Head to head
SANY SY26U vs Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip
The Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip has 10kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip has 10kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| SANY SY26U | Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 14.6 kW at 2,400 rpm | 24.8kW (33.2 bhp) @ 2800rpm |
| Operating weight | 2,660 kg | - |
| Dig depth | 2,810 mm | - |
| Transport width | 1,550 mm | - |
| Payload | - | 3000 kg |
| Heaped capacity | - | 1680 litres |
| Engine | - | Yanmar 3TNV88 |
Sources: SANY SY26U, Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the SY26U if...
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 →Buy or hire the 3 Tonne Front Tip if...
- you want one that has 10kW more power
A mid-size front tip dumper for groundworks, drainage and general muck shifting on UK sites where a 3 tonne payload is enough. Sits between the 1 tonne hi-tip and the 6 tonne dumpers in the Thwaites range.
Full 3 Tonne Front Tip specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the SANY SY26U and the Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip?
The Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip has 10kW more power. The SANY SY26U is a a 2.6 tonne mini excavator; the Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip is a 3 tonne front tip site dumper.
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