Excavator Sizes Guide: What Size Excavator Do You Need to Rent for Your Project?

Not sure what size excavator do you need for your project? You're not alone, and getting this choice wrong can cost time, money, and even safety. Whether you're landscaping a backyard in Georgina, trenching in Kawartha Lakes, or prepping land for a build in Brock, having the right-sized machine is everything.

At Titanium Rental Group, we understand how overwhelming choosing the right excavator can be, especially if you’re not knee-deep in construction projects every day. That’s exactly why we’ve created this complete guide, helping folks across Beaverton, Pefferlaw, Virginia, and the surrounding communities make smart rental decisions.

So, let’s dig into what really matters when picking the right excavator size (pun intended).

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Understanding Excavator Sizes

Excavators come in three general size categories:

• Mini (0.8–4.5 tonnes): Compact and nimble; perfect for residential work and tight spaces.

• Mid-size (4.5–10 tonnes): More power and reach, great for small to mid-sized construction jobs.

• Large (10+ tonnes): Heavy-duty digging, lifting, and demolition, mostly used on commercial job sites.

Each size isn’t just about how big it looks; it directly affects how deep it can dig, how much weight it can lift, and how easily it moves around a job site.

Here’s why size matters:

• Larger machines dig faster, but can’t fit in tight spots.

• Smaller machines are maneuverable but not built for heavy-duty tasks.

• Mid-size options like our Kubota U35-4 hit a sweet spot for versatility.

If you’re asking, “What size excavator do I need?” you’re really asking, “How big is my job, and what are the conditions on-site?”

What Size Excavator Do I Need? Why is it so Crucial?

Picking the wrong machine doesn’t just mean inefficiency; it can be expensive, dangerous, and cause unnecessary delays.

Here's what’s at stake:

• Cost-Efficiency: Renting a machine that’s too large means you’re paying for power you don’t use. Too small? You’ll waste hours doing what a bigger machine could do in minutes.

• Project Timelines: The wrong excavator slows things down. Delays pile up quickly when you're stuck digging with the wrong tool.

• On-Site Safety: Overloaded machines are a hazard. And machines that are too big can damage property or underground utilities.

We’ve seen it all, clients overestimating and underestimating. That’s why we only offer three tried-and-true options: each one fits specific needs and project types across Pefferlaw, Cannington, Woodville, and more.

Overview of Our Available Machines at

Titanium Rental Group

We keep it simple: quality over quantity. You won’t be flooded with choices. Just three machines that can cover nearly all project needs across Georgina and the surrounding regions:

• Kubota U17 Mini Excavator: Perfect for small-scale residential work.

• Kubota U35-4 3.7T Excavator: Our mid-size beast for deeper digging and bigger jobs.

• Kubota SVL75-3 Track Loader: Technically not an excavator, but essential for cleanup, grading, and lifting.

Each one is maintained to professional standards and ready for whatever your job throws at it.

Kubota U17 Mini Excavator

If your project is in a tight space—think backyards, gardens, or between buildings—the U17 is your best bet.

Key Specs:

• Operating weight: 1.7 tonnes

• Dig depth: Up to 7'7"

• Zero tail swing: Won’t hit walls or fences when rotating

• Width: Just 3'3" – fits through standard gates!

Ideal For:

• Landscaping and trenching

• Utility digging for small pipes

• Light demolition in tight quarters

• Residential and indoor jobs

We see clients from Beaverton to Port Bolster using this compact workhorse for everything from drainage systems to pool prep. It’s reliable, simple to use, and efficient.

It also runs quieter and with less impact on soil and surroundings, making it ideal for residential areas with neighbours close by.

Kubota U35-4 3.7T Excavator

Need a little more muscle? Enter the Kubota U35-4. This mid-size machine offers power without bulk, which is ideal for many job sites across Kawartha Lakes and Brock.

Key Specs:

• Operating weight: 3.7 tonnes

• Dig depth: Up to 10'6"

• Zero tail swing: Works in confined areas

• Advanced hydraulics: For better lifting and digging

Best For:

• Digging foundations or trenches

• Utility installations

• Drainage projects

• Demolition jobs on small buildings or decks

We’ve seen builders in Cannington use this for prep work, and homeowners in Virginia rent it for driveway renovations or garage foundation digs. It bridges the gap between compact and powerful, making it one of the most popular options.

Kubota SVL75-3 Track Loader

Although not an excavator, this track loader is worth mentioning because it’s often rented alongside our excavators.

What It Does Best:

• Grading and levelling soil

• Lifting and transporting material

• Site prep and cleanup

• Handling attachments like augers or forks

When paired with one of our excavators, the SVL75-3 helps you handle the non-digging side of your project faster and more efficiently. It's often used at jobs in Woodville, Pefferlaw, and Georgina, where ground movement or cleanup is a big part of the plan.

How to Choose the Right Excavator for Your Project

Before you rent, ask yourself:

• What are you digging? (Depth and width matter.)

• How big is your space? (Tight quarters = mini.)

• How much material needs to be moved?

• Are there any underground utilities nearby?

• Do you need additional features like grading or lifting?

Match your job type to the machine:

Project Type	Recommended Machine
Garden trenching	Kubota U17 Mini Excavator
Driveway dig-out	Kubota U35-4 3.7T Excavator
Light demolition + cleanup	U35 + SVL75-3 Track Loader
Utility line installation	U17 or U35-4, depending on depth

Service Areas We Proudly Serve

We provide expert heavy equipment rentals and contracting services in the following Ontario communities:

• Georgina

• Brock

• Beaverton

• Cannington

• Pefferlaw

• Virginia

• Kawartha Lakes

• Port Bolster

• Woodville

Need delivery to your site? No problem, we handle that too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting Excavators

Avoid these common errors:

1. Renting the wrong size: Overkill or underpowered machines can both hurt your progress.

2. Forgetting terrain details: Wet, sloped, or tight sites need specific machines.

3. Not planning for attachments: Will you need an auger or breaker? Plan ahead.

4. Skipping safety checks: Always inspect before use.

5. Underestimating time: It’s better to rent for longer than rush a job.

Don’t worry, we help walk you through all of this when you book with us.

Cost of Renting an Excavator in Georgina & Surrounding Areas

We pride ourselves on being the most affordable heavy equipment rental service in Georgina and Brock, without compromising on service.

What Affects Cost:

• Machine size

• Rental duration

• Attachments needed

• Delivery location

Our pricing is transparent. No hidden fees, no fuel surcharge surprises, and we work with both homeowners and contractors alike.

For exact pricing, visit our rentals page here: All Rentals

Important Research-Based Fact

According to industry studies, using the right size excavator can improve job efficiency by up to 35%. That’s more time, less fuel, and better results on every project.

That’s why we focus on offering machines that are versatile and optimized for real-world jobs across Ontario’s rural and residential areas.

Practical Tips When Renting an Excavator

Maximize your rental experience with these expert tips:

• Measure your access points before the machine arrives

• Call before you dig (Ontario One Call)

• Check for underground gas lines or utilities

• Choose proper attachments if needed

• Don’t rush—schedule enough time to finish your job

Want more peace of mind? We also offer contracting services, so if you need an expert operator or crew, we’ve got your back.

Explore more: Contracting Services

Myths vs. Facts About Excavator Rentals

Myth	Fact
“Bigger is always better”	Bigger can be worse in tight spaces or for residential jobs
“Mini excavators can’t handle real work”	The U17 is more capable than most people think
“Renting is more expensive than buying”	Not if you only need it for a few days
“Track loaders can replace excavators”	They do different jobs—ideally, use them together

Conclusion

Choosing the right-sized excavator isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about getting it done right, safely, and affordably. Whether you're digging trenches in Pefferlaw or clearing land in Beaverton, the right machine can make or break your timeline.

At Titanium Rental Group, we offer just the right choices, not too many, not too few, each perfectly suited for our Ontario clients. We’re proud to serve communities across Georgina, Brock, and Kawartha Lakes, delivering equipment that works as hard as you do.

Need help deciding what size excavator you need? We’re only a call away.

FAQs

What size excavator do I need for backyard digging?

The Kubota U17 mini excavator is perfect; it fits through standard gates and digs up to 7'7" deep.

Can a mini excavator handle tree removal?

Yes, the U17 can handle small stump removals, but for larger trees, you may need the U35-4 or a professional operator.

How deep can the U17 dig?

The Kubota U17 can dig approximately 7 feet and 7 inches deep, ideal for small trenches or foundation work.

What’s the best excavator for trenching?

For shallow utility trenches, the U17 works well. For deeper or longer trenching, choose the U35-4.

Do I need a special license to rent an excavator?

No special license is required for private use, but we recommend basic machine operation knowledge or hiring a professional.