Roadwork Excavators for Road Construction & Paving
Roadwork excavators are purpose-selected machines built for the demands of highway construction, urban road building, and infrastructure rehabilitation. Unlike heavy mining diggers, roadwork machines prioritize maneuverability, precise grading, and steady cycle times in confined lane closures and busy work zones. Every unit below is field-inspected and matched to the operating weight, reach, and bucket capacity that road contractors rely on for trenching utilities, cutting sub-grade, loading haul trucks, and shaping shoulders. For roadwork applications, the sweet spot is typically the 13–25 ton class. These machines transport easily between job sites on a standard trailer, work efficiently within a single lane, and still deliver the breakout force needed for compacted road base, asphalt removal, and rock. Below you’ll find our current inventory of roadwork-ready excavators — compare the specs side by side and select the machine that fits your project scope and budget.| Used Excavator Image | Excavator Title | Excavator Brand | Excavator Class | Operating Weight | Engine Model & Net Power | Max Dig Depth | Bucket Capacity | Transport Dimensions: Length, Width, Height | Applications | Working Hours | Production Year | Price | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Used KOBELCO SK75-8 Excavator Made in Japan | Kobelco | Mini | 7.3 T | Diesel Engine 563 HP | 8.5 m | 3.38 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 37 H | 2025 | Consult | |
 | Used 2022 Caterpillar CAT 308 Excavator EPA Tier 4 | Caterpillar | Mini | 8 T | CAT C3.3B 70 HP | 4.1 m | 0.3 m³ | 6.3 x 2.3 x 2.5 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 245 H | 2022 | Consult | |
 | Used Kubota U008 Excavator | Kubota | Mini | 8 T | Diesel Engine 150 HP | 6.9 m | 0.9 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 1500 H | 2017 | $9,600 | |
 | Used Kubota KX185 Excavator | Kubota | Mini | 8.5 T | Diesel Engine 56 HP | 4.4 m | 0.33 m³ | 6.0 x 2.2 x 2.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 1500 H | 2018 | $20,000 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC200-6 Excavator | Komatsu | Medium | 20 T | Komatsu SAA6D107E 138 HP | 6.6 m | 0.8 m³ | 9.4 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 2900 H | 2018 | $28,000 | |
 | Used CAT320DL Excavator | Caterpillar | Medium | 20 T | CAT C7.1 145 HP | 6.7 m | 1.0 m³ | 9.5 x 2.9 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 539 H | 2022 | $42,000 | |
 | Used CAT320C Excavator | Caterpillar | Medium | 20 T | CAT C7.1 145 HP | 6.7 m | 1.0 m³ | 9.5 x 2.9 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1631 H | 2016 | $30,000 | |
 | Used Volvo EC210D Excavator | Volvo | Medium | 21 T | Volvo D6E 156 HP | 6.7 m | 0.9 m³ | 9.6 x 2.9 x 2.9 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1700 H | 2020 | $36,000 | |
 | Used Volvo EC200D Excavator | Volvo | Medium | 20 T | Volvo D6E 156 HP | 6.7 m | 0.9 m³ | 9.6 x 2.9 x 2.9 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1600 H | 2020 | $35,000 | |
 | Used Sany SY215 Excavator | Sany | Medium | 21 T | Diesel Engine 161 HP | 7.2 m | 0.97 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 700 H | 2021 | $40,000 | |
 | Used Sany SY95C Excavator | Sany | Mini | 9.5 T | Diesel Engine 713 HP | 8.5 m | 4.28 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 800 H | 2021 | $25,000 | |
 | Used Kobelco SK260 Excavator | Kobelco | Medium | 20 T | Diesel Engine 195 HP | 7.8 m | 1.17 m³ | 10.5 x 3.1 x 3.2 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1800 H | 2020 | $35,000 | |
 | Used Kobelco SK200D Excavator | Kobelco | Medium | 20 T | Diesel Engine 150 HP | 6.9 m | 0.9 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1800 H | 2020 | $35,000 | |
 | Used Kobelco SK75 Excavator | Kobelco | Mini | 7.5 T | Diesel Engine 563 HP | 8.5 m | 3.38 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 830 H | 2020 | $24,000 | |
 | Used Hyundai 215-9 Excavator | Hyundai | Medium | 21.5 T | Diesel Engine 150 HP | 6.9 m | 0.9 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 2400 H | 2019 | $28,000 | |
 | Used Hyundai 80-9 Excavator | Hyundai | Mini | 8 T | Diesel Engine 150 HP | 6.9 m | 0.9 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 2200 H | 2019 | $15,000 | |
 | Used Sany SY75C Excavator | Sany | Mini | 7.5 T | Diesel Engine 563 HP | 8.5 m | 3.38 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 500 H | 2021 | $21,000 | |
 | Used Hitachi ZX210 Excavators | Hitachi | Medium | 21 T | Isuzu AH-4HK1X 164 HP | 6.6 m | 0.8 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 2.9 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1700 H | 2020 | $35,000 | |
 | Used Hitachi ZX200-6 Excavators | Hitachi | Medium | 20 T | Isuzu AH-4HK1X 164 HP | 6.6 m | 0.8 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 2.9 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 3300 H | 2018 | $30,000 | |
 | Used Hitachi ZX200-3 Excavators | Hitachi | Medium | 20 T | Isuzu AH-4HK1X 164 HP | 6.6 m | 0.8 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 2.9 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1800 H | 2020 | $34,000 | |
 | Used Hitachi ZX70 Excavators | Hitachi | Mini | 7 T | Diesel Engine 525 HP | 8.5 m | 3.15 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 2300 H | 2020 | $17,000 | |
 | Used Sany SY205C-9 Excavator | Sany | Medium | 20.5 T | Diesel Engine 154 HP | 7 m | 0.92 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1400 H | 2020 | $28,000 | |
 | Used Doosan DH215-9E Excavator | Doosan | Medium | 21.5 T | Diesel Engine 161 HP | 7.2 m | 0.97 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1900 H | 2019 | $25,000 | |
 | Used Doosan DH80 Excavator | Doosan | Mini | 8 T | Diesel Engine 600 HP | 8.5 m | 3.6 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 1700 H | 2020 | $15,000 | |
 | Used Volvo EC80D Excavator | Volvo | Mini | 8 T | Diesel Engine 600 HP | 8.5 m | 3.6 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 1500 H | 2020 | $20,000 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC210-8 Excavator | Komatsu | Medium | 21 T | Diesel Engine 158 HP | 7.1 m | 0.95 m³ | 9.5 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 850 H | 2022 | $38,500 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC200-10 Excavator | Komatsu | Medium | 20 T | Komatsu SAA6D107E 138 HP | 6.6 m | 0.8 m³ | 9.4 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1300 H | 2021 | $50,000 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC200-8 | Komatsu | Medium | 20 T | Komatsu SAA6D107E 138 HP | 6.6 m | 0.8 m³ | 9.4 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 17 H | 2020 | $38,000 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC200-8 Excavator | Komatsu | Medium | 20 T | Komatsu SAA6D107E 138 HP | 6.6 m | 0.8 m³ | 9.4 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1700 H | 2020 | $35,000 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC200-7 Excavator | Komatsu | Medium | 20 T | Komatsu SAA6D107E 138 HP | 6.6 m | 0.8 m³ | 9.4 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 1000 H | 2018 | $30,000 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC200-6E Excavator | Komatsu | Medium | 20 T | Komatsu SAA6D107E 138 HP | 6.6 m | 0.8 m³ | 9.4 x 2.8 x 3.0 m | Construction – Basement & Foundation Excavation Roadwork – Highway Embankment & Road Grading – Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Removal | 3200 H | 2017 | $26,000 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC78US-8 Excavator | Komatsu | Mini | 7.8 T | Diesel Engine 585 HP | 8.5 m | 3.51 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 1700 H | 2020 | $20,000 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC78US Excavator | Komatsu | Mini | 7.8 T | Diesel Engine 585 HP | 8.5 m | 3.51 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 617 H | 2021 | $17,500 | |
 | Used Komatsu PC70-8 Excavator | Komatsu | Mini | 7 T | Diesel Engine 525 HP | 8.5 m | 3.15 m³ | 11.8 x 3.4 x 3.6 m | Roadwork – Gravel / Concrete / Asphalt Driveways | 1900 H | 2020 | $19,000 |
How to Choose the Right Excavator for Roadwork
Selecting a roadwork excavator comes down to matching machine class to your dominant tasks. Trenching for drainage and utilities favors compact tail-swing models, while sub-grade cutting and asphalt milling reward higher breakout force. Use the guide below to narrow your choice before comparing individual units.
Roadwork Excavator Class Guide
| Machine Class | Operating Weight | Typical Bucket | Best Roadwork Tasks | Transportability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (6–10 t) | 6,000–10,000 kg | 0.2–0.4 m³ | Urban utility trenching, sidewalk & curb work, tight lane closures | Small trailer / no permit |
| Mid (13–20 t) | 13,000–20,000 kg | 0.5–0.9 m³ | Road base cutting, drainage, shoulder shaping, general grading | Standard trailer |
| Large (21–30 t) | 21,000–30,000 kg | 1.0–1.6 m³ | Highway sub-grade, rock removal, mass excavation, truck loading | Lowboy trailer |
Key Specifications That Matter for Roadwork
- Operating Weight — Determines stability and breakout force. Heavier machines cut compacted base faster but cost more to transport between short road segments.
- Max Dig Depth — Critical for utility trenching and drainage. Most roadwork requires 5.5–6.7 m of reach.
- Bucket Capacity — Balance productivity against precision; grading buckets and tilt attachments improve shoulder and slope work.
- Engine Net Power — Higher power sustains cycle times when running breakers, compactors, or hydraulic attachments common in road rehab.
- Transport Dimensions — Frequent site moves make compact transport length a real cost factor for roadwork crews.
Common Roadwork Attachments
| Attachment | Roadwork Use Case |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic Breaker | Demolishing old asphalt, concrete pavement & rock |
| Grading / Tilt Bucket | Finishing shoulders, slopes, and drainage ditches |
| Compaction Plate | Consolidating trench backfill and sub-base |
| Asphalt Cutter / Milling Head | Precise pavement removal for patch repair |
Roadwork vs. General Construction Excavators
| Factor | Roadwork Priority | General Construction Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Maneuverability | High — works in live traffic zones | Medium |
| Transport Frequency | Very high — linear, moving job sites | Low — fixed site |
| Grading Precision | Critical for road surface tolerance | Moderate |
| Ideal Weight Class | 13–25 t | 20–40 t |
Buying Tips for Used Roadwork Excavators
- Check working hours against year. For roadwork, under 8,000 hours on a 5–6 year old machine indicates healthy remaining life.
- Inspect the undercarriage. Frequent trailer loading and hard road base wear tracks faster — budget for track and roller condition.
- Verify auxiliary hydraulic lines. Roadwork relies on breakers and compactors, so confirm the machine is plumbed for attachments.
- Match transport dimensions to your fleet trailers to avoid permit costs on frequent moves.
- Request the inspection report and, where available, service history before you compare pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size excavator is best for road construction?
For most road construction tasks, a 13–20 ton excavator offers the best balance of dig depth, breakout force, and transportability. Larger 21–30 ton machines are preferred for highway sub-grade and rock removal.
Can these excavators run a hydraulic breaker for asphalt?
Yes. Most units in this roadwork category are, or can be, equipped with auxiliary hydraulic lines to run breakers, compactors, and cutters. Confirm the specific machine’s plumbing in the comparison grid above.
Do you inspect used roadwork excavators before shipping?
Every listed machine is field-inspected for engine, hydraulic, and undercarriage condition. Inspection reports are available on request so you can buy with confidence.
Compare the roadwork excavators in the grid above and add your shortlist to the compare tool to review specifications and pricing side by side.