CAT CLASS: HQ-10186

Up to 50 ft Long-Reach Excavator

Up to 50 ft long-reach excavators extend digging capability up to 43.4 ft horizontally and 33.3 ft deep, enabling operators to clean ditches, ponds, and retention basins from stable ground on the bank. This is the smallest rung on the long-reach excavator ladder, representing machines with operating weights from 9,280 to 42,548 kg. These excavators sacrifice some digging force in exchange for extended reach compared to standard excavators.

Models

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Cat classes

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

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Max reach	33.5–43.4 ft (10.2–13.2 m)	Horizontal distance from the center of rotation to the bucket cutting edge at maximum extension.
Max dig depth	20–33.3 ft (6.1–10.1 m)	Maximum vertical depth below ground level the bucket can reach, critical for pond and canal work.
Operating weight	20,459–93,802 lb (9,280–42,548 kg)	Machine weight with standard boom, fuel, and operator; determines ground pressure and transport requirements.
Engine power	68–339 hp	Diesel engine output; higher power supports larger booms and faster cycle times in dense material.

How to choose

This size class suits applications where the work is within 43 ft of solid ground and depths stay under 34 ft—typical drainage ditch cleaning, small pond de-silting, and retention basin maintenance from perimeter access. When maximum reach must exceed 50 ft or dig depth approaches 40 ft or more, the 50-65 ft Long-Reach Excavator becomes necessary. Projects with continuous access along the feature's edge favor this smaller class for lower transport costs and faster repositioning between work zones.

What this size handles

De-silting stormwater retention ponds from perimeter berms
Cleaning irrigation canals and farm drainage ditches from levee access
Excavating wetland edges and shoreline restoration without entering soft substrate
Shaping stream banks and clearing debris from creek channels during low flow
Demolition reach work in urban settings where ground support is adequate
Slope grading and erosion control on steep embankments from roadway elevation

Safety & operation

Extended boom geometry shifts the center of gravity; operators must monitor stability indicators and avoid side-loading the bucket
Ground-bearing pressure increases significantly when the boom is fully extended and loaded; geotechnical assessment of working surface critical
Overhead power line clearance becomes a hazard when boom elevates; spotter or exclusion zones required near utilities
Visibility to the bucket tip is reduced at maximum reach; cameras or ground guides often necessary for precision work

Transport & logistics

Machines in the 9,280–20,000 kg range typically move on tandem-axle tag trailers or standard lowboys
Units above 30,000 kg operating weight require tri-axle or heavier lowboy trailers and oversize permits in most jurisdictions
Extended boom assemblies often transport separately and reconnect on site to stay within width and length regulations

Power & supply

Diesel fuel exclusively; engines from 68 to 339 hp consume approximately 3–12 gallons per operating hour depending on load
On-site bulk diesel storage or daily refueling from service trucks typical for multi-day projects
Cold-weather operations may require block heaters or auxiliary starting systems for reliable morning starts

Frequently asked

What differentiates a long-reach excavator from a standard excavator?

Long-reach excavators use extended boom and stick assemblies—typically 50–100% longer than standard configurations—sacrificing breakout force and lift capacity in exchange for horizontal reach and dig depth. The extended geometry also raises the center of gravity, requiring careful attention to stability.

How does reach vary within the up to 50 ft class?

Maximum horizontal reach spans from 33.5 ft in lighter 9,280 kg machines to 43.4 ft in heavier 42,548 kg models. Dig depth similarly ranges from 20 ft to 33.3 ft, with larger chassis supporting longer boom-stick combinations while maintaining stability.

Can this size class work in soft or saturated ground?

These machines are sized to operate from stable banks or compacted surfaces; the 9,280–42,548 kg operating weights create ground pressure that typically exceeds the bearing capacity of soft pond bottoms or saturated marsh. Operators position the excavator on solid perimeter ground and reach into the feature.

Compare popular models

Find by spec →

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

Model	Operating weight	Max dig depth	Max reach	Engine power
Hitachi ZX130-7 SLF	33,400 lb (15,150 kg)	33.3 ft (10.1 m)	43.1 ft (13.1 m)	99 hp
Hitachi ZX250/300/350-7 SLF	75,178 lb (34,100 kg)	26.3 ft (8.0 m)	43.4 ft (13.2 m)	188 hp
Hitachi ZX390TC-7 Demolition	85,650 lb (38,850 kg)	24.2 ft (7.4 m)	36.4 ft (11.1 m)	282 hp
Hitachi ZX95US-7 SLF	20,459 lb (9,280 kg)	23 ft (7.0 m)	33.5 ft (10.2 m)	68 hp
Volvo EC300 Straight Boom	71,727 lb (32,535 kg)	20 ft (6.1 m)	38 ft (11.6 m)	253 hp
Volvo EC400 Straight Boom	93,802 lb (42,548 kg)	20 ft (6.1 m)	39 ft (11.9 m)	339 hp