5 most popular excavators of 2024

Another year has come and gone, and during this time we like to look back at the year that was and gauge the appetite of the market to see what has been floating the people’s boats when it comes to earthmoving equipment.

After digging through (pun intended) some in-house data on the most viewed makes and models on constructionsales.com.au, we found mini excavators to be the most popular among the masses, unsurprisingly. These machines are highly sought after by hire companies looking to add to or upgrade their fleets, and are great additions to a contractor’s fleet to carry out a wide range of jobs including trenching, digging, loading, landscaping etc.

Have a look at which makes and models topped the list this year, and whether your favourite made the list…

This is the only unit on the list that’s not in the compact category but rather in the mid-size segment which is also a very popular size class.

This 14-tonne machine features a Tier 4A engine and a range of tech including a remote monitoring system and Kobelco’s very own Noise and Dust Reduction Technology, iNDr.

It also features plenty of comfort and safety features such as a big spacious cab, air conditioner, LCD multi-display colour monitor and standard rear-view camera.

While not exactly sitting in the compact segment, the SK135SR-3 has a compact working radius, making it ideal for work in tight urban areas.

Kobelco has since released later iterations of the SK135SR, including the SK135SR-7 which is currently the latest version of this model. In fact, the SK135SR-7 was claimed to be one of the brand’s best-selling products.

Related: Kobelco SK135SR-7 brings comfort and productivity to mid-sized weight class

Sitting at number four is Kubota’s 3.8-tonne zero-swing compact excavator, featuring a proven Kubota engine offering 24.8hp.

While it may be small, it is loaded with plenty of tech and comfort features that make operators’ lives easier. This includes the ability to program up to five oil flow rates for specific attachments via the digital control panel in the cab.

The bucket digging force is rated at 2810kgf, and a maximum flow of 60 litres at the AUX 1 circuit allows operators to use a wider range of attachments than before. An auto-shift feature automatically shifts travel speed from high to low depending on the terrain and traction, making the operation smoother when dozing and turning.

This unit comes in either a cab or canopy configurations to suit operators’ requirements and budget.

Yanmar is another company well-known for its construction equipment, especially its compact excavators.

The ViO17 is a 1.8 tonne excavator that is not just compact enough for work in narrow sites but also versatile and stable, thanks to its variable undercarriage.

It can go from 955mm to 1280mm in width, giving the machine stability when needed in digging jobs, while still able to fit through narrow doorways or gates, for example.

It is a zero-tail swing machine, significantly reducing the risk of any damage to the house and other components when turning.

There are also four tie-down points on this machine to make it easier to transport.

The ViO17 is available in a ROPS configuration.

Kubota does it again with the U17-3, a 1.7-tonne machine that has been one of Kubota’s best-sellers and an all-time favourite model in the market.

Powered by a Kubota 16.1hp engine, the U17-3 also has variable tracks that can go up to 1240mm for stability and retracted to 990mm to fit through narrow paths or doorways.

Available only in a canopy configuration, the U17-3 comes with a digital panel that lets operators monitor and control all the excavator functions.

Bucket breaking force is rated at 1550kg, while the hydraulic controls can be easily switched between ISO and SAE with the quick flip of a lever.

The U17-3 is zero-tail swing, making it ideal for work in narrow job sites.

Kubota recently launched the next-generation of the U17 model – the U17-5 premium which features all the tried and tested features of the U17-3 in a more attractive and advanced package. Both the U17-3 and U17-5 will simultaneously be offered on the market in Australia in 2025.

Related: Kubota launches new U17-5 excavator

Sitting high and proud at number one is Kubota’s 5-tonne digger – the U55-4.

Powered by a Kubota Tier 4 engine offering 47.6hp, this unit offers more power and versatility compared to its smaller stablemates mentioned in this piece.

Available in both cab and canopy configurations, the U55-4 come with premium interior features such as suspension seat, ergonomically placed controls and a digital panel that puts all excavator functions at the operators’ fingertips.

It has a 3-pump load sensing hydraulic system that adjusts the hydraulic flow according to the operator’s lever motion, saving fuel and promoting smoother travel.

The maximum oil flow settings of auxiliary circuits 1 and 2 are conveniently adjustable from the digital panel, with operators able to program up to five oil flow rates for different attachments via the digital panel.

An angle blade is available as an option, allowing operators to push soil around or backfill trenches more efficiently. Up, down and float movements are made with a single lever, while left and right-angle positioning is made by the rocker switch on top of the lever.

Looking at the list, it seems the Japanese brands have done a clean sweep of the top five and that's hardly a surprise. Japanese products – whether it be electrical appliances, automobiles or excavators - have long been known for their innovation, creativity, reliability and value for money.

Will other manufacturers be able to wrangle a spot on this list in the future? Only time will tell.