Head to head
Kubota U17-3a vs Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E
The Kubota U17-3a is a 1.7 tonne mini excavator. The Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E is a a 22 tonne class crawler excavator for medium civils and groundworks.
Last reviewed 2 November 2026
Specifications side by side
| Kubota U17-3a | Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,700kg | 20,470 - 25,760 kg |
| Dig depth | 2,460mm | - |
| Engine power | 11.3kW | - |
| Gross power | - | 129 kW |
| Bucket capacity | - | 0.48 - 1.44 m3 |
| Max. digging depth | - | 6,730 mm |
| Max. digging reach | - | 9,930 mm |
Sources: Kubota U17-3a, Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the U17-3a if...
A step up from a micro excavator for landscaping and groundworks contractors who need more dig depth and breakout force while still fitting through a standard gate or gap. Common on garden and small drainage jobs.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
- Beaver Tool Hire - Isleworth, Twickenham
- Standard Plant Hire - Keston
- HG Plant Sales - Maldon, Langford
Buy or hire the EC220E if...
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 Stage V 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 Kubota U17-3a and the Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E?
The Kubota U17-3a is a 1.7 tonne mini excavator; the Volvo Construction Equipment EC220E is a a 22 tonne class crawler excavator for medium civils and groundworks.
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