continuous canal and basin projects spanning multiple weeks
Cold-weather operation may require block heaters and fuel conditioning for reliable hydraulic performance at full extension

Frequently asked

What differentiates a 50-65 ft long-reach excavator from a standard excavator with extended stick?

Long-reach models feature purpose-engineered boom and stick sections with reinforced structures, modified hydraulic circuits for extended cylinder stroke, and counterweight configurations designed specifically for the overturning moments generated at full extension. Standard excavators with aftermarket sticks lack the structural integrity and hydraulic capacity for safe operation at these reaches.

How does operating cost compare to smaller long-reach classes?

Machines in this size class typically consume 30-50% more fuel per hour than the Up to 50 ft class due to increased hydraulic demand and heavier component weights. Transport, setup, and ground preparation costs also rise due to the need for specialized trailers and more substantial working pads to support stability at maximum reach.

Can this size class work effectively on both deep vertical and long horizontal reach tasks?

Yes, the articulating boom design allows operators to configure the machine for either deep vertical digging (retention basins, deep utilities) or extended horizontal reach (canal work, slope trimming). Hydraulic flow and cylinder sizing are optimized for both profiles, though cycle times lengthen as the bucket operates farther from the machine centerline.

Compare popular models

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Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Operating weight	Max dig depth	Max reach	Engine power
Hitachi ZX210-7 SLF	55,226 lb (25,050 kg)	37.9 ft (11.6 m)	50.5 ft (15.4 m)	172 hp
Hitachi ZX490-7 SLF	115,081 lb (52,200 kg)	39.1 ft (11.9 m)	54.4 ft (16.6 m)	397 hp