Spec creep and the disappearance of the 10-12 ton class excavators

MG84 · 2026-05-18T22:22:24.000Z

It seems like there is becoming an ever increasing void between the 8 ton machines and the 140-145 size machines. There is a big difference in performance between a machine weighing 18000-20000lbs and ones that are now closing in on 35000lbs+ The 120's all became 130's, now are becoming 140's, and many are opting for the zero tail swing version (145's) which are even heavier yet. Correct me if I'm wrong, but these used to be the machines that were targeted at home builders/residential development, light commercial development and general construction. You could tow them legally with a tandem dump truck and a tandem axle 15-20T pintle hitch trailer. Now with this class of machine spec'd the way most do (road liner pads, dozer blade, quick coupler, progressive thumb, etc) its really hard to tow them legally with a tandem axle trailer and be under the 34K tandem group weigh limits. Is there just not a market anymore for a 25000-27000lb machine like the Hitachi Ex100 or Ex120 from years past? I know there is the new Cat 310, but that's about the only offering in this size range now. I've been casually looking at larger machines for a few years, but an 8-ton is only a little better than a 6-ton IMO, and then it's a big jump in size (and price) to a 140-145 which is a lot harder to move. What's everyone else's thoughts on this?

Started by MG84May 18, 202654 replies

BC Placer goldSenior MemberJun 2, 2026#41
Tyler d4c said: Hears what it was like working in the early 2000s View attachment 361359 Click to expand... Nice tidy outfit!
IceHoleSenior MemberJun 2, 2026#42
I'm curious how many around here are over 26k without a CDL. Very common for an F350-550 (or Dodge) with a 20k plus pound trailer. My truck is 19,500 I think. Trailer 25,000.
HarleyHappySuper UserJun 3, 2026#43
Most are probably overweight. Not sure why DOT lets them and the guys with 2500’s hauling a 6 ton mini but me and my Top kick hauling a backhoe gets all the attention.
ThatGuysFarmNew MemberJun 3, 2026#44
If it fits it ships.
MG84Senior MemberJun 4, 2026#45
It's easy to spot the guys without enough truck by the way they load the machine, such as in that last pic. I always load with the blade to the front, house/stick pointing to the back, and generally pull the machine forward until the drive planetaries are centered between the trailer axles. There are a lot of guys running around with dangerously little tongue weight IMO.
MG84Senior MemberJun 4, 2026#46
Tyler d4c said: Hears what it was like working in the early 2000s View attachment 361359 Click to expand... That's an example of good machine placement, if the truck/trailer/machine are all sized properly I find that to be the right spot regardless of if it's a pickup with a 3.5-ton, a medium duty with a 6-ton, or a tandem with a larger machine.
HarleyHappySuper UserJun 4, 2026#47
ThatGuysFarm said: If it fits it ships. Click to expand... nice sized machine, wrong size truck!
CM1995ExpertJun 4, 2026#48
ThatGuysFarm said: If it fits it ships. Click to expand... Driving that would be like -
AzIronSenior MemberJun 6, 2026#49
Tyler d4c said: Hears what it was like working in the early 2000s View attachment 361359 Click to expand... Every pool digger around was set like that here Cat designed the 314 for that application with a zero swing but you need a tandem dump and twenty ton tag to move it or a set up like this whitch is really handy I just bought a 314 with rubber tracks last year and boy that's handy for a lot of things
BC Placer goldSenior MemberJun 6, 2026#50
Interesting; rubber tracks on a 14 ton… I suppose could be very handy; especially if working in urban environments. Nice tidy setup for hauling that 313!
materthegreaterSuper UserSep 24, 2026#51
Where have you been hiding @MG84 ? Haven't seen you around in a while.
MG84Senior MemberSep 24, 2026#52
materthegreater said: Where have you been hiding @MG84 ? Haven't seen you around in a while. Click to expand... Been living like it's 1999, no smart phone, ~10min a day on the computer and less than an hr a day of TV. Its great, everyone should try it...
materthegreaterSuper UserSep 25, 2026#53
MG84 said: Been living like it's 1999, no smart phone, ~10min a day on the computer and less than an hr a day of TV. Its great, everyone should try it... Click to expand... Sounds like a good idea. Glad to hear you're ok. We've had several guys just disappear from the forum recently with no explanation.
Tyler d4cSenior MemberSep 25, 2026#54
MG84 said: Been living like it's 1999, no smart phone, ~10min a day on the computer and less than an hr a day of TV. Its great, everyone should try it... Click to expand... Id have to wear a diper and get carried around and play all day as i was 2 in 99
CM1995ExpertSep 25, 2026#55
Tyler d4c said: Id have to wear a diper and get carried around and play all day as i was 2 in 99 Click to expand... Good Lord - you're a young'n!

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