Head to head
JCB 3CX vs Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E
The Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E is the bigger machine by 37,215kg and digs 2.47m (8ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E is the bigger machine by 37,215kg.
- Dig depth: the Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E digs 2.47m (8ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| JCB 3CX | Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 8,135kg standard and Contractor, 8,435kg on 3CX Super | 45,350 - 55,360 lb |
| Dig depth | 4.24m with standard dipper, up to 5.46m with Extradig | 22 ft 1 in |
| Engine power | - | 173 hp |
Sources: JCB 3CX, Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the 3CX if...
The machine most people picture when they think of a building site, and still the default where one machine has to both dig and load. Groundworkers and utilities contractors buy it precisely to avoid putting two machines on a small site.
Full 3CX specifications →Buy or hire the EC220E if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 37,215kg
- you want one that digs 2.47m (8ft) deeper
The Volvo EC220E is a mid-size crawler excavator used on larger UK groundworks, civils and demolition sites where a mini or midi excavator no longer has the reach or bucket capacity needed. Its Tier 4 Final compliant D6 engine and Volvo cab are aimed at operators running long shifts. It is specified against similarly sized excavators from Caterpillar, Komatsu and Hitachi in the 20-22 tonne class.
Full EC220E specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the JCB 3CX and the Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E?
The Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E is the bigger machine by 37,215kg and digs 2.47m (8ft) deeper. The JCB 3CX is a wheeled backhoe loader; the Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E is a a 22 tonne class crawler excavator for medium civils and groundworks.
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.