Heavy equipment playbooks
Heavy Equipment Guides & Buying Playbooks
Read practical heavy equipment guides for choosing the right machine class, understanding specification definitions and comparing models like-for-like. Use these playbooks with the specs database to shortlist excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, forklifts, trucks and other equipment by weight, power, geometry, capacity and jobsite needs.
20
Published guides
9,690
Indexable models
91
Brands
302,958
Spec records
How to use the guides
1. Choose the class
Start with jobsite needs, material, reach, capacity and machine size.
2. Validate the big specs
Check operating weight, power, geometry, hydraulics and capacity before comparing details.
3. Compare shortlists
Open model pages or use the compare tool to review candidates side by side.
Dec 31, 2025
How to shortlist in 60 seconds
Read guide →
Dec 31, 2025
How to read specs in the right order
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Dec 31, 2025
Net vs gross engine power (and why it matters)
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Dec 31, 2025
Operating weight: the best sizing signal
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Dec 31, 2025
Bucket capacity: heaped vs struck
Read guide →
Dec 31, 2025
Dig depth vs reach vs dump clearance
Read guide →
Dec 31, 2025
Breakout force vs hydraulic performance
Read guide →
Dec 31, 2025
Lift capacity and stability: how to compare safely
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Dec 31, 2025
Hydraulic flow and pressure explained
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Dec 31, 2025
Spec sheet traps: apples-to-oranges comparisons
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Dec 31, 2025
Excavator sizing: choosing the right weight band
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Dec 31, 2025
Wheel loader sizing for truck loading
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Dec 31, 2025
Dozer sizing: weight, blade, and ground pressure
Read guide →
Dec 31, 2025
Motor grader sizing: blade width, power, and articulation
Read guide →
Dec 31, 2025
Telehandler sizing: reading lift charts
Read guide →
Dec 31, 2025
Trenching checklist: what specs actually matter
Read guide →