CAT CLASS: HQ-10200

30,000-45,000 lb Wheeled Excavator

The 30,000-45,000 lb wheeled excavator—typically designated as 15-20 ton—is the road crew's machine, built to work off the shoulder and move down the job under its own power. With 14.0-17.5 ft dig depth and 139.5-154.2 hp, this size class bridges utility trenching and mobile infrastructure projects where rubber tires deliver transit speed and pavement-safe operation. It sits between the Up to 30,000 lb Wheeled Excavator suited to urban utility work and the 45,000+ lb Wheeled Excavator for heavy-road applications.

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
Operating weight	30,600-41,000 lb (13,900-18,600 kg)	Defines the 15-20 ton class; heavy enough for stability in road shoulder work without requiring overweight permits on most highways.
Engine power	139.5-154.2 hp	Tier 4 Final diesel power for continuous excavation, hydraulic demand, and highway-speed self-transit.
Max dig depth	14–17.5 ft (4.3–5.3 m)	Reaches utility mains, storm sewers, and deeper service trenches typical of roadway infrastructure.
Max reach	27.2–29.5 ft (8.3–9.0 m)	Allows working from the shoulder without encroaching into live traffic lanes on two-lane roads.

How to choose

The 30,000-45,000 lb class is appropriate for road construction, highway utility maintenance, and infrastructure projects requiring frequent relocation under the machine's own power at transit speeds up to 25 mph. When work is confined to urban streets, light utility trenching, or congested sites where maneuverability matters more than reach, the Up to 30,000 lb Wheeled Excavator offers tighter turns and lighter ground pressure. For heavy highway work, deep culvert installation, or projects demanding greater bucket breakout and stability on steep grades, the 45,000+ lb Wheeled Excavator provides the necessary mass and power.

What this size handles

Highway shoulder drainage trenching and culvert replacement along state routes
Municipal water and sewer main installation in roadway rights-of-way
Fiber optic and electrical utility corridors requiring daily repositioning
Bridge approach grading and abutment excavation on paved haul roads
Asphalt removal and subgrade preparation for road reconstruction projects
Stormwater detention basin excavation on sites with existing paved access

Safety & operation

ROPS/FOPS cab protection standard; operators maintain awareness of overhead utilities when working near roadways with power lines
Outriggers or stabilizers typically deployed for maximum stability during digging; some models feature independent blade stabilization
High-visibility markings and work-zone lighting required when operating in live traffic areas; rear-view cameras and proximity alarms increasingly standard
Tire pressure and condition critical for safe road transit; operators verify inflation and tread before highway travel

Transport & logistics

Self-transit capable at 15-25 mph for job-to-job moves along public roads; travel speeds vary by model and tire configuration
Low-boy or tilt-deck trailer transport (25-30 ton capacity) for long-distance moves or when crossing weight-restricted bridges
Typical transport width 8-9 ft allows movement on highways without oversize permits in most jurisdictions; height with cab may require route planning

Power & supply

Diesel fuel consumption 3-6 gallons per hour under typical excavation loads; onboard tanks 50-80 gallons support full-day operation
Tier 4 Final emissions compliance standard; diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems require periodic refilling per manufacturer intervals

Frequently asked

What differentiates this weight class from smaller wheeled excavators?

The 30,000-45,000 lb class adds 2-4 ft of dig depth, 30-40% more engine power, and typically includes highway-capable travel speeds and heavier-duty undercarriage components for continuous road work, whereas lighter machines prioritize urban maneuverability over reach and transit capability.

Do machines in this class require special transport permits?

Most models in this weight range travel legally on highways without overweight permits when operating under their own power, though individual state regulations vary; trailer transport of the machine itself typically requires commercial vehicle compliance but not oversize permits for width.

How does tire wear compare to tracked excavators in road construction?

Wheeled excavators incur tire replacement costs that tracked machines avoid, but deliver faster job-to-job transit, eliminate track damage to finished pavement, and reduce wear on roadway surfaces during repositioning—the trade-off favoring wheeled models on linear infrastructure projects.

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 ZX135W-7	33,510 lb (15,200 kg)	15.6 ft (4.8 m)	27.2 ft (8.3 m)	141 hp
Hitachi ZX150W-7	35,825 lb (16,250 kg)	16.6 ft (5.1 m)	27.7 ft (8.4 m)	141 hp
Hitachi ZX155W-7	37,258 lb (16,900 kg)	17.5 ft (5.3 m)	29.5 ft (9.0 m)	141 hp
Hitachi ZX175W-7	39,132 lb (17,750 kg)	17.5 ft (5.3 m)	29.5 ft (9.0 m)	141 hp
Develon DX140W-7K	34,670 lb (15,726 kg)	14 ft (4.3 m)	-	-
Hitachi ZX180W-7	41,006 lb (18,600 kg)	-	-	141 hp