Top 10 Biggest Excavator in the World: Engineering Marvels That Move Mountains
When you need serious digging power for large scale mining operations or massive construction projects, nothing beats the raw capabilities of the world's biggest excavators. These engineering marvels represent the pinnacle of heavy equipment design, combining impressive power with cutting edge technology to move earth on an unprecedented scale. From open pit mines extracting iron ore and coal to oil sands operations in Canada, these giant excavators reshape our planet's surface one bucket load at a time.
Table of Contents
- Caterpillar 6090 FS – The Undisputed Champion
- Komatsu PC9000 – The New Challenger
- Bucyrus RH400 (Now Caterpillar) – The Former Champion
- Liebherr R 9800 – European Excellence
- Hitachi EX8000-7 – Japanese Precision
- Komatsu PC8000-11 – The Mining Workhorse
- Demag H740-OS – Oil Sands Specialist
- Liebherr R 996 B – Efficiency Champion
- Volvo EC950F – Swedish Engineering
- Hyundai R1200-9 – Productivity Innovator
- Supporting Your Excavation Equipment
1. Caterpillar 6090 FS – The Undisputed Champion
The Caterpillar 6090 FS holds the title as the world's biggest hydraulic excavator, with an operating weight of 1,102 tons and 4,500 horsepower from twin engines. This American-built powerhouse dominates large scale mining projects worldwide, particularly in operations requiring maximum productivity.
The 6090 FS features a bucket payload capacity of 93.6 tons and can fill a Cat 793F haul truck in just four passes. The machine's bucket capacity reaches 52 cubic meters, while dual Cummins QSK60 engines deliver 4,570 HP total power. The fuel tank holds a massive 16,500 liters, and the excavator's dimensions stretch to 25.2 meters in length, 11.2 meters in width, and 12.5 meters in height.
What makes the 6090 FS truly remarkable is its advanced hydraulic system that manages flow efficiently while maintaining incredible breakout force. Key features include an automatic roll-back limiter preventing material spillage onto the cab while supporting maximum bucket capacity, plus constant boom momentum and bucket angle for faster lifting speeds. The undercarriage and crawler components are reinforced to withstand the extreme forces involved in moving such large amounts of material.
Available in both diesel and electric versions (6090 AC FS), this excavator can operate with a single engine while maintaining 65% of total production. While Caterpillar has discontinued new production of the 6090 FS, existing models continue delivering exceptional performance in mining operations globally.
2. Komatsu PC9000 – The New Challenger
The 900-ton Komatsu PC9000 represents the most advanced evolution of mining technology, specifically designed for large-scale extraction operations in Canada's oil sands mines. This Japanese engineering marvel arrived on the scene in 2025, making it the newest entrant among the world's biggest excavators.
The PC9000 features dual Cummins QSK78 engines delivering 4,828 HP total, ensuring a travel speed of 2.0 km/h, with an estimated bucket capacity of 50 cubic meters. The fuel tank capacity reaches 18,000 liters, while overall dimensions measure 24 meters in length, 10.8 meters in width, and 12 meters in height. The excavator can dig up to 9.5 meters deep and lift loads up to 180 tons.
The first unit was delivered to Suncor Energy at the Fort Hills mine in Alberta in May 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for the global mining industry. The PC9000's design specifically addresses the challenging conditions found in oil sands operations, where traditional excavators struggle with the abrasive and sticky material. Its advanced hydraulic system maintains precision control even when moving massive loads, while performance monitoring systems track every aspect of machine operation to enhance efficiency.
3. Bucyrus RH400 (Now Caterpillar) – The Former Champion
Previously the world's biggest hydraulic excavator, the Bucyrus RH400 has an operating weight of 1,080 tons. Though no longer holding the top spot, this powerful excavator remains a force in heavy-duty mining applications worldwide.
The machine is propelled by two 16-cylinder Cat 3516B engines or Cummins QSK60 diesel engines. Originally manufactured by Bucyrus in the United States, Caterpillar acquired the company in 2010, incorporating this proven design into their mining equipment lineup. The RH400's bucket capacity and digging force make it ideal for large scale mining operations requiring reliable performance in challenging conditions.
The RH400's engineering served as the foundation for the 6090 FS, proving that its design philosophy of combining great power with efficient operation was sound. Many mining operations still rely on RH400 units for their productivity and reliability, particularly in coal and iron ore mining applications.
4. Liebherr R 9800 – European Excellence
The Liebherr R9800, manufactured at the Colmar plant in France, holds the world record for bucket capacity in shovel configuration at 45.3 cubic meters. This German company's flagship mining excavator represents European engineering excellence in heavy equipment design.
The R9800 has an operating weight of 810 tons with bucket capacity options up to 47.5 cubic meters, powered by dual Liebherr D9816 engines delivering 4,000 HP total. Thanks to Liebherr's proprietary engine management system called Liebherr Power Efficiency - Engine Control, the R 9800 can save up to 120,000 liters of fuel per year.
The R 9800's dimensions include 23.9 meters in length, 10.5 meters in width, and 11.7 meters in height. It can dig up to 9 meters deep and lift loads up to 150 tons. With its modular design, the R 9800 can be upgraded over its lifetime, and it was designed with an 80,000-hour service life.
The machine features strategic lighting systems ensuring optimal visibility in all weather conditions, while the design prioritizes simplified and safe maintenance. Key features include an electro-hydraulic system for efficient power transmission, an independent cooling system, and a closed loop swing circuit helping the machine safely decelerate and reduce fuel consumption.
5. Hitachi EX8000-7 – Japanese Precision
The Hitachi EX8000-7 weighs approximately 827 to 839 tons depending on configuration and, with its backhoe attachment, can dig to a maximum depth of over 25 feet. This powerful excavator from Japan combines impressive specifications with technology designed for optimal performance and operator comfort.
Hitachi's flagship mining excavator offers buckets up to 45 cubic meters, supported by dual engines delivering 3,888 HP (2 x 1,944 HP). The machine excels in coal mining operations worldwide, where its combination of power and precision makes it particularly valuable. The hydraulic system holds approximately 9,700 liters of fluid, and the excavator uses 39 track shoes per side with standard triple-grouser track shoes.
The EX8000-7 is built with technology designed to reduce fuel consumption and features a cab optimized for performance and operator comfort. The machine's advanced hydraulic system provides precise control during digging and loading operations, while performance monitoring helps operators maximize productivity during long shifts.
6. Komatsu PC8000-11 – The Mining Workhorse
The Komatsu PC8000-11 features an operating weight ranging from 752 to 773 tons, depending on configuration, with dual engines delivering 2 x 1,500 kW (2 x 2,010 HP) at 1800 rpm. This surface mining hydraulic excavator was designed specifically for large scale mining applications working with haul trucks from 240 to 400 tons.
The PC8000-11 offers bucket capacity up to 42 cubic meters in both shovel and backhoe configurations. Under optimal conditions, the machine can excavate up to 6,800 tons per hour. The tear-out force reaches 2,077 kN, with a dredging depth of 8.64 meters and maximum horizontal reach of 21.19 meters.
The PC8000-11 is the market leader in its weight class and was made for the toughest and most inhospitable environments in the world, engineered using meticulous standards with high-quality materials to achieve exceptional durability. The machine features advanced safety systems including an access and egress system that exceeds industry standards, with two solid flip-down ladders allowing quick emergency exits on either side of the excavator.
The hydraulic system consists of two main drives, with each of the two gearboxes driving four identical main pumps drawing hydraulic oil from an unpressurized hydraulic tank. This open circuit hydraulic design provides maximum cooling and filtering efficiency, crucial for maintaining optimal performance during demanding mining operations.
7. Demag H740-OS – Oil Sands Specialist
The Demag H740-OS ranks number four among the world's largest excavators, originating in Canada from KMC Mining and later improved by manufacturer Komatsu. While not the most critical excavator globally in terms of size, this machine carved out a unique niche in specialized applications.
The H740-OS features a 4,463-horsepower engine capable of heavy-duty mining applications and lifting operations. Its unique design is widely recognized as ideal for abrasive oil sand operations. The machine's engineering specifically addresses the challenges of working in sticky, abrasive materials that quickly wear down conventional excavators.
Oil sands mining presents unique challenges requiring specialized equipment. The material's consistency and abrasiveness demand robust hydraulic systems and wear-resistant components. The Demag H740-OS delivers on these requirements, making it a valuable tool for operations in Alberta's oil sands region.
8. Liebherr R 996 B – Efficiency Champion
The Liebherr R 996 B follows the Liebherr design philosophy of maximizing performance by improving the efficiency of all individual subsystems. This approach creates a machine that delivers exceptional productivity while maintaining reliable performance in challenging mining conditions.
The R 996 B represents Liebherr's commitment to continuous improvement in mining excavator design. By optimizing each component and subsystem, the machine achieves impressive efficiency gains compared to earlier models. The advanced hydraulic system manages power distribution precisely, ensuring operators have responsive control even when working with heavy attachments or digging through difficult material.
This excavator's fuel efficiency stands out among machines in its class. The engineering team focused on reducing unnecessary energy consumption throughout the machine's operation, from the engine management system to the hydraulic circuits. These efficiency improvements translate directly into lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.
9. Volvo EC950F – Swedish Engineering
The Volvo EC950F has an operating weight of 104.5 tons and is powered by a 449 kW engine, making it the largest excavator in Volvo's lineup. While significantly smaller than the mining giants dominating this list, the EC950F deserves recognition for bringing sophisticated technology to a more accessible size class.
The EC950F features an impressive dig depth of just over 23 feet and a maximum digging reach of 40 feet, plus an innovative attachment management system that stores settings for up to 20 attachments, making switching tasks quick and easy. This versatility makes it valuable for construction sites where multiple tasks require different tools.
The machine demonstrates Volvo's signature focus on operator comfort and efficient operation. The cab design prioritizes ergonomics and visibility, reducing operator fatigue during long shifts. Volvo's engineering team also optimized the hydraulic system for smooth, precise control across various applications.
10. Hyundai R1200-9 – Productivity Innovator
The Hyundai R1200-9 has a digging depth of 23 feet and six inches, making it a force for tearing through compacted dirt, rocks, and substrate. This Korean manufacturer's largest excavator brings innovation to the heavy equipment market.
A redesigned hydraulic system provides superior control, including improved pump flow and engineered spool valves. These enhancements give operators more precise control over bucket movements and digging operations, improving both productivity and fuel efficiency.
Hyundai's engineering team focused on creating a machine that balances power with controllability. The result is an excavator that can tackle demanding excavation tasks while maintaining the finesse needed for precision work. This combination makes it suitable for both mining operations and large construction projects requiring careful material handling.
Supporting Your Excavation Equipment
Whether you operate compact excavators for construction work or need components for larger machines, having access to quality parts and expert support makes the difference between peak performance and costly downtime. While the giant mining excavators featured here serve specialized large scale operations, excavators of all sizes require proper maintenance and quality components to deliver reliable performance.
At skidsteers.com, we understand the demands placed on excavation equipment across all applications. Our comprehensive inventory includes attachments, replacement parts, and accessories designed to keep your machines running at optimal performance. From hydraulic components to wear parts, we stock the essentials that contractors and operators need for their next project. Our knowledgeable team can help identify the right parts for your specific equipment, ensuring you get components that match your machine's requirements and deliver the durability you need for efficient operation in any conditions.