Head to head
Bobcat E17z vs SANY SY26U
The SANY SY26U is the bigger machine by 948kg and has 5kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the SANY SY26U is the bigger machine by 948kg.
- Engine power: the SANY SY26U has 5kW more power.
- Dig depth: the SANY SY26U digs 58cm (2ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Bobcat E17z | SANY SY26U | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1712kg | 2,660 kg |
| Dig depth | 2230mm | 2,810 mm |
| Engine power | 10.1kW | 14.6 kW at 2,400 rpm |
| Breakout force | 11.92kN | - |
| Transport width | - | 1,550 mm |
Sources: Bobcat E17z, SANY SY26U. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the E17z if...
The 1.5 tonne class is the busiest size in UK hire fleets. At 1,712kg it goes on a braked plant trailer behind a large 4x4 or pickup, and digs to 2230mm for footings, drainage runs and fence posts. Zero tail swing means the back of the machine stays inside the tracks when it slews, so it can work tight against a wall or in one lane of a road.
Listed by
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
Buy or hire the SY26U if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 948kg
- you want one that has 5kW more power
- you want one that digs 58cm (2ft) deeper
The SANY SY26U is a 2.6 tonne mini excavator positioned as a value alternative to the established Kubota, JCB and Takeuchi machines in the same size class, sold in the UK through a small number of appointed dealers. SANY's UK presence is newer and thinner than the market leaders, so buyers weigh the lower purchase price against a less mature parts and resale network. It is more often bought outright by owner-operators than stocked in volume by the large national hire fleets.
Full SY26U specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Bobcat E17z and the SANY SY26U?
The SANY SY26U is the bigger machine by 948kg and has 5kW more power. The Bobcat E17z is a 1.5 tonne class mini excavator, zero tail swing; the SANY SY26U is a a 2.6 tonne mini excavator.
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