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Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip vs Wacker Neuson EZ17

The Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip has 11kW more power.

Last reviewed 13 September 2026

Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip
Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip - image: Molson Group
Wacker Neuson EZ17
Wacker Neuson EZ17 - image: wackerneuson.co.uk

Key differences

Specifications side by side

Thwaites 3 Tonne Front TipWacker Neuson EZ17
Engine power24.8kW (33.2 bhp) @ 2800rpm13.8 kW
Payload3000 kg-
Heaped capacity1680 litres-
EngineYanmar 3TNV88-
Breakout force-18.7 kN
Length-3,581 mm
Operating weight-1,724 to 1,887 kg
Dig depth-2,590 mm
Width-990 to 1,300 mm
Height-2,369 mm

Sources: Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip, Wacker Neuson EZ17. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.

Buy or hire the 3 Tonne Front Tip if...

  • you want one that has 11kW 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 →

Buy or hire the EZ17 if...

The 1.5 tonne class is the busiest size in UK hire fleets. At 1,724kg it goes on a braked plant trailer behind a large 4x4 or pickup, and digs to 2,590 mm 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

Full EZ17 specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip and the Wacker Neuson EZ17?

The Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip has 11kW more power. The Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip is a 3 tonne front tip site dumper; the Wacker Neuson EZ17 is a 1.5 tonne class mini excavator, zero tail swing.

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