What to Consider When Choosing an Excavator?
Choosing the right excavator should not be based solely on machine weight, engine power or purchase price. An excavator is a long-term investment, and the right choice depends on several factors including the type of work, jobsite conditions, required digging capacity, daily operating hours, transportation requirements, fuel or energy consumption, service availability and spare parts support.
Buying a larger or more powerful excavator does not automatically mean making a better investment. An oversized machine can increase the initial purchase cost as well as transportation, fuel and operating expenses. On the other hand, an excavator that is too small for the application may struggle to achieve the required productivity and could result in longer working hours and higher operating costs.
For this reason, there is no single answer to the question, “Which excavator should I buy?” The correct choice depends on what you expect the machine to do.
At Shantui Turkey, we recommend starting the excavator selection process by clearly defining the application. Earthmoving, infrastructure construction, landscaping, urban projects, road construction and heavy-duty site operations can require very different machine characteristics.
Our current Shantui excavator range in Turkey includes machines for different operating requirements, from the compact SE12SR to the SE335 for higher-capacity applications. Our range also includes the SE20Ei electric excavator, providing an alternative for applications where electric construction equipment is suitable.
In this guide, we explain the most important factors to consider when choosing an excavator, including operating weight, jobsite conditions, engine power, hydraulic performance, bucket capacity, fuel or energy consumption, transportation, service availability, spare parts support and total cost of ownership. We will also look at how different Shantui excavator models can fit different operating requirements.
Start With the Most Important Question: What Will the Excavator Be Used For?
Before comparing technical specifications, you should clearly determine what the excavator will actually be expected to do. A compact excavator working on an urban infrastructure project has very different requirements from a larger machine operating for long hours on a major earthmoving site.
Landscaping, small excavation projects, utility work and jobsites with restricted access can make compact excavators particularly useful. Larger infrastructure and earthmoving projects may require greater operating weight, digging capacity and bucket capacity. Heavy-duty projects can demand another level of machine capability altogether.
This is why the selection process should begin with the application rather than the specification sheet. Consider what material will be excavated or loaded, how much space is available for the machine to operate, how many hours it will work each day, how often it will need to move between jobsites and what level of daily productivity is expected.
Once these requirements are clearly defined, it becomes much easier to identify the appropriate excavator class.
How Do You Choose the Right Excavator Size?
Operating weight is one of the most common ways excavators are compared. However, the assumption that a heavier machine is always better can lead to an inefficient investment.
As excavator size increases, the machine can generally handle more demanding applications. At the same time, its physical dimensions, transportation requirements and operating conditions also change. A compact excavator may offer better manoeuvrability and easier transportation, while a larger machine may be more suitable when higher production capacity is required.
The current Shantui excavator range available through Shantui Turkey covers a wide range of operating weights. At the compact end, the SE12SR has an operating weight of 1,200 kg, followed by the SE17SR at 1,800 kg, SE18SR at 1,880 kg, SE20Ei at 1,980 kg, SE27SR at 2,800 kg and SE36SR at 3,800 kg.
Moving further up the range, the SE58SR weighs 5,850 kg, the SE60 weighs 5,960 kg, the SE75 weighs 7,650 kg and the SE85SR weighs 9,160 kg.
For applications requiring greater capacity, our current range includes the SE135 at 14,620 kg, the SE215 at 23,800 kg and the SE335 at 34,500 kg.
The objective is therefore not to buy the largest excavator your budget allows. It is to identify the machine class that can perform the required work efficiently without introducing unnecessary operating and transportation costs.
When Should You Choose a Mini Excavator?
Mini excavators can provide significant advantages when working space is restricted or when the machine needs to be transported frequently between jobsites. Typical applications can include urban infrastructure work, landscaping, utility projects, small excavation jobs and projects where access is limited.
One of the main reasons for choosing a mini excavator is its compact size. A larger excavator may have sufficient digging capacity for a job but still be unsuitable if it cannot manoeuvre effectively within the available space. This is particularly important when working close to buildings, walls, roads, existing infrastructure or other equipment.
Transportation should also be considered. Contractors who regularly move machinery between multiple projects may place greater importance on machine weight and dimensions than companies operating an excavator permanently at one site.
Within the current Shantui Turkey range, the SE12SR, SE17SR, SE18SR, SE27SR and SE36SR provide compact excavator options across different operating weights. The SE12SR starts at 1,200 kg, while the SE36SR reaches 3,800 kg, allowing contractors to select a compact machine according to the scale of their work.
Choosing between these models should not be based on weight alone. Required digging performance, site conditions, expected workload and transportation requirements should all be considered together.
How Do Jobsite Conditions Affect Excavator Selection?
The physical conditions of the jobsite can have a major influence on excavator selection. A large, open earthmoving site gives an excavator considerably more operating freedom than an urban project surrounded by buildings, roads or existing infrastructure.
It is not enough to determine whether the machine can physically enter the site. You also need to consider the working envelope required for boom, arm and bucket movements, the available turning area, the position of trucks being loaded and the presence of other machines or personnel.
Ground conditions should also form part of the assessment. The type of surface, slope conditions and the material being excavated can influence the type and size of machine required.
This is why a compact excavator should not automatically be associated only with “small jobs.” In some projects, substantial work may need to be completed in a physically restricted environment, making a compact machine the more practical choice.
How Important Is Engine Power When Choosing an Excavator?
Engine power is one of the first specifications many buyers compare, but it should never be considered in isolation. An excavator operates as an integrated system in which the engine, hydraulic system, operating weight, bucket and machine configuration work together.
Two machines with similar engine power figures may behave differently in real operating conditions because their overall design and hydraulic characteristics are different. Comparing machines only by their kW output can therefore provide an incomplete picture.
Within the current Shantui Turkey range, engine power increases as the machines move into different operating classes. For example, the SE12SR provides 9.8 kW, the SE17SR 11.8 kW, the SE18SR 11.2 kW, the SE27SR 14.6 kW and the SE36SR 18.2 kW.
Further up the range, the SE75 provides 54.6 kW, while the SE135 provides 90 kW, the SE215 129 kW and the SE335 209 kW.
These numbers help describe the machines, but they do not independently determine which excavator is best. Engine power must be evaluated together with machine weight, hydraulic performance, bucket capacity and intended application.
Why Is the Hydraulic System Important?
The hydraulic system is central to an excavator’s operation. Boom, arm and bucket movements depend on hydraulic performance, making the system an important part of digging, loading and general machine control.
For this reason, excavator buyers should look beyond engine specifications. The machine must be capable of delivering the movements and working performance required by the application in a controlled and productive manner.
Hydraulic system maintenance is also important throughout the machine’s operating life. Hydraulic components, hoses, filters, fluids and related systems may require inspection, maintenance or replacement depending on operating conditions and service intervals.
This connects the technical specification of the machine directly to another important purchasing criterion: after-sales support. The ability to access technical service and appropriate spare parts can become increasingly important as operating hours accumulate.
How Should Excavator Bucket Capacity Be Selected?
Bucket capacity directly affects excavation and loading operations, but simply choosing the largest available bucket does not necessarily improve productivity. The bucket must be appropriate for the excavator’s operating class, the material being handled and the intended application.
Material density is particularly important. Different materials place different loads on the machine, meaning bucket selection should reflect actual jobsite conditions rather than capacity figures alone.
Across the current Shantui Turkey excavator range, bucket capacity changes according to machine class. The compact SE12SR has a 0.022 m³ bucket capacity, while the SE17SR, SE18SR and electric SE20Ei each have a 0.04 m³ capacity.
The SE27SR provides 0.065 m³, the SE36SR 0.12 m³, the SE58SR 0.18 m³, the SE60 0.25 m³, the SE75 0.32 m³ and the SE85SR 0.28 m³.
For larger machines, different bucket configurations can be considered according to the application. The SE215 supports bucket options within the 0.45–1.2 m³ range, while the SE335 has a 1.6 m³ bucket capacity.
When comparing excavators, bucket capacity should therefore be evaluated alongside machine weight, application and material characteristics rather than treated as an isolated measure of productivity.
Why Do Daily Operating Hours Matter?
An excavator working only a few hours per day operates under very different conditions from a machine working long shifts on a busy construction site. Daily and annual operating hours can significantly affect the economics of the machine.
For high-utilisation equipment, fuel or energy consumption, maintenance intervals, spare parts access and service planning become increasingly important. When the excavator is a core production asset, unplanned downtime can also have a direct impact on the wider project.
This is why businesses expecting high annual operating hours should consider more than the initial purchase price. The long-term relationship between productivity, maintenance, operating costs and after-sales support becomes increasingly important as machine utilisation increases.
A lower purchase price may appear attractive initially, but it should be considered in the context of how the machine will perform and be supported throughout its operating life.
Diesel or Electric Excavator?
The development of electric construction machinery has introduced another factor into excavator selection. Diesel excavators continue to serve a very broad range of applications, while electric machines can provide an alternative where jobsite conditions and energy infrastructure make electrification practical.
The current Shantui Turkey excavator range includes the SE20Ei electric excavator. The SE20Ei has an operating weight of 1,980 kg, a power rating of 10 kW and a bucket capacity of 0.04 m³.
Choosing an electric excavator requires more than comparing the machine itself with a diesel alternative. The site’s energy infrastructure, daily operating pattern, charging requirements and intended application must all be considered.
It would be incorrect to say that an electric excavator is automatically the best solution for every project, just as it would be incorrect to assume diesel is always the best option. The power system should be selected according to the operating environment and business requirements.
Why Should Fuel and Energy Consumption Be Considered?
An excavator is usually purchased for years of operation, making fuel or energy consumption an important component of total operating cost. This becomes particularly significant for machines that accumulate high annual operating hours.
However, fuel consumption should not be evaluated only as an hourly figure. Productivity matters as well. A machine that consumes less fuel per hour but requires substantially more time to complete the same task may not necessarily deliver a lower overall cost.
A more useful comparison considers how efficiently the excavator completes the required workload. Fuel or energy consumption, working capacity and productivity should therefore be evaluated together.
This approach also helps buyers move away from comparing machines using only purchase price and toward understanding the actual economics of operating them.
Transportation Is Also Part of Excavator Selection
Transportation is sometimes overlooked when purchasing an excavator. For businesses operating at a permanent site, machine transport may be relatively infrequent. For contractors working across multiple construction projects, however, moving an excavator between jobsites can be a regular part of operations.
As machine weight and dimensions increase, transportation planning can become more demanding. This means that buying a larger excavator than necessary can have consequences beyond fuel consumption and initial cost.
Before selecting an excavator, consider how frequently it will be transported, what transport equipment will be required and whether machine size could create additional logistical requirements.
Ease of transportation can be one of the reasons contractors choose compact excavators for particular types of work.
New Excavator or Used Excavator?
Buyers searching for excavators for sale will usually encounter both new and used machines. A used excavator can offer a lower initial purchase price, but the condition and history of the machine must be carefully evaluated.
Important considerations can include operating hours, maintenance history, hydraulic system condition, undercarriage condition, previous applications and the overall mechanical state of the machine.
With a new excavator, there is no uncertainty regarding previous operation, and the applicable current warranty and after-sales conditions can be assessed as part of the purchase.
There is no universal answer as to whether a new or used excavator is better. The correct decision depends on budget, intended utilisation, operating requirements and the level of risk the buyer is prepared to accept.
What matters is avoiding a comparison based solely on purchase price.
Should Price Be the Main Factor When Looking for an Excavator for Sale?
No. Price is important, but it should be one part of the decision rather than the entire decision.
Buyers searching online for an excavator for sale or comparing excavator prices may find significant differences between machines. Those differences can reflect operating weight, engine power, hydraulic system, bucket capacity, equipment configuration, machine class and after-sales support.
A lower initial purchase price does not necessarily result in a lower long-term operating cost. Maintenance, spare parts, service requirements, fuel or energy consumption, transportation and potential downtime can all influence the real cost of ownership.
For this reason, excavator quotations should be compared within the context of the complete machine and the support available after purchase.
Why Should You Check the Service Network Before Buying an Excavator?
Technical specifications are only one side of an excavator investment. The machine will require routine maintenance throughout its working life and may occasionally require technical service.
This becomes especially important when an excavator is used intensively or forms a critical part of a contractor’s production capacity. Before purchasing, buyers should know who they can contact for technical support, how service requests are handled and whether there is a service organisation covering the region where the machine will operate.
At Shantui Turkey, we support our customers through our General Headquarters and Showroom in Istanbul, our Regional Directorate in Konya and our service organisation covering different locations in Turkey.
For buyers evaluating an excavator investment, we recommend considering the after-sales structure at the same time as the technical specifications of the machine rather than waiting until service is actually required.
Why Is Spare Parts Support Critical When Choosing an Excavator?
An excavator consists of numerous mechanical, hydraulic and structural components. During its working life, requirements can arise ranging from routine maintenance parts to components required for repair.
For this reason, spare parts support should be researched before choosing a construction machinery brand. The ability to identify the correct part according to the machine model and serial number is an important part of an organised after-sales process.
At Shantui Turkey, excavator spare parts requests are evaluated according to the relevant machine model and serial number. Current stock or supply status can then be checked for the specific requested component.
Buyers who want more detailed information about this process can also review our Shantui Excavator Spare Parts and Service Guide, where we cover service, maintenance and spare parts support specifically for Shantui excavators.
Should You Check Warranty Conditions Before Purchasing?
Yes. Warranty conditions should be understood before completing an excavator purchase.
Warranty periods and coverage can vary depending on the machine, current sales conditions and applicable terms. For this reason, buyers should confirm the current warranty conditions for the specific excavator they are considering rather than relying on general information found online.
For current warranty information relating to Shantui excavators in Turkey, our sales team can provide information according to the relevant model and current sales conditions.
This is particularly important when comparing different excavator quotations, as after-sales terms form part of the overall investment.
What Is the Total Cost of Ownership of an Excavator?
The purchase price is only the beginning of an excavator’s financial lifecycle. Total cost of ownership considers the wider costs associated with owning and operating the machine over time.
These can include fuel or electricity, scheduled maintenance, spare parts, service requirements, transportation and the financial impact of machine downtime. Depending on the application, these costs can become highly significant over years of operation.
For this reason, comparing two excavators only by their purchase prices can produce a misleading result. A more complete assessment considers how much each machine is likely to cost to operate and support throughout its expected working life.
This is particularly important for businesses that expect their machines to accumulate substantial operating hours.
How Should You Choose Between Shantui Excavator Models?
The current Shantui Turkey range includes 13 excavator models covering different operating weights and applications. Rather than selecting a model based on one specification, it is more useful to divide requirements into operating classes.
Compact Excavators for Restricted Working Areas
For applications where working space and machine dimensions are important, the SE12SR, SE17SR, SE18SR, SE27SR and SE36SR can be considered.
These machines range from 1,200 kg to 3,800 kg in operating weight, providing several options within the compact excavator category. The appropriate model should be selected according to the required digging capacity, available working space, transportation requirements and expected workload.
A compact machine should not simply be selected because it is easier to transport. It must still have sufficient capacity for the work it will be expected to perform.
Electric Compact Excavator Applications
Where an electric power system is appropriate for the operating environment, the SE20Ei provides an electric option within the current Shantui Turkey range.
With an operating weight of 1,980 kg, a power rating of 10 kW and a 0.04 m³ bucket capacity, the SE20Ei belongs to the compact class. When evaluating this model, the site’s energy infrastructure and operating schedule should be considered alongside the machine specifications.
Medium-Scale Site and Earthmoving Applications
When a project requires more capacity than the compact class, the SE58SR, SE60, SE75 and SE85SR provide several options across the next operating range.
The SE58SR has an operating weight of 5,850 kg, the SE60 5,960 kg, the SE75 7,650 kg and the SE85SR 9,160 kg. These differences allow buyers to match machine size more closely with project requirements.
The decision should still be based on more than operating weight. Bucket capacity, engine power, jobsite conditions, expected production and transportation requirements should all be considered.
Applications Requiring Greater Operating Capacity
For projects requiring another step up in machine capacity, the SE135 can be considered. The SE135 has an operating weight of 14,620 kg and an engine power rating of 90 kW.
As with every other excavator class, the machine should be selected because its overall capabilities match the intended application rather than simply because it provides a higher specification.
Heavy Earthmoving and High-Capacity Operations
For heavier operating conditions and projects requiring greater machine capacity, the current Shantui Turkey range includes the SE215 and SE335.
The SE215 has an operating weight of 23,800 kg and engine power of 129 kW, with bucket options in the 0.45–1.2 m³ range depending on application.
The SE335 has an operating weight of 34,500 kg, engine power of 209 kW and a 1.6 m³ bucket capacity, making it the highest operating-weight excavator currently listed in our Shantui Turkey range.
When evaluating machines in this class, productivity should be considered alongside service planning, maintenance requirements, spare parts support and the potential operational impact of machine downtime.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an Excavator
One of the most common mistakes is choosing an excavator based primarily on purchase price. While the initial investment is clearly important, it does not provide a complete picture of the machine’s long-term cost.
Another common mistake is assuming that a larger excavator will automatically be more productive and therefore a better purchase. An oversized machine can create unnecessary fuel, transportation and ownership costs if its additional capacity is not actually required.
The opposite problem can also occur. Selecting a machine that is too small simply to reduce the initial investment can result in lower productivity and longer working times.
Another important mistake is postponing questions about service and spare parts until after the machine has been purchased. The service organisation, spare parts process and after-sales contact structure should be understood before making the investment.
Finally, buyers should avoid choosing an excavator based on a single specification. Engine power, operating weight and bucket capacity are all important, but none of them independently determines whether a machine is right for a particular project.
The excavator should always be evaluated as a complete operating system.
Questions to Ask Before Buying an Excavator
Before purchasing an excavator, define exactly what you expect from the machine. Identify the primary applications, physical jobsite conditions, expected daily operating hours, transportation frequency and required production capacity.
Then evaluate the machine itself. Consider its operating weight, engine power, bucket capacity, hydraulic system, dimensions and suitability for the intended application.
The assessment should not end there. Research the manufacturer’s or distributor’s service organisation, spare parts support, current warranty conditions and maintenance process. If the machine is likely to work intensively, consider the potential cost of downtime and how technical support will be accessed when required.
Taking all these factors into account makes it possible to compare excavators based on their actual suitability for your business rather than on a small number of catalogue specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Excavator
There is no single factor that determines the correct excavator. The application, jobsite conditions, operating weight, required digging and loading capacity, daily operating hours, engine and hydraulic system, bucket capacity, service network, spare parts support and total cost of ownership should all be evaluated together.
The correct excavator size depends on the work being performed. Compact excavators can be suitable for restricted working areas and certain urban or landscaping applications, while larger machines may be required for projects where higher production capacity is necessary.
Mini excavators can be suitable for restricted jobsites, urban infrastructure work, landscaping, utility projects and various compact excavation applications. The required model should still be selected according to the actual workload and site conditions.
No. An excavator that is larger than necessary can increase purchase, transportation and operating costs. A machine that is too small may fail to provide the required productivity. The objective is to select the correct machine for the job rather than the largest available machine.
Engine power is important but should not be considered alone. The engine, hydraulic system, operating weight, bucket capacity and intended application should be evaluated together.
Bucket capacity should be appropriate for the excavator's operating class, the material being excavated or loaded and the required production level. A larger bucket does not automatically mean greater efficiency in every application.
The answer depends on the operating environment. Diesel excavators remain suitable for a broad range of applications, while electric excavators can be considered where site infrastructure and working conditions are appropriate. The Shantui Turkey range currently includes the SE20Ei electric excavator.
In addition to price, evaluate operating weight, engine and hydraulic performance, bucket capacity, intended application, service availability, spare parts support, current warranty conditions and long-term operating costs.
The answer depends on your budget, intended utilisation and risk profile. When evaluating a used excavator, operating hours, maintenance history, hydraulic condition, undercarriage and general mechanical condition should be examined carefully. A new machine allows current warranty and after-sales conditions to be considered without uncertainty regarding previous use.
Yes. Excavators require scheduled maintenance and may require technical support during their working life. The availability and organisation of service support should therefore be researched before purchasing.
Maintenance and repair can require different components throughout the machine's operating life. Access to an organised spare parts process and correct part identification according to model and serial number can be an important part of keeping equipment operational.
The current Shantui Turkey excavator range includes the SE12SR, SE17SR, SE18SR, SE20Ei, SE27SR, SE36SR, SE58SR, SE60, SE75, SE85SR, SE135, SE215 and SE335.
Yes. At Shantui Turkey, we provide after-sales support for service, maintenance and spare parts requirements relating to our excavator range. Customers can contact our teams for current information about service locations, spare parts requests and technical support processes.
Find the Right Shantui Excavator for Your Project
Choosing an excavator is a long-term investment decision. We therefore recommend looking beyond the initial purchase price and selecting the machine according to the actual operating conditions of your project and the long-term requirements of your business.
The current Shantui Turkey range extends from the compact SE12SR to the higher-capacity SE335, providing different options across multiple operating classes.
For compact working environments, the SE12SR, SE17SR, SE18SR, SE27SR and SE36SR can be considered. For projects where an electric compact excavator is appropriate, our range includes the SE20Ei. For different medium-scale applications, the SE58SR, SE60, SE75 and SE85SR provide additional options, while the SE135 addresses higher-capacity requirements. For heavier operating conditions, the SE215 and SE335 complete the current range.
However, we do not recommend selecting a model solely on the basis of these categories. Jobsite conditions, required capacity, transportation, working hours and operating expectations should be evaluated together.
If you are looking for an excavator for sale in Turkey or comparing excavator models for an upcoming project, you can share your operating requirements with the Shantui Turkey sales team. We can provide information about the models currently available in our product range and help you evaluate their technical characteristics according to your application.
For after-sales requirements, our service and spare parts teams can also provide information about Shantui excavator maintenance, technical service and spare parts support in Turkey.
Shantui Turkey General Headquarters: +90 850 307 49 49
Sales: satis@shantuiismakinalari.com
Technical Service: servis@shantuiismakinalari.com
Spare Parts: yedekparca@shantuiismakinalari.com
