20-Ton vs. 30-Ton vs. 50-Ton Excavator: Which Size Do You Need?
The Complete Excavator Size Guide for Kenya's Construction Market โ Match the right machine to your project and stop overpaying for capacity you don't need.
Choosing the wrong excavator size is one of the most expensive mistakes a contractor can make in Kenya. Hire a 50-ton machine for a job a 20-ton could handle, and you are burning KES 15,000โ25,000 per day in unnecessary hire costs. Send a 20-ton machine to break basalt rock or dig a 10-meter basement, and you will watch your schedule slip while your operator fights a machine that is out of its depth.
In Kenya's construction market, three excavator sizes dominate: the 20-ton class (compact, maneuverable, cost-effective), the 30-ton class (the versatile workhorse), and the 50-ton class (raw power for mega projects). Each occupies a distinct niche, and the gap between them is not incremental โ it is transformational. A 50-ton excavator does not just move 2.5 times more dirt than a 20-ton; it changes what is physically possible on your site.
This guide is written for the contractor who needs to make the right decision fast. Whether you are digging foundations in Karen, trenching for utilities in Industrial Area, breaking rock in Athi River, or stripping a 50-hectare site in Nakuru, we will show you exactly which excavator size matches your job โ and what you will pay for it in Kenya's 2026 equipment hire market.
| Specification | 20-Ton Class | 30-Ton Class | 50-Ton Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight | 19,000 โ 22,000 kg | 28,000 โ 33,000 kg | 48,000 โ 52,000 kg |
| Engine Power | 120 โ 140 HP | 190 โ 220 HP | 300 โ 350 HP |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.8 โ 1.2 mยณ | 1.5 โ 2.0 mยณ | 2.5 โ 3.5 mยณ |
| Max Digging Depth | 5.5 โ 6.5 m | 7.0 โ 8.5 m | 8.5 โ 10.0 m |
| Max Reach | 9.0 โ 10.5 m | 11.0 โ 12.5 m | 12.5 โ 14.0 m |
| Breakout Force | 120 โ 140 kN | 180 โ 220 kN | 280 โ 350 kN |
| Transport Width | 2.8 โ 3.2 m | 3.2 โ 3.5 m | 3.5 โ 4.0 m |
| Track Width | 600 โ 700 mm | 700 โ 800 mm | 800 โ 900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 12 โ 18 L/hr | 20 โ 28 L/hr | 35 โ 50 L/hr |
| Hourly Hire Rate (Kenya 2026) | KES 4,500 โ 5,000 | KES 7,000 โ 7,500 | Contact for quote |
| Daily Hire Rate (Kenya 2026) | KES 36,000 โ 40,000 | KES 56,000 โ 60,000 | Contact for quote |
| Monthly Hire Rate | KES 936,000 โ 1,040,000 | KES 1,400,000 โ 1,500,000 | Contact for quote |
| Best For | Tight access, light excavation, utility work | General construction, bulk earthworks, rockbreaking | Mega projects, mining, heavy rock, deep excavation |
The 20-ton excavator is the go-to machine for contractors working in confined urban spaces, on residential projects, or where maneuverability matters more than raw power. If your site has narrow gates, overhead power lines, or buildings within 5 meters, this is likely your only option.
- โบResidential Basement Excavation: 4m โ 6m depth in tight urban plots (South C, Kilimani, Parklands, Karen)
- โบUtility Trenching: Water, sewer, gas, and electrical trenches in established neighborhoods
- โบFoundation Excavation: Strip foundations, raft foundations, and pile caps for residential and light commercial
- โบSwimming Pool Excavation: Residential and commercial pool digging with precise grade control
- โบSite Preparation: Bush clearing, topsoil stripping, and grading for small to medium developments
- โTight Access: Fits through 3.2m gates and operates in 4m-wide corridors
- โLow Ground Pressure: 600mm tracks minimize damage to paved surfaces and landscaping
- โCost-Effective: Lowest hire rate โ ideal for long-duration, low-intensity projects
- โTransportable: Moves on standard low-bed without escort or special permits
- โLow Fuel Burn: 12โ18 L/hr keeps operating costs manageable
- รCannot dig below 6.5m effectively โ insufficient reach and breakout force
- รStruggles with hard rock โ basalt and limestone require rockbreaker attachment that taxes the machine
- รSmall bucket (0.8โ1.2 mยณ) means slow production on bulk earthworks
- รNot suitable for loading 30-ton dump trucks โ cycle time is too slow
Hitachi ZX 220 (1.0 mยณ bucket) โ Available for daily, weekly, and monthly hire across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado. Ideal for urban basement excavation and utility trenching. Operator included. KES 4,500 โ 5,000/hr | KES 36,000 โ 40,000/day | KES 936,000 โ 1,040,000/month. Rockbreaker add-on: KES 6,500 โ 7,000/hr (daily: KES 52,000 โ 56,000).
The 30-ton excavator is the most versatile machine in Kenya's construction fleet. It handles 80% of commercial and industrial earthworks with the right balance of power, reach, and mobility. If you have one excavator in your fleet, this is the size to own. It digs deeper than a 20-ton, loads trucks efficiently, and can be equipped with a rockbreaker for moderate hard-rock work.
- โบCommercial Basement Excavation: 6m โ 12m depth for apartment blocks, office buildings, and retail complexes
- โบBulk Earthworks: Road construction, dam excavation, site grading, and land development
- โบRoad Construction: Cuttings, embankments, drainage trenches, and culvert excavation
- โบRockbreaking: Volcanic tuff, weathered basalt, and limestone with hydraulic breaker attachment
- โบQuarry Work: Loading haul trucks, stripping overburden, and bench excavation
- โบDemolition: Building teardown, concrete breaking, and debris loading
- โOptimal Power-to-Weight: Enough breakout force for most Kenyan soils without excessive fuel burn
- โTruck Loading Efficiency: 1.5โ2.0 mยณ bucket fills an 18-ton Tata tipper in 3โ4 cycles
- โDeep Digging: 7.0โ8.5m reach handles most commercial basement and drainage work
- โRockbreaker Compatible: Hydraulic breaker attachment handles moderate hard rock
- โStill Transportable: Moves on standard low-bed with minimal permit requirements
- รRequires 3.5m+ access width โ cannot fit through narrow estate gates
- รGround pressure (700โ800mm tracks) can damage soft or paved surfaces
- รInsufficient for mega basement work below 15m or heavy mining applications
- รRockbreaker work is slower than a 35-ton or 50-ton machine
Doosan DX 300 (2.0 mยณ bucket) and Hyundai HX 300 (1.8 mยณ bucket) โ Our most popular hire machines. Available with standard bucket, rockbreaker, or grapple attachments. Deployed across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. KES 7,000 โ 7,500/hr | KES 56,000 โ 60,000/day | KES 1,400,000 โ 1,500,000/month. Rockbreaker add-on: KES 7,500 โ 8,000/hr (daily: KES 60,000 โ 64,000).
The 35-ton excavator is the largest machine in Trust Partners Geo-Group's direct fleet. It bridges the gap between the 30-ton workhorse and the 50-ton mega machines. When your project demands maximum digging force, extended reach, and the ability to run heavy attachments โ but you still need the reliability and support of our in-house fleet โ the 35-ton is your answer. It is the go-to machine for deep foundations, bulk excavation, and industrial demolition where schedule compression is critical.
- โบDeep Commercial Basements: 10m โ 15m depth for high-rise towers, shopping malls, and mixed-use developments
- โบLarge-Scale Bulk Earthworks: Highway construction, dam embankments, and major land development projects
- โบHeavy Rockbreaking: Hard basalt, granite, and massive limestone with high-impact hydraulic breakers
- โบIndustrial Demolition: Concrete structures, bridge demolition, and heavy debris removal
- โบQuarry & Mining Prep: Overburden stripping, bench excavation, and loading 30-ton haul trucks
- โบHeavy Lifting & Material Handling: With grapple or clamshell โ precast elements, large pipes, and bulk materials
- โMaximum Fleet Power: The largest excavator in our direct fleet โ no partner coordination needed
- โHeavy Breaker Compatible: Runs 4,000+ Joule hydraulic breakers for sustained hard-rock work
- โExtended Reach: Deeper and farther than 30-ton โ reduces need for benching on deep excavations
- โTruck Loading Speed: 2.0+ mยณ bucket fills 30-ton haul trucks in 2โ3 cycles
- โFull In-House Support: Direct maintenance, 24/7 breakdown response, and guaranteed replacement
- รRequires 3.5m+ access and reinforced ground โ cannot operate in tight urban plots
- รHigh fuel consumption (25โ35 L/hr) makes it uneconomical for light work
- รTransport requires wide-load permits and specialized low-bed for some routes
- รHigher hire rate than 30-ton โ unjustified for small or medium projects
Hyundai HX 330 (2.0+ mยณ bucket) โ Our most powerful direct-hire excavator. Available with standard bucket, heavy rockbreaker, grapple, or clamshell attachments. Deployed across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. KES 7,000 โ 7,500/hr | KES 56,000 โ 60,000/day | KES 1,400,000 โ 1,500,000/month. Rockbreaker add-on: KES 7,500 โ 8,000/hr (daily: KES 60,000 โ 64,000).
The 50-ton excavator is a specialist machine for contractors who need maximum production in minimum time. It is not a general-purpose tool โ it is a production weapon. If your project involves mega basements, quarry loading, mining overburden removal, or heavy rockbreaking, the 50-ton class delivers economics that smaller machines cannot match. The bucket is massive, the breakout force is devastating, and the cycle time per cubic meter is the lowest in the industry.
Important: Trust Partners Geo-Group does not maintain 50-ton units in our direct fleet. We coordinate delivery, operator assignment, and on-site support through our specialized partner network in Nairobi and Mombasa. Contact us for availability, scheduling, and custom quotes.
- โบMega Basement Excavation: 15m โ 30m+ depth for commercial towers, underground parking, and industrial foundations
- โบQuarry & Mining: Loading 30-ton haul trucks, stripping overburden, and bench mining
- โบHeavy Rockbreaking: Hard basalt, granite, and massive limestone with high-impact hydraulic breakers
- โบMass Earthworks: Highway construction, dam construction, and large-scale land development
- โบHeavy Lifting: With grapple or clamshell attachment โ handling precast elements, pipes, and bulk materials
- โบPort & Industrial: Bulk material handling, ship loading, and heavy industrial demolition
- โMassive Production: 2.5โ3.5 mยณ bucket moves 400โ600 mยณ/hr in loose soil
- โExtreme Breakout Force: 280โ350 kN powers through hard rock and compacted material
- โDeep Reach: 8.5โ10.0m digging depth for mega excavations and deep trenches
- โHeavy Rockbreaking: Runs the largest hydraulic breakers (6,000+ Joule impact)
- โLowest Cost Per mยณ: Despite high hire rate, production efficiency makes it cheapest for bulk work
- รRequires 4.0m+ access width and reinforced ground โ cannot operate in urban plots
- รTransport requires wide-load permits, escort vehicles, and specialized low-bed
- รHigh fuel consumption (35โ50 L/hr) makes it uneconomical for light work
- รHigh hire rate is unjustified for small or medium projects
We do not maintain 50-ton units in our direct fleet, but we partner with specialized providers in Nairobi and Mombasa for mega project requirements. We coordinate delivery, operator assignment, and on-site support. Contact us for custom quotes and availability. Pricing is project-specific and depends on duration, location, and attachment requirements.
Use this simple decision tree to match your project to the right excavator size. Answer the questions in order โ the first "yes" determines your machine.
Is your site access narrower than 3.5 meters, or are there overhead power lines, trees, or buildings within 5 meters of the work area?
YES โ 20-Ton Excavator
No larger machine can physically access or operate safely. The 20-ton is your only option. Examples: basement excavation in Lavington, trenching in Kilimani, utility work in South C.
NO โ Proceed to Question 2
Do you need to dig deeper than 7 meters, or is the excavation volume less than 5,000 mยณ?
YES (deeper than 7m) โ 30-Ton or 35-Ton
A 20-ton cannot reach effectively below 6.5m. For 7mโ12m, choose 30-ton. For 12mโ15m, choose 35-ton. For 15m+, consider 50-ton or specialized long-reach through our partners.
NO (shallow, small volume) โ 20-Ton is sufficient
Are you encountering hard rock (basalt, granite, massive limestone) that requires sustained rockbreaking?
YES โ 30-Ton, 35-Ton, or 50-Ton
For moderate rock (weathered basalt, tuff), 30-ton with breaker is sufficient. For hard, massive rock, 35-ton or 50-ton with heavy breaker is required.
NO (soil, clay, loose material) โ 20-Ton or 30-Ton
Does your project require moving more than 50,000 mยณ of material, or is schedule compression critical?
YES โ 50-Ton Excavator (Partner Service)
Only the 50-ton delivers the production rate to justify its hire cost on mega projects. Examples: highway earthworks, dam construction, quarry overburden removal. Contact us to coordinate through our partner network.
NO โ 30-Ton or 35-Ton is optimal
| Project Type | Recommended Size | Why This Size | Typical Nairobi Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Basement (4-6m) | 20-Ton | Tight access, shallow depth, cost-effective | Karen, Lavington, South C, Kilimani |
| Apartment Block Basement (8-12m) | 30-Ton | Deep reach, truck loading, moderate access | Parklands, Upper Hill, Westlands |
| High-Rise Basement (12-15m) | 35-Ton | Maximum reach in our fleet, heavy production | Upper Hill, Westlands, Kilimani |
| Mega Commercial Basement (15m+) | 50-Ton (Partner) | Deep excavation, heavy production, rockbreaking | Upper Hill, Nairobi CBD |
| Utility Trenching (Water/Sewer/Electric) | 20-Ton | Narrow trenches, urban access, precise grading | All Nairobi neighborhoods |
| Road Construction (Cut/Fill) | 30-Ton | Balanced production and mobility for highway earthworks | Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Southern Bypass |
| Highway/Mega Road Earthworks | 50-Ton (Partner) | Maximum production, loading 30-ton trucks efficiently | Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, Nairobi-Nakuru Highway |
| Rockbreaking (Moderate) | 30-Ton | Sufficient power for weathered basalt and tuff | Athi River, Ngong, Karen |
| Rockbreaking (Hard/Massive) | 35-Ton or 50-Ton | Heavy breaker attachment, high impact force required | Quarries, mining sites, deep basement rock |
| Site Clearing & Topsoil Stripping | 20-Ton or 30-Ton | 20-ton for small sites; 30-ton for large developments | All development zones |
| Dam & Water Pan Excavation | 30-Ton or 35-Ton | Reach, production, and mobility for reservoir construction | Machakos, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kericho |
| Quarry Loading | 50-Ton (Partner) | Bucket size and cycle time optimized for truck loading | Juja, Kajiado, Athi River quarries |
| Swimming Pool Excavation | 20-Ton | Precision, tight access, minimal ground disturbance | Runda, Muthaiga, Lavington, Karen |
Hire rate is only part of the cost equation. Fuel, operator productivity, and project duration all factor into the true cost per cubic meter. Here is a realistic comparison for a typical 10,000 mยณ bulk earthworks project in Kenya:
| Cost Factor | 20-Ton | 30-Ton | 35-Ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Hire Rate | KES 38,000 | KES 58,000 | KES 58,000 |
| Production Rate (mยณ/hr) | 80 โ 120 | 180 โ 250 | 220 โ 300 |
| Days to Complete 10,000 mยณ | 12 โ 16 days | 5 โ 7 days | 4 โ 6 days |
| Total Hire Cost | KES 456,000 โ 608,000 | KES 290,000 โ 406,000 | KES 232,000 โ 348,000 |
| Fuel Cost (10 hrs/day) | KES 21,600 โ 32,400/day | KES 36,000 โ 50,400/day | KES 45,000 โ 63,000/day |
| Total Fuel (project) | KES 259,000 โ 518,000 | KES 180,000 โ 353,000 | KES 180,000 โ 378,000 |
| Total Project Cost | KES 715,000 โ 1,126,000 | KES 470,000 โ 759,000 | KES 412,000 โ 726,000 |
| Cost Per mยณ | KES 72 โ 113 | KES 47 โ 76 | KES 41 โ 73 |
- โMachine and certified operator with NCA license
- โStandard bucket (size per machine class)
- โDaily maintenance and lubrication
- โ24/7 breakdown support and replacement machine if needed
- โStandard liability insurance coverage
- รVAT: Charged at applicable Kenyan tax rates
- รFuel: Client provides diesel or is billed at market rate + 10% handling
- รTransport: Low-bed transport to and from site is billed separately based on distance
- รAttachments: Rockbreaker, grapple, or clamshell billed at KES 3,000โ8,000/day additional
- รGround Reinforcement: Steel plates, timber mats for soft ground are client cost
- รSpecialized Insurance: Project-specific or marine insurance is client responsibility
Not Sure Which Excavator You Need?
Tell us about your project โ depth, soil type, access width, and volume. We will recommend the right machine and give you a fixed-price quote. No guesswork, no overspending.
Call for Free RecommendationVisit us at www.trustpartnergeogroupltd.org
Right-Size Guarantee
We do not upsell. Our engineers assess your project and recommend the smallest machine that can do the job safely and efficiently. You pay for capability, not ego.
Zero Downtime Promise
If your machine breaks down, we deliver a replacement within 4 hours in Nairobi or 24 hours anywhere in Kenya. Your schedule is our priority.
Certified Operators
Every operator is NCA-licensed, safety-trained, and experienced on the specific machine they operate. No learning curves on your dime.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. Our quotes include hire rate, operator, maintenance, and breakdown support. Fuel and attachments are itemized separately so you know exactly what you are paying.
Nationwide Mobilization
We deliver to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and anywhere in between. Our low-bed fleet moves machines overnight to keep your project on schedule.
Flexible Hire Terms
Daily, weekly, monthly, or long-term contracts. We scale with your project โ add machines when production ramps up, reduce when work completes.
Nairobi & Central
Nairobi | Kiambu | Thika | Ruiru | Kikuyu | Limuru | Ngong | Kajiado | Machakos | Mlolongo | Syokimau
Rift Valley
Nakuru | Naivasha | Eldoret | Kericho | Bomet | Narok | Iten | Kabarnet | Marigat
Coast & Nyanza
Mombasa | Kilifi | Kwale | Malindi | Kisumu | Kakamega | Busia | Siaya | Homa Bay
Eastern & Northern
Meru | Nyeri | Embu | Kitui | Garissa | Isiolo | Marsabit | Nanyuki | Laikipia
20-Ton vs. 30-Ton vs. 50-Ton Excavator: Which Size Do You Need?
The Complete Excavator Size Guide for Kenya's Construction Market โ Match the right machine to your project and stop overpaying for capacity you don't need.
Choosing the wrong excavator size is one of the most expensive mistakes a contractor can make in Kenya. Hire a 50-ton machine for a job a 20-ton could handle, and you are burning KES 15,000โ25,000 per day in unnecessary hire costs. Send a 20-ton machine to break basalt rock or dig a 10-meter basement, and you will watch your schedule slip while your operator fights a machine that is out of its depth.
In Kenya's construction market, three excavator sizes dominate: the 20-ton class (compact, maneuverable, cost-effective), the 30-ton class (the versatile workhorse), and the 50-ton class (raw power for mega projects). Each occupies a distinct niche, and the gap between them is not incremental โ it is transformational. A 50-ton excavator does not just move 2.5 times more dirt than a 20-ton; it changes what is physically possible on your site.
This guide is written for the contractor who needs to make the right decision fast. Whether you are digging foundations in Karen, trenching for utilities in Industrial Area, breaking rock in Athi River, or stripping a 50-hectare site in Nakuru, we will show you exactly which excavator size matches your job โ and what you will pay for it in Kenya's 2026 equipment hire market.
| Specification | 20-Ton Class | 30-Ton Class | 50-Ton Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight | 19,000 โ 22,000 kg | 28,000 โ 33,000 kg | 48,000 โ 52,000 kg |
| Engine Power | 120 โ 140 HP | 190 โ 220 HP | 300 โ 350 HP |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.8 โ 1.2 mยณ | 1.5 โ 2.0 mยณ | 2.5 โ 3.5 mยณ |
| Max Digging Depth | 5.5 โ 6.5 m | 7.0 โ 8.5 m | 8.5 โ 10.0 m |
| Max Reach | 9.0 โ 10.5 m | 11.0 โ 12.5 m | 12.5 โ 14.0 m |
| Breakout Force | 120 โ 140 kN | 180 โ 220 kN | 280 โ 350 kN |
| Transport Width | 2.8 โ 3.2 m | 3.2 โ 3.5 m | 3.5 โ 4.0 m |
| Track Width | 600 โ 700 mm | 700 โ 800 mm | 800 โ 900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 12 โ 18 L/hr | 20 โ 28 L/hr | 35 โ 50 L/hr |
| Hourly Hire Rate (Kenya 2026) | KES 4,500 โ 5,000 | KES 7,000 โ 7,500 | Contact for quote |
| Daily Hire Rate (Kenya 2026) | KES 36,000 โ 40,000 | KES 56,000 โ 60,000 | Contact for quote |
| Monthly Hire Rate | KES 936,000 โ 1,040,000 | KES 1,400,000 โ 1,500,000 | Contact for quote |
| Best For | Tight access, light excavation, utility work | General construction, bulk earthworks, rockbreaking | Mega projects, mining, heavy rock, deep excavation |
The 20-ton excavator is the go-to machine for contractors working in confined urban spaces, on residential projects, or where maneuverability matters more than raw power. If your site has narrow gates, overhead power lines, or buildings within 5 meters, this is likely your only option.
- โบResidential Basement Excavation: 4m โ 6m depth in tight urban plots (South C, Kilimani, Parklands, Karen)
- โบUtility Trenching: Water, sewer, gas, and electrical trenches in established neighborhoods
- โบFoundation Excavation: Strip foundations, raft foundations, and pile caps for residential and light commercial
- โบSwimming Pool Excavation: Residential and commercial pool digging with precise grade control
- โบSite Preparation: Bush clearing, topsoil stripping, and grading for small to medium developments
- โTight Access: Fits through 3.2m gates and operates in 4m-wide corridors
- โLow Ground Pressure: 600mm tracks minimize damage to paved surfaces and landscaping
- โCost-Effective: Lowest hire rate โ ideal for long-duration, low-intensity projects
- โTransportable: Moves on standard low-bed without escort or special permits
- โLow Fuel Burn: 12โ18 L/hr keeps operating costs manageable
- รCannot dig below 6.5m effectively โ insufficient reach and breakout force
- รStruggles with hard rock โ basalt and limestone require rockbreaker attachment that taxes the machine
- รSmall bucket (0.8โ1.2 mยณ) means slow production on bulk earthworks
- รNot suitable for loading 30-ton dump trucks โ cycle time is too slow
Hitachi ZX 220 (1.0 mยณ bucket) โ Available for daily, weekly, and monthly hire across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado. Ideal for urban basement excavation and utility trenching. Operator included. KES 4,500 โ 5,000/hr | KES 36,000 โ 40,000/day | KES 936,000 โ 1,040,000/month. Rockbreaker add-on: KES 6,500 โ 7,000/hr (daily: KES 52,000 โ 56,000).
The 30-ton excavator is the most versatile machine in Kenya's construction fleet. It handles 80% of commercial and industrial earthworks with the right balance of power, reach, and mobility. If you have one excavator in your fleet, this is the size to own. It digs deeper than a 20-ton, loads trucks efficiently, and can be equipped with a rockbreaker for moderate hard-rock work.
- โบCommercial Basement Excavation: 6m โ 12m depth for apartment blocks, office buildings, and retail complexes
- โบBulk Earthworks: Road construction, dam excavation, site grading, and land development
- โบRoad Construction: Cuttings, embankments, drainage trenches, and culvert excavation
- โบRockbreaking: Volcanic tuff, weathered basalt, and limestone with hydraulic breaker attachment
- โบQuarry Work: Loading haul trucks, stripping overburden, and bench excavation
- โบDemolition: Building teardown, concrete breaking, and debris loading
- โOptimal Power-to-Weight: Enough breakout force for most Kenyan soils without excessive fuel burn
- โTruck Loading Efficiency: 1.5โ2.0 mยณ bucket fills an 18-ton Tata tipper in 3โ4 cycles
- โDeep Digging: 7.0โ8.5m reach handles most commercial basement and drainage work
- โRockbreaker Compatible: Hydraulic breaker attachment handles moderate hard rock
- โStill Transportable: Moves on standard low-bed with minimal permit requirements
- รRequires 3.5m+ access width โ cannot fit through narrow estate gates
- รGround pressure (700โ800mm tracks) can damage soft or paved surfaces
- รInsufficient for mega basement work below 15m or heavy mining applications
- รRockbreaker work is slower than a 35-ton or 50-ton machine
Doosan DX 300 (2.0 mยณ bucket) and Hyundai HX 300 (1.8 mยณ bucket) โ Our most popular hire machines. Available with standard bucket, rockbreaker, or grapple attachments. Deployed across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. KES 7,000 โ 7,500/hr | KES 56,000 โ 60,000/day | KES 1,400,000 โ 1,500,000/month. Rockbreaker add-on: KES 7,500 โ 8,000/hr (daily: KES 60,000 โ 64,000).
The 35-ton excavator is the largest machine in Trust Partners Geo-Group's direct fleet. It bridges the gap between the 30-ton workhorse and the 50-ton mega machines. When your project demands maximum digging force, extended reach, and the ability to run heavy attachments โ but you still need the reliability and support of our in-house fleet โ the 35-ton is your answer. It is the go-to machine for deep foundations, bulk excavation, and industrial demolition where schedule compression is critical.
- โบDeep Commercial Basements: 10m โ 15m depth for high-rise towers, shopping malls, and mixed-use developments
- โบLarge-Scale Bulk Earthworks: Highway construction, dam embankments, and major land development projects
- โบHeavy Rockbreaking: Hard basalt, granite, and massive limestone with high-impact hydraulic breakers
- โบIndustrial Demolition: Concrete structures, bridge demolition, and heavy debris removal
- โบQuarry & Mining Prep: Overburden stripping, bench excavation, and loading 30-ton haul trucks
- โบHeavy Lifting & Material Handling: With grapple or clamshell โ precast elements, large pipes, and bulk materials
- โMaximum Fleet Power: The largest excavator in our direct fleet โ no partner coordination needed
- โHeavy Breaker Compatible: Runs 4,000+ Joule hydraulic breakers for sustained hard-rock work
- โExtended Reach: Deeper and farther than 30-ton โ reduces need for benching on deep excavations
- โTruck Loading Speed: 2.0+ mยณ bucket fills 30-ton haul trucks in 2โ3 cycles
- โFull In-House Support: Direct maintenance, 24/7 breakdown response, and guaranteed replacement
- รRequires 3.5m+ access and reinforced ground โ cannot operate in tight urban plots
- รHigh fuel consumption (25โ35 L/hr) makes it uneconomical for light work
- รTransport requires wide-load permits and specialized low-bed for some routes
- รHigher hire rate than 30-ton โ unjustified for small or medium projects
Hyundai HX 330 (2.0+ mยณ bucket) โ Our most powerful direct-hire excavator. Available with standard bucket, heavy rockbreaker, grapple, or clamshell attachments. Deployed across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. KES 7,000 โ 7,500/hr | KES 56,000 โ 60,000/day | KES 1,400,000 โ 1,500,000/month. Rockbreaker add-on: KES 7,500 โ 8,000/hr (daily: KES 60,000 โ 64,000).
The 50-ton excavator is a specialist machine for contractors who need maximum production in minimum time. It is not a general-purpose tool โ it is a production weapon. If your project involves mega basements, quarry loading, mining overburden removal, or heavy rockbreaking, the 50-ton class delivers economics that smaller machines cannot match. The bucket is massive, the breakout force is devastating, and the cycle time per cubic meter is the lowest in the industry.
Important: Trust Partners Geo-Group does not maintain 50-ton units in our direct fleet. We coordinate delivery, operator assignment, and on-site support through our specialized partner network in Nairobi and Mombasa. Contact us for availability, scheduling, and custom quotes.
- โบMega Basement Excavation: 15m โ 30m+ depth for commercial towers, underground parking, and industrial foundations
- โบQuarry & Mining: Loading 30-ton haul trucks, stripping overburden, and bench mining
- โบHeavy Rockbreaking: Hard basalt, granite, and massive limestone with high-impact hydraulic breakers
- โบMass Earthworks: Highway construction, dam construction, and large-scale land development
- โบHeavy Lifting: With grapple or clamshell attachment โ handling precast elements, pipes, and bulk materials
- โบPort & Industrial: Bulk material handling, ship loading, and heavy industrial demolition
- โMassive Production: 2.5โ3.5 mยณ bucket moves 400โ600 mยณ/hr in loose soil
- โExtreme Breakout Force: 280โ350 kN powers through hard rock and compacted material
- โDeep Reach: 8.5โ10.0m digging depth for mega excavations and deep trenches
- โHeavy Rockbreaking: Runs the largest hydraulic breakers (6,000+ Joule impact)
- โLowest Cost Per mยณ: Despite high hire rate, production efficiency makes it cheapest for bulk work
- รRequires 4.0m+ access width and reinforced ground โ cannot operate in urban plots
- รTransport requires wide-load permits, escort vehicles, and specialized low-bed
- รHigh fuel consumption (35โ50 L/hr) makes it uneconomical for light work
- รHigh hire rate is unjustified for small or medium projects
We do not maintain 50-ton units in our direct fleet, but we partner with specialized providers in Nairobi and Mombasa for mega project requirements. We coordinate delivery, operator assignment, and on-site support. Contact us for custom quotes and availability. Pricing is project-specific and depends on duration, location, and attachment requirements.
Use this simple decision tree to match your project to the right excavator size. Answer the questions in order โ the first "yes" determines your machine.
Is your site access narrower than 3.5 meters, or are there overhead power lines, trees, or buildings within 5 meters of the work area?
YES โ 20-Ton Excavator
No larger machine can physically access or operate safely. The 20-ton is your only option. Examples: basement excavation in Lavington, trenching in Kilimani, utility work in South C.
NO โ Proceed to Question 2
Do you need to dig deeper than 7 meters, or is the excavation volume less than 5,000 mยณ?
YES (deeper than 7m) โ 30-Ton or 35-Ton
A 20-ton cannot reach effectively below 6.5m. For 7mโ12m, choose 30-ton. For 12mโ15m, choose 35-ton. For 15m+, consider 50-ton or specialized long-reach through our partners.
NO (shallow, small volume) โ 20-Ton is sufficient
Are you encountering hard rock (basalt, granite, massive limestone) that requires sustained rockbreaking?
YES โ 30-Ton, 35-Ton, or 50-Ton
For moderate rock (weathered basalt, tuff), 30-ton with breaker is sufficient. For hard, massive rock, 35-ton or 50-ton with heavy breaker is required.
NO (soil, clay, loose material) โ 20-Ton or 30-Ton
Does your project require moving more than 50,000 mยณ of material, or is schedule compression critical?
YES โ 50-Ton Excavator (Partner Service)
Only the 50-ton delivers the production rate to justify its hire cost on mega projects. Examples: highway earthworks, dam construction, quarry overburden removal. Contact us to coordinate through our partner network.
NO โ 30-Ton or 35-Ton is optimal
| Project Type | Recommended Size | Why This Size | Typical Nairobi Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Basement (4-6m) | 20-Ton | Tight access, shallow depth, cost-effective | Karen, Lavington, South C, Kilimani |
| Apartment Block Basement (8-12m) | 30-Ton | Deep reach, truck loading, moderate access | Parklands, Upper Hill, Westlands |
| High-Rise Basement (12-15m) | 35-Ton | Maximum reach in our fleet, heavy production | Upper Hill, Westlands, Kilimani |
| Mega Commercial Basement (15m+) | 50-Ton (Partner) | Deep excavation, heavy production, rockbreaking | Upper Hill, Nairobi CBD |
| Utility Trenching (Water/Sewer/Electric) | 20-Ton | Narrow trenches, urban access, precise grading | All Nairobi neighborhoods |
| Road Construction (Cut/Fill) | 30-Ton | Balanced production and mobility for highway earthworks | Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Southern Bypass |
| Highway/Mega Road Earthworks | 50-Ton (Partner) | Maximum production, loading 30-ton trucks efficiently | Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, Nairobi-Nakuru Highway |
| Rockbreaking (Moderate) | 30-Ton | Sufficient power for weathered basalt and tuff | Athi River, Ngong, Karen |
| Rockbreaking (Hard/Massive) | 35-Ton or 50-Ton | Heavy breaker attachment, high impact force required | Quarries, mining sites, deep basement rock |
| Site Clearing & Topsoil Stripping | 20-Ton or 30-Ton | 20-ton for small sites; 30-ton for large developments | All development zones |
| Dam & Water Pan Excavation | 30-Ton or 35-Ton | Reach, production, and mobility for reservoir construction | Machakos, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kericho |
| Quarry Loading | 50-Ton (Partner) | Bucket size and cycle time optimized for truck loading | Juja, Kajiado, Athi River quarries |
| Swimming Pool Excavation | 20-Ton | Precision, tight access, minimal ground disturbance | Runda, Muthaiga, Lavington, Karen |
Hire rate is only part of the cost equation. Fuel, operator productivity, and project duration all factor into the true cost per cubic meter. Here is a realistic comparison for a typical 10,000 mยณ bulk earthworks project in Kenya:
| Cost Factor | 20-Ton | 30-Ton | 35-Ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Hire Rate | KES 38,000 | KES 58,000 | KES 58,000 |
| Production Rate (mยณ/hr) | 80 โ 120 | 180 โ 250 | 220 โ 300 |
| Days to Complete 10,000 mยณ | 12 โ 16 days | 5 โ 7 days | 4 โ 6 days |
| Total Hire Cost | KES 456,000 โ 608,000 | KES 290,000 โ 406,000 | KES 232,000 โ 348,000 |
| Fuel Cost (10 hrs/day) | KES 21,600 โ 32,400/day | KES 36,000 โ 50,400/day | KES 45,000 โ 63,000/day |
| Total Fuel (project) | KES 259,000 โ 518,000 | KES 180,000 โ 353,000 | KES 180,000 โ 378,000 |
| Total Project Cost | KES 715,000 โ 1,126,000 | KES 470,000 โ 759,000 | KES 412,000 โ 726,000 |
| Cost Per mยณ | KES 72 โ 113 | KES 47 โ 76 | KES 41 โ 73 |
- โMachine and certified operator with NCA license
- โStandard bucket (size per machine class)
- โDaily maintenance and lubrication
- โ24/7 breakdown support and replacement machine if needed
- โStandard liability insurance coverage
- รVAT: Charged at applicable Kenyan tax rates
- รFuel: Client provides diesel or is billed at market rate + 10% handling
- รTransport: Low-bed transport to and from site is billed separately based on distance
- รAttachments: Rockbreaker, grapple, or clamshell billed at KES 3,000โ8,000/day additional
- รGround Reinforcement: Steel plates, timber mats for soft ground are client cost
- รSpecialized Insurance: Project-specific or marine insurance is client responsibility
Not Sure Which Excavator You Need?
Tell us about your project โ depth, soil type, access width, and volume. We will recommend the right machine and give you a fixed-price quote. No guesswork, no overspending.
Call for Free RecommendationVisit us at www.trustpartnergeogroupltd.org
Right-Size Guarantee
We do not upsell. Our engineers assess your project and recommend the smallest machine that can do the job safely and efficiently. You pay for capability, not ego.
Zero Downtime Promise
If your machine breaks down, we deliver a replacement within 4 hours in Nairobi or 24 hours anywhere in Kenya. Your schedule is our priority.
Certified Operators
Every operator is NCA-licensed, safety-trained, and experienced on the specific machine they operate. No learning curves on your dime.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. Our quotes include hire rate, operator, maintenance, and breakdown support. Fuel and attachments are itemized separately so you know exactly what you are paying.
Nationwide Mobilization
We deliver to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and anywhere in between. Our low-bed fleet moves machines overnight to keep your project on schedule.
Flexible Hire Terms
Daily, weekly, monthly, or long-term contracts. We scale with your project โ add machines when production ramps up, reduce when work completes.
Nairobi & Central
Nairobi | Kiambu | Thika | Ruiru | Kikuyu | Limuru | Ngong | Kajiado | Machakos | Mlolongo | Syokimau
Rift Valley
Nakuru | Naivasha | Eldoret | Kericho | Bomet | Narok | Iten | Kabarnet | Marigat
Coast & Nyanza
Mombasa | Kilifi | Kwale | Malindi | Kisumu | Kakamega | Busia | Siaya | Homa Bay
Eastern & Northern
Meru | Nyeri | Embu | Kitui | Garissa | Isiolo | Marsabit | Nanyuki | Laikipia
