Excavator vs Digger: What’s the Difference?

Ask five contractors the difference between an excavator and a digger, and you might get five different answers or just a shrug and “same thing.” And to be fair, they often do, at least in casual conversation. But if you're buying, renting, or operating these machines, it pays to know the difference.

In this guide, we break down the key differences between diggers and excavators, explain what each machine is built for, and clear up why the terms get mixed up so often. Whether you're new to heavy equipment or just want a clearer understanding, we’ll help you cut through the confusion.

 

What Is a Digger?

The term digger is a catch-all used to describe any machine that digs, from compact trenchers to full-size excavators. In many cases, especially in the UK and parts of Canada, “digger” is just another name for an excavator. But in North America, it’s more of a general nickname for small digging machines.

So, what is a digger, really? It usually refers to compact equipment designed for jobs like trenching, landscaping, and small-scale demolition. They’re valued for their maneuverability, ease of transport, and ability to tackle tight-space jobs where larger machines can’t go.

Whether you're grading a backyard or laying underground utilities, a digger is the go-to machine that digs dirt quickly and efficiently, especially when you need serious power in a compact size.

What Is an Excavator?

An excavator is a powerful piece of heavy equipment designed for digging, lifting, and demolition. With its hydraulic arm, rotating cab, and rugged tracks or wheels, it's built for serious work on construction sites, road crews, and utility jobs.

If you’re wondering, what does an excavator do? The answer is: a lot. Excavators are built for tough tasks like deep trenching, heavy lifting, demolition, and site prep, but they can also handle fine grading, land clearing, and even precision digging with the right attachment.

Want a full breakdown of excavator types, attachments, and buying tips? Check out our complete Excavator Guide here.

Excavator vs Digger: Key Differences

At first glance, the terms excavator and digger might seem interchangeable and in everyday conversation, they often are. But if you're choosing equipment for a specific job, it’s worth knowing the real differences.

Here’s how they compare:

1. Terminology
   • Digger is a general term that can refer to any machine that digs dirt, including excavators, backhoes, and trenchers.
   • Excavator refers to a specific type of machine with a hydraulic boom, dipper, and bucket, often mounted on tracks.
2. Size and Power
   • Diggers are often smaller machines, ideal for residential or tight-access work.
   • Excavators come in a wide range of sizes, from compact to massive, and are built for heavy-duty performance.
3. Applications
   • Use a digger for landscaping, small trenching, or backyard projects.
   • Choose an excavator for deep digging, demolition, lifting heavy loads, and large-scale construction.
4. Controls and Versatility
   • Excavators typically have more advanced hydraulic systems and support a wider range of attachments.
   • Diggers (especially mini models) are simpler to operate and transport, making them a go-to for quick jobs.

In short, the digger vs excavator debate comes down to how specific you want to be. All excavators are diggers, but not all diggers are excavators.

 

Why the Terms Are Often Confused

The reason diggers and excavators get mixed up comes down to language, location, and habit. In many parts of the world, especially the UK, Australia, and parts of Canada, “digger” is just the common word for an excavator. In fact, some people use it to refer to any machine that digs dirt, regardless of its type or size.

Brand names also play a role. For example, in the UK, the term “JCB” is often used like a noun: “Grab the JCB”, even if the machine isn’t made by JCB. It’s the same idea with excavator and digger: one is technically accurate, the other is widely accepted slang.

So if someone says “digger,” they might mean a mini excavator, a backhoe, or a full-size tracked excavator. The important thing is knowing what the job demands, not just what it’s called.

Choosing the Right Machine for the Job

Whether you're deciding between a digger vs excavator or just trying to find the best tool for the task, the right choice depends on your jobsite needs.

Here’s a quick way to decide:

• Go with a digger (like a mini excavator or backhoe) if you're working in tight spaces, residential areas, or need something easy to transport. They're great for trenching, utility installs, light grading, and landscaping.
• Choose an excavator if you need serious power for deep digging, demolition, lifting heavy materials, or running multiple hydraulic attachments. These machines are built for demanding commercial and industrial work. Check out our guide on excavator sizes and how to choose the right one for a clear breakdown of mini, mid-size, and full-size options.

Still unsure which way to go? Think about the attachments you’ll need, the size of your work area, and how much digging force you really need.

Wrapping It Up: Digger or Excavator?

While the excavator vs digger debate can seem like a matter of words, understanding the differences can help you choose the right machine faster and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you're shopping for your first machine or expanding your fleet, knowing what each can do gives you a clear edge.

Need the Right Attachment for Your Machine? Whether you’re running a compact digger or a full-size excavator, the right attachment makes all the difference. At Skid Steers Direct, we carry high-quality tools built to boost your machine’s performance and make every job more efficient.

Browse our selection of skid steer and mini skid steer attachments or contact us if you need help finding the right fit.

FAQs

1. What does an excavator do?
   An excavator is a versatile machine that digs dirt, lifts heavy materials, performs demolition, grades land, and more. It's used in construction, landscaping, utility installation, and roadwork.
2. Is there another name for an excavator?
   Yes, depending on where you are, excavators are sometimes called diggers, trackhoes, or even JCBs (especially in the UK, where brand names are used generically).
3. Which attachments work best for diggers and excavators?
   Attachments like buckets, augers, grapples, and trenchers can turn your machine into a multipurpose workhorse.
4. What’s the difference between a digger vs excavator?
   The main difference is precision: excavator refers to a specific machine type, while digger is a broader, informal term. Excavators tend to be larger and more powerful, while diggers often refer to smaller machines like mini excavators or backhoes.