When it comes to construction, earthmoving, and civil, the right excavator can make all the difference in terms of efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness. SANY has earned a strong reputation for producing high-quality, durable, and powerful excavators suitable for a wide range of applications.
Whether you’re in the market for a mini, compact, medium, large, or extra-large excavator, this guide will help you navigate different SANY excavator models and determine the best fit for your business.
SANY Excavators: A Top Choice for Construction and Earthmoving Projects
SANY is one of the fastest-growing heavy equipment brands in New Zealand, known for its high-performance excavators that rival those of other leading global brands. Businesses choose SANY excavators for several reasons:
Superior Reliability & Durability
SANY machines are designed to handle tough Australian conditions, making them a smart long-term investment.
Advanced Technology
With fuel-efficient engines, smart control systems, and precision hydraulics, these excavators maximise productivity on-site.
Competitive Pricing
SANY offers cost-effective alternatives that do not compromise on quality, making them a preferred choice for businesses seeking value.
Extensive Excavator Range
From small-scale digging to large-scale earthmoving, SANY has an excavator for every application.
Strong Warranty & Support
With industry-leading warranties and local support from Vertu Equipment, buyers get peace of mind.
Breaking Down SANY Excavator Models
SANY’s excavator range is divided into six main categories: mini, compact, medium, large, and extra-large excavators. Each is designed for specific applications and job site requirements.
Mini Excavators (1.8 – 5.3 Tonnes)
Best for: Tight spaces, landscaping, small-scale construction, and trenching/drainage
SANY’s most reliable mini excavator models are ideal for jobs that require manoeuvrability in confined spaces. Their compact size makes them perfect for residential work, small-scale landscaping, and light earthmoving.
SANY SY16C (1.8t)
The smallest in the range, but packed with performance.
- Compact and lightweight, perfect for landscapers, plumbers, or residential work where access is tight.
- Comes standard with a retractable undercarriage, allowing it to squeeze through narrow gates or pathways.
- Fuel-efficient 14.6kW Yanmar engine and easy access maintenance panels keep downtime low and productivity high.
- Low cost of ownership makes it ideal for hire fleets or first-time buyers.
SANY SY18C (1.9t)
All the benefits of the SY16C—plus all-weather comfort.
- Same performance and compact design as the SY16C, but with a fully enclosed cabin
- Perfect for operators who spend long hours in the seat and need protection from the elements without sacrificing mobility.
SANY SY18U (1.9t)
The newest zero tail swing model for ultra-tight access.
- True zero tail swing design makes it perfect for confined worksites like city footpaths, between buildings, or tight backyard projects.
- Improved hydraulics and upgraded operator station give this next-gen mini a premium feel.
- Smooth, responsive controls make it a favourite for detailed finishing work and trenching.
- Hydraulic quick hitch line available as standard*, making attachment changes fast and effortless – ideal for operators who switch between buckets, augers, or other tools throughout the day. *Subject to stock availability.
SANY SY26U (2.8t)
A step up in power and capability with true zero tail swing.
- Ideal for tradies or small contractors needing a bit more muscle for trenching, site prep, or utility work.
- Zero tail swing provides excellent flexibility in restricted spaces.
- Hydraulic quick hitch and multiple dual auxiliary lines allow for rapid attachment changes and increased versatility.
SANY SY35U (3.8t)
Compact and powerful -ready for bigger work.
- A workhorse in the mini class, offering more digging depth and lifting capacity for more demanding tasks.
- Advanced load-sensing hydraulic system delivers smooth multi-function control.
- Great for contractors in drainage, light civil, or fencing projects who want a balance between size and performance.
- Air-conditioned cabin
SANY SY50U (5.3t)
Top of the mini class with big machine features.
- Built for serious productivity with enhanced breakout force, larger hydraulic pumps, and longer arm reach.
- Spacious cab with deluxe operator comforts—a mini that feels like a mid-size.
- Ideal for civil construction, drainage, road maintenance, or utility companies looking for a durable, high-performing compact excavator.
Compact Excavators (6 – 10 Tonnes)
Best for: Urban construction, drainage work, and utility projects
Benefits: More power and reach than mini excavators while still being easy to manoeuvre in urban sites.
Compact excavators strike a balance between power and size, making them highly versatile for a wide range of projects. These are widely used in civil construction and utility work.
SANY SY60U (6.3t)
SANY’s most recent model to be released, and sister to the SY60C – Big performance in a true compact frame.
- Minimum tail swing for maximum flexibility in tight urban or roadside work zones.
- High-flow hydraulics support a wide range of attachments including augers, tilt buckets, and hammers.
- Spacious cab with air conditioning and suspension seat keeps the operator comfortable during long days.
- Reinforced boom and undercarriage provide durability for tough job sites.
- A favourite for civil crews, drainlayers, and utility contractors who need a nimble yet powerful digger.
SANY SY75C (7.5t)
A compact powerhouse with conventional swing.
- High breakout force and digging depth, ideal for demanding tasks where you still need a small footprint.
- Conventional tail swing offers improved stability and lifting capacity for heavier jobs.
- Fuel-efficient Yanmar engine and efficient hydraulics keep operating costs low.
- Excellent visibility and intuitive controls make it a great all-rounder for a variety of site work.
- Suited for operators who want the balance of compact agility and mid-size strength.
SANY SY80U (8.8t)
Premium minimum tail swing performance in the 8-9t class.
- Minimum tail swing gives it unmatched access for tight spaces without sacrificing power.
- Comes standard with hydraulic quick hitch line, dozer blade, and multiple auxiliary lines – ready to go straight from factory.
- High-strength boom design and larger counterweight provide stability even when lifting heavy loads.
- Ideal for contractors, hire fleets, and councils looking for versatility, reliability, and ease of transport.
SANY SY95C (9.5t)
Newly upgraded, built to outperform in every category.
- More power, better efficiency, and premium comfort—the SY95C has been reengineered to meet the demands of modern contractors.
- Equipped with a powerful and reliable Yanmar engine, delivering smooth performance with excellent fuel economy.
- New hydraulic system offers faster cycle times, stronger breakout force, and improved multi-function operation.
- Upgraded cab includes better visibility, improved operator ergonomics, A/C, suspension seat, and an intuitive control layout for long-day productivity.
- Optional hydraulic quick hitch line and multiple auxiliary lines make it highly versatile for changing attachments with ease.
Medium Excavators (13 – 26 Tonnes)
Best for: Earthmoving, road construction, and infrastructure projects
Benefits: Balance between cost and power, making them ideal for businesses scaling up operations.
Medium-sized SANY excavator models are workhorses that offer higher digging force, greater reach, and increased bucket capacity for large-scale operations.
SANY SY135C (13.8t)
Rural reliability with the stability to match.
- The perfect fit for farmers, fencers, forestry workers, and rural contractors who need more digging power and reach without stepping into a full-size machine.
- Conventional tail swing provides excellent stability on uneven or open terrain—ideal for operating around paddocks, fence lines, and forestry blocks.
- Powered by a proven Isuzu engine with strong torque delivery and excellent fuel economy.
- Built tough with a heavy-duty boom, undercarriage, and reinforced chassis, making it suitable for clearing, digging, trenching, or installing culverts.
- Spacious, air-conditioned cab with great visibility and ergonomic controls helps reduce fatigue during long workdays.
- A go-to solution for rural operators needing a stable, reliable digger with low running costs and minimal downtime.
SANY SY155U (16t)
Compact and powerful—perfect for demanding projects in tight spaces.
- Minimum tail swing design provides the best manoeuvrability in confined workspaces while maintaining impressive stability and power.
- Upgraded hydraulic system ensures fast cycle times and smooth multi-function operation, making it ideal for trenching, site prep, and demolition.
- Fuel-efficient Isuzu engine reduces operating costs, making it a solid choice for contractors looking to maximise profit margins.
- Spacious air-conditioned cab with ergonomic controls provides superior comfort for long shifts.
- Great for landscapers, utilities, civil contractors, and urban projects that require a mix of size, performance, and agility.
- Both Tier 3 & Tier 5 models available.
SANY SY215C (21.8t)
The ultimate balance of strength, versatility, and operator comfort.
- Powered by a reliable Isuzu engine, delivering excellent fuel efficiency and power for heavy-duty tasks like digging, lifting, and material handling.
- The advanced hydraulic system boosts lifting capacity and breakout force, perfect for digging deep trenches or heavy-duty civil work.
- Stability and precision are enhanced with a longer, wider undercarriage, offering superior traction on soft ground and improved lift capacity.
- Spacious, comfortable cab with intuitive control systems, advanced climate control, and enhanced visibility, reducing fatigue over long shifts.
- Alternative model available: The SY215CLC (Long Carriage), designed for even greater stability in heavy lifting and extended reach – Optional dual auxiliary lines for more hydraulic attachment options, and a case drain for better protection and longer hydraulic component life.
- Ideal for general construction, landscaping, and material handling where larger machines are impractical.
SANY SY265H (26.5t)
The powerhouse of the medium class—designed for heavy-duty applications.
- Increased digging depth and lifting capacity make this machine an excellent choice for demanding tasks like roadworks, large-scale site prep, and demolition.
- Powered by a Tier 3 Isuzu engine, delivering high torque and exceptional fuel efficiency.
- Hydraulic system optimization ensures quicker work cycles and better precision for tough excavation and lifting operations.
- The heavy-duty undercarriage and reinforced boom increase durability and provide exceptional performance in rough terrain or job sites with heavy material.
- Spacious, quiet cab with advanced operator features—perfect for long shifts on construction sites, quarries, or mining operations.
- Ideal for quarry operations, large civil projects, and infrastructure work where power and reliability are non-negotiable.
Large Excavators (30 – 50 Tonnes)
Best for: Mining, large-scale construction, and heavy-duty earthmoving
Benefits: Unmatched performance for high-volume work, essential for major projects.
For maximum productivity and efficiency, SANY’s large excavators provide exceptional power and durability for demanding tasks.
SANY SY305H (30t)
A powerful and reliable choice for large-scale construction and heavy-duty tasks.
- Enhanced lifting capacity and breakout force make the SY305C ideal for demanding applications like road construction, deep excavation, and large civil projects.
- Powered by a Tier 3 Isuzu engine, the SY305C offers excellent fuel efficiency while delivering superior torque and power for heavy lifting and material handling.
- Heavy-duty undercarriage and reinforced boom offer incredible durability, even in the most rugged environments.
- Advanced hydraulic system provides smooth multi-function operation, increasing productivity and reducing cycle times.
- The spacious, ergonomic cab ensures comfort for the operator, with an intuitive control layout, air conditioning, and excellent visibility for improved safety.
- Perfect for quarries, mining, large infrastructure projects, and any operation requiring a robust, reliable, and fuel-efficient excavator.
SANY SY365H (36.5t)
A step up in size, power, and productivity for the most demanding projects.
- Powerful and efficient with a high-torque Isuzu engine designed for heavy-duty lifting, digging, and grading tasks.
- Hydraulic system optimisation ensures smooth operation under load, with superior digging force and lifting capacity, perfect for large-scale earthmoving, deep foundations, and quarry operations.
- Heavy-duty undercarriage designed for improved stability and traction in rough or uneven terrains, especially useful in mining and excavation work.
- Larger fuel tank provides longer operational hours on-site, reducing downtime for refueling.
- The spacious cab includes advanced features like a touch-screen display, joystick control, and enhanced noise reduction to ensure operator comfort and productivity.
- Ideal for large-scale infrastructure projects, mining, and heavy construction where power, stability, and efficiency are crucial.
SANY SY500H (50t)
The ultimate heavy-duty excavator for extreme productivity and maximum efficiency.
- Built to tackle the toughest jobs, the SY500H offers exceptional digging depth, reach, and lifting capacity, making it perfect for large-scale mining, quarrying, and heavy construction.
- Powered by a high-performance Isuzu engine, it provides maximum power with outstanding fuel efficiency, ensuring long working hours with fewer refueling stops.
- Reinforced structure with a high-strength undercarriage and boom system ensures durability even under the most extreme conditions.
- Advanced hydraulic system provides superior breakout force and precision, enabling faster cycle times and higher productivity, especially in deep excavation or heavy material handling.
- The luxurious and spacious cab is designed to reduce operator fatigue with top-class features such as an air-suspended seat, advanced climate control, and a full-screen monitoring system to track performance in real-time.
- Ideal for mining, heavy lifting, large-scale civil work, and any operation that requires the highest levels of power, performance, and reliability.
Also available as the SY550HD – specifically engineered for high-impact, heavy-duty applications:
- Reinforced boom, arm, and frame for greater resistance to wear in extreme conditions
- Heavy-duty undercarriage with thicker track shoes and extra reinforcements for better stability and longevity
- Higher operating weight for improved digging force and lifting capacity
- Optimised for tough environments where maximum durability and structural strength are the top priority
Ultra-Large Excavators (Over 50 Tonnes)
Best for: Major mining operations, heavy-duty quarrying, and large-scale civil projects.
Benefits: Lower operating costs per tonne, reduced downtime with heavy-duty components, and faster cycle times to keep large-scale projects on schedule.
SANY’s extra-large excavators deliver incredible power, massive bucket capacities, and unparalleled efficiency for the biggest jobs.
SANY SY750H (76t)
A serious performer for large-scale earthmoving and quarry operations.
- Equipped with a high-torque Isuzu engine, delivering the power needed for intense digging, loading, and bulk material movement.
- Optimised hydraulic system provides responsive and efficient operation with smooth multifunction control.
- Heavy-duty chassis and boom structure built for high-impact environments, increasing durability and machine lifespan.
- Large fuel tank and extended service intervals reduce downtime and keep the machine working longer between stops.
- Comfort-focused cabin includes air suspension seat, advanced control layout, and reduced noise levels—keeping operators productive on long shifts.
- Perfect for large quarries, infrastructure development, and mining operations needing serious output.
SANY SY870H (86t)
High output, high efficiency, and engineered for endurance.
- Increased operating weight and digging force deliver exceptional productivity in bulk excavation, stripping, and heavy material handling.
- Reinforced steel construction, heavy-duty boom/arm design, and rugged undercarriage ensure resilience in high-stress environments.
- Advanced cooling system and hydraulics designed for consistent performance in extreme conditions.
- Operator comfort is prioritised with panoramic visibility, climate control, and intuitive joystick controls for precision handling.
- Ideal for overburden removal, quarry loading, and high-volume site work where uptime and strength are critical.
SANY SY1250H (125t)
The flagship of the SANY fleet—maximum capacity, strength, and control.
- Designed for the most demanding mining and earthmoving operations, with immense breakout force and loading capabilities.
- Powered by a massive high-horsepower Cummins engine, optimised for continuous, high-load performance.
- Massive reinforced chassis, ultra-heavy-duty boom, and arm assembly for unmatched durability in large-scale production sites.
- Twin pump hydraulic system ensures maximum digging speed and efficient material handling.
- High-capacity fuel and hydraulic tanks, combined with intelligent engine management, provide exceptional endurance on-site.
- Spacious ROPS/FOPS-certified cab features modern displays, air suspension seat, and safety-focused design for operator peace of mind.
- Built for major mining operations, quarrying, and infrastructure megaprojects that demand brute strength and round-the-clock performance.
Key Features That Set SANY Apart
SANY excavators are packed with features that make them stand out:
- Fuel-Efficient Engines: Designed to reduce operating costs while maximising output.
- Advanced Hydraulic Systems: Improves precision, speed, and digging efficiency.
- Reinforced Boom & Arm: Built for durability in demanding conditions.
- Spacious, Comfortable Cab: Increases operator efficiency and reduces fatigue.
- Industry-Leading Warranty: Backed by reliable after-sales support from Vertu Equipment.
Explore Current Deals on SANY Excavators
If you’re looking to invest in a SANY excavator, now is a great time to check out the current deals available at Vertu Equipment.
Whether you need the most reliable mini excavator for small projects or an extra-large excavator for major mining, Vertu offers competitive pricing and financing options to help you get the best value. Explore the latest SANY Excavator models and deals today.
