Long Reach vs. Standard Reach Excavators: Performance, Efficiency, and Versatility Compared

Are you trying to choose between a long-reach and a standard-reach excavator for your next project? With so many factors to consider—performance, fuel efficiency, and versatility—picking the right machine is integral to your project’s success.

In this blog, we will compare long-reach and standard-reach excavators in terms of performance, efficiency, and versatility. After reading, you will better understand which excavator is the right fit for your projects.

What is a Long-Reach Excavator and a Standard-Reach Excavator?

First, let’s try to understand each type of excavator:

Long Reach Excavators

A long-reach excavator or long-arm excavator is a type of excavator that comes with a longer arm and boom, giving it the ability to reach farther than a standard model. These machines are designed for specialised tasks such as:


Deep Trenching	River Dredging	Demolition

Their longer reach makes them ideal for jobs where precision at a distance is required, but due to the extended arm, they typically have less digging power.

Standard Reach Excavators

These machines have a shorter boom and arm, providing greater digging power and precision. Standard excavators are highly versatile, able to work in confined spaces and handle various attachments for different tasks. They are more fuel-efficient and better suited for general construction work.

A standard-reach excavator is the most common type of excavator used in construction, designed for a wide range of tasks such as:


Digging	Earthmoving	Material Handling

Both types of excavators have their specialties when it comes to certain projects. So how do they differ?

What is the Difference between a Long-Reach Excavator and a Standard-Reach Excavator?

Choosing between a long-reach excavator and a standard-reach excavator can be challenging if you’re unsure about where and how to use each of them. To help you decide which one is right for your project, here’s a table that breaks down their differences in terms of performance, efficiency, and versatility:

Comparison Aspect	Long Reach Excavators	Standard Reach Excavators
Performance	Designed for tasks requiring a more extended reach. You might wonder, how far can a long-reach excavator reach? Typically, these machines can extend up to 40 to over 100 ft, making them ideal for deep trenching, river dredging, or demolition from a distance. Typically, less digging power due to the more extended arm, making it less suitable for compact or dense materials.	More balanced for general construction tasks like earthmoving, trenching, and material handling. Stronger digging power, better suited for tough materials and precision tasks.
Efficiency	Higher fuel consumption due to the larger size and longer arm, especially during heavy-duty tasks. Fewer machine movements are needed for extended-reach tasks, potentially saving operational time.	Generally, more fuel-efficient with lower operating costs over time. Suitable for short-reach, repetitive tasks requiring high digging power.
Versatility	Best for specialised tasks, such as working over water, deep excavations, and hard-to-reach areas. Options like a SANY Long Reach Excavator (SANY SY500HRD) excel in these roles. Less versatile for general construction work due to reduced lifting capacity and slower operation speeds.	Extremely versatile, handling a wide range of construction tasks such as foundation digging, roadwork, trenching, and site grading. With various attachments such as breakers, augers, and grapples, they can adapt to tasks ranging from demolition to material handling, making them an indispensable tool on many construction sites. Ideal for everyday work across different terrains.

Whether you need extended reach or a versatile machine for various tasks, knowing these differences helps your project run smoothly.

So, How Do You Choose Between a Long-Reach and Standard-Reach Excavator?

It all boils down to the type of work you’re doing. Here’s a quick recap:

Long Reach Excavators: These are your best bet for projects where you need extra reach, like deep trenching or working over water. They’re built for specialised tasks but can be a bit less efficient and powerful when it comes to heavy-duty digging.

Standard Reach Excavators: These are ideal for a wide range of construction tasks. They’re more powerful, fuel-efficient, and versatile for general projects. If you need an all-rounder that can handle almost anything you throw at it, this is the machine for you.

To help you decide between the two, it’s important to weigh their strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a table that highlights the pros and cons of each:

	Long Reach Excavators	Standard Reach Excavators
PROS	Extended reach for deep trenching, river dredging, and demolition tasks. Fewer repositionings save time. Ideal for hard-to-reach areas and over water. Offers strong, reliable performance.	Stronger digging power for tough materials. More fuel-efficient and cost-effective for general tasks. Highly versatile with different attachments. More mobile and stable in tight or uneven spaces.
CONS	Less digging power due to the longer arm. Higher fuel consumption and operational costs. Limited versatility for general construction work.	Limited reach, unsuitable for deep or long-reach tasks. Requires more repositioning on larger job sites.

Understanding the pros and cons of both long-reach and standard-reach excavators will help you choose the right machine for your needs. Whether you require the extended reach of a long-reach excavator or the versatility of a standard-reach excavator, knowing these key differences ensures your project runs efficiently.

Get the Right Excavator for the Job

Whether you need the extended reach of a long boom excavator or the versatility of a standard model, making the right choice will help keep your project running smoothly and efficiently. Long-reach mini excavators are fantastic for specific tasks, but standard excavators are more versatile and cost-effective for everyday use.

Still unsure which machine is best for your project? YELLO Equipment’s experts can help you assess your job requirements and recommend the ideal excavator, ensuring your project runs smoothly and efficiently.

Contact us on 1300 093 556 or at sales@yelloequipment.com. We’re here to help you find the right machine to get the job done right, every time.