20-Metric-Ton Excavators: Market Overview of the Midsize Crawler Segment

The 20-metric-ton excavator class sits in a great power and size band. Not too big. Not too small. Just right for serious production without oversized transport drama. These mid-size crawler excavators typically dig past 20 feet, land around 45,000 pounds (though some in this overview go over 60,000 pounds), and can load trucks all day long. They also accept a wide menu of attachments — buckets, breakers, rippers, tiltrotators and beyond. This is why fleets keep buying them. Twenty-tonners live on commercial sites, utility jobs, and roadwork. They trench and backfill. Units can be equipped with grade control and cut grade. They can lift trench boxes, set pipes, hammer concrete, and load dump trucks. Let's dig in...

What buyers should look at first

Start by considering your work mix. Trenching all week and lifting pipe on Friday requires different setup than constant truck loading. Specs, tech, and options you’ll need to consider:

• Operating weight and transport limits
• Arm length, reach, dig depth, and lift charts
• Horsepower and aftertreatment systems (think DEF and regen)
• Auxiliary hydraulics for future attachments and couplers
• Grade control capability and your upgrade path
• Service access, intervals, and dealer support
• Cab comfort and visibility
• How gnarly your unit looks 

Don’t buy on horsepower alone. In this class, the winners blend strong hydraulics, smart tech, easy maintenance, and operator comfort. Get that mix right, and a 20-metric-ton excavator becomes the machine you schedule or jump in first. Here are some of the most popular units on the market.

Most popular 20-metric ton units on the market

The 20-metric-ton segment is crowded for a reason. Every major OEM builds a contender here. Below are some of the most popular machines in the class — iron that balances power, transportability, technology, and operator comfort.

John Deere P-Tier 210, 230, and 260

John Deere says its P-Tier midsize excavators deliver the performance, control and technology today’s construction crews demand. The new 210, 230, and 260 P-Tier models in the 20-metric-ton class combine smooth hydraulics with increased dig force, lift capacity, and fast cycle times to tackle trenching, grading, lifting, and truck loading. Inside the largest cab in its class, operators gain intuitive controls, enhanced comfort, and a new G5 Plus touchscreen that simplifies machine management and attachment use. Integrated grade control, remote display capabilities, and advanced safety technologies help crews work more precisely, reduce downtime, and protect people and equipment. Designed with direct contractor and operator input and backed by the John Deere dealer network, new P-Tier excavators help construction teams work smarter, safer, and more efficiently, says the company. For more info, visit this link.

Volvo EC210 Excavator

The next-gen Volvo EC210 crawler excavator is the perfect partner for building, road work, utilities, and more. Though it’s just over 20 tons, it punches well above its weight with a powerful 154-horsepower engine while offering a low total cost of ownership. Key updates over the previous generation include a new electro-hydraulic system that regulates engine speed and hydraulic flow to reduce fuel consumption by about 10 percent without sacrificing performance. A new creep travel mode coupled with boom and arm shock reduction settings give operators tight command of loads and reduce spillage. Operators can work faster and more precisely with the optional Volvo Active Control, which automates boom and bucket movements. Inside the cab, they’ll enjoy reduced noise levels, improved HVAC, and modern amenities like wireless charging and a heating/cooling compartment for food and beverages. With 1,000-hour service intervals for engine oil and fuel filters, the EC210 ensures maximum uptime. For more info, visit this link.

Cat 320 GC, 320, and 323

Caterpillar says its three Next Generation 20-ton size class excavators — the 320 GC, 320, and 323 — increase operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and improve operator comfort compared to previous models. The new excavators offer unique combinations of purpose-built features designed to match customers’ productivity and cost targets. Still the 20-ton class standard, the new Cat 320 raises the bar for efficiency with integrated Cat Connect Technology that advances productivity gains. Standard technology combined with lower fuel and maintenance costs deliver low-cost production in medium- to heavy-duty applications. Designed for low- to medium-duty applications, the new Cat 320 GC combines a good balance of productivity features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The result is high reliability and low cost-per-hour performance, says Cat. Delivering high production performance, the new premium Cat 323 boasts standard integrated Cat Connect Technology and the most power and lift capacity in the line. For more info, visit this link.

Bobcat E220

Bobcat notes its E220 large excavator is built to deliver the power, performance, and precision needed for big jobsite challenges. Designed for large scale projects such as commercial and residential construction, roadwork, and infrastructure, the E220 combines fast cycle times, good digging forces, and high lifting capabilities to help operators work confidently and efficiently. Powered by a 174-horsepower turbocharged, non DPF engine and featuring a conventional tail swing design, the E220 offers a strong balance of stability and control, with a digging depth of 21 feet, 7 inches and a bucket digging force of 35,464 foot pounds. Precision is enhanced with a swing feature that brings the upper structure to a smooth, gradual stop, reducing spillage and improving placement accuracy. Four selectable power modes, Power+, Power, Standard, and Economy, allow operators to match performance to the task, whether prioritizing productivity or fuel efficiency. Smart Power Control automatically matches engine and hydraulic response to load demands for efficient operation in any mode. For more info, visit this link. 

Hitachi Construction Machinery ZX210LC-7H

Hitachi Construction Machinery says its ZX210LC-7H — operating weight 50,900 pounds, standard bucket capacity 1.05 cubic yards — delivers efficient and precise performance with the company’s patented Trias III hydraulic system. This system gives this machine optimized hydraulic energy based on load, enhancing responsiveness for precise and smooth movements. The ZX210LC-7H was designed to be a versatile tool carrier for diverse applications, with a dig end engineered to work seamlessly with different attachments. Contractors of all sizes depend on this machine because it’s the perfect size for transporting in urban settings or to remote job sites, while delivering fuel efficiency and overall power. This machine also features the company’s latest technology to increase safety and decrease downtime. Arial Angle provides a 360-degree view of the machine, alerting operators to nearby people or obstacles. The Hitachi ConSite system enables remote monitoring, alerts for maintenance needs, and oil condition monitoring. For more info, visit this link.

Develon DX200LC-7 

The Develon DX200LC-7 excavator is designed to address the primary challenges of modern jobsites. These include rising operational costs, operator fatigue, and demanding project timelines. By integrating Smart Power Control (SPC), the machine solves some of the challenge of fuel inefficiency, automatically adjusting engine output to match hydraulic demand. Features like auto-idle and auto-shutdown further reduce wasted fuel and unnecessary warranty hours. To combat the skilled labor shortage and operator burnout, the DX200LC-7 offers an ergonomic, high-comfort cab with intuitive controls like the Develon Smart Touch screen and optional 360-degree around view monitor (AVM) camera system. These features lower the barrier for newer operators while enhancing safety. Furthermore, its robust X-chassis and reinforced frame address the need for long-term durability in harsh environments. Finally, the My Develon fleet management (telematics) system solves the logistical headache of maintenance tracking, providing remote visibility into machine health and location to ensure maximum uptime and productivity. For more info, visit this link.

Case CX220E (a little bigger than 20 tons)

With an operating weight of 50,000 pounds, Case Construction Equipment’s CX220E delivers powerful, responsive performance with a 162-horsepower engine designed to handle demanding applications. The CX220E offers 34,000 pounds of bucket breakout force to tear through even the toughest ground, and four working modes — Super Power (SP), Power (P), Lifting (L), and Eco (E) — to match different application needs and enable maximized fuel economy. Payload and Assist options help boost productivity, including in-bucket weight measurement and Dynamic Stability Assist, which automatically reduces shaking during dumps. Hydraulic Flow Control Balance allows operators to customize hydraulic priorities for digging or truck loading styles, improving efficiency without sacrificing performance. Operator comfort and safety are prioritized with suspended console controls, a heated air-suspended high-back seat and a 270-degree camera view displayed on a 10-inch monitor for enhanced visibility. Optimized HVAC vent placement improves temperature control, defrosting, and overall cab comfort throughout the workday. For more info, visit this link.