3 Tonne Excavators for Sale in Australia

3 tonne excavators are the most popular size class in Australia — the sweet spot between the confined-space 1.5t micro and the larger 5t mini. Operating weight typically sits between 2,500 and 4,000 kg, giving enough dig depth and breakout force for real civil work while staying small enough to trailer, pass through most residential access points, and operate on rubber tracks without destroying lawns. Dig depths of 2.8-3.2 metres are standard, and most units come with a fully enclosed cab with air conditioning as standard rather than an optional extra. The 3 tonne class is the workhorse of residential plumbing, small civil projects, driveway work, stormwater drainage, landscaping on larger blocks, and light demolition. Popular models include the Kubota U35, Yanmar VIO35, Bobcat E35, Takeuchi TB235 and Kobelco SK30SR. Used pricing typically runs $25,000-$55,000 depending on hours, with low-hour late-model units occasionally pushing higher. If you can only own one excavator, a 3 tonne machine is usually the right call.