Head to head
JCB 8008 CTS vs SANY SY26U
The SANY SY26U is the bigger machine by 1,654kg and digs 1.12m (3.5ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 2 November 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the SANY SY26U is the bigger machine by 1,654kg.
- Dig depth: the SANY SY26U digs 1.12m (3.5ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| JCB 8008 CTS | SANY SY26U | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,006 kg | 2,660 kg |
| Dig depth | 1.69 m | 2,810 mm |
| Transport width | 0.7 m | 1,550 mm |
| Transport length | 2.68 m | - |
| Engine power | - | 14.6 kW at 2,400 rpm |
Sources: JCB 8008 CTS, SANY SY26U. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the 8008 CTS if...
The JCB 8008 CTS is a micro excavator sized to fit through a standard doorway, making it a fixture on UK internal strip-out, basement and confined-access hire fleets. Its short tail swing lets it work close to walls in spaces a 1.5-2 tonne machine cannot reach. It is typically hired for a specific job rather than bought outright.
Listed by
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
Buy or hire the SY26U if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 1,654kg
- you want one that digs 1.12m (3.5ft) 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 JCB 8008 CTS and the SANY SY26U?
The SANY SY26U is the bigger machine by 1,654kg and digs 1.12m (3.5ft) deeper. The JCB 8008 CTS is a a sub-1 tonne micro excavator for confined-space and internal demolition work; the SANY SY26U is a a 2.6 tonne mini excavator.
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