Top 10 Best RC Excavators For Digging Fun - 2021 Reviews and Buying Guide

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If you didn't already know, you probably thought that RC (remote controlled) vehicles were all about cars and trucks; that's not the case. There are a ton of other vehicles you can control from your smartphone or tablet and they are pretty awesome. Case in point, RC Excavators are the biggest, baddest, and most fun toys you can get your hands on.

We all love watching heavy machinery in action, and remote control excavators are just that. So what kind of RC excavator should you get? Well, here is a quick rundown: An RC excavator can be used in so many different settings, from a sandbox to a park to your own driveway. A solid RC excavator toy can dig, lift objects, and even clear land. Some excavators are geared more toward kids, while others are more for adults.

You may be looking for the best RC excavator that can lift small objects or drive through sand easily, while someone else may want something that can carry heavy loads and dig deep holes quickly. There are also different sizes and weights depending on the size of the task, and there are a variety of other things to consider when choosing the right RC excavator for your child.

Toy RC Excavator

Toy RC Excavators are designed to be lightweight and easy to use, with all sorts of lights and sounds, perfect for younger children who want a fun toy that can do everything from moving dirt around in their sandbox to digging tunnels under their backyard castle. Some of them may not be able to move all the dirt that you might hope for, but they can be a fun way to spend a day in the backyard.

Hobby-Grade RC Excavator

Hobby-grade excavators are remote control toys that have become popular in recent years. These machines come with more power and precision than their toy counterparts but also require more skill to operate properly. These remote control excavators are meant for experienced and usually older children or adult hobbyists. They are incredibly durable, and they are also extremely versatile.

While an RC car or an RC truck can get your pulse racing, remote control excavators are great tools for kids to learn how to operate machinery and have fun. Best of all, they are designed to handle challenging terrains like sand, dirt, and snow, so they can be used to play in the comfort of your own backyard.

Let's now dive in to find the best RC excavators available on the market today.

If you are interested, we also have our recommended lists of best RC trucks, best RC cars for beginners and best RC monster trucks for your easy reference. And an extensive guide to RC cars that you may want to visit.

OUR TOP PICKS 

BEST OVERALL PICK 

Kolegend RC Excavator, 22 Channel

BEST BUDGET PICK

Double E 1:20 RC Excavator

BEST HOBBY GRADE

Top Race TR-211M 23 Channel

Best RC Excavator Toys - A QUICK COMPARISON

1. Top Race TR-211M 23 Channel RC Excavator

WEIGHT: 22.1 lbs | SCALE: 1:14 | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 23 | RECOMMENDED AGE: 15+

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2. Top Race TR-211 15 Channel RC Excavator

WEIGHT: 2 lbs | SCALE: 1:14 | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 15 |  RECOMMENDED AGE: 4+

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3. Double E 17 Channel Full Functional RC

WEIGHT: 5 lbs | SCALE: 1:16 | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 17 |  RECOMMENDED AGE: 4+

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4. Double E 1:20 RC Excavator

WEIGHT: 3.15 lbs | SCALE: 1:20 | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 11 | RECOMMENDED AGE: 6+

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5. Top Race 15 Channel RC Fork Excavator

WEIGHT: 5.2 lbs | SCALE: 1:18 | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 11 | RECOMMENDED AGE: 8+

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6. Volvo RC Excavator

WEIGHT: 4.6 lbs | SCALE: 1:16 | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 17 | RECOMMENDED AGE: 8+

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7. Fisca RC Excavator

WEIGHT: 3.1 lbs | SCALE: 1:14 | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 15 | RECOMMENDED AGE: 5+

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8. Huina 580 RC Excavator Fullmetal Version 2

WEIGHT 16.5 lbs | SCALE: na | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: |  RECOMMENDED AGE: 10+

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9. Kolegend RC Excavator, 22 Channel

WEIGHT: 7.8 lbs | SCALE: 1:14 | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 22 |  RECOMMENDED AGE: 8+

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10. TongLi 1580 All Metal RC Excavator for Adults

WEIGHT: 13.3 lbs | SCALE: 1:14 | NUMBER OF CHANNELS: 23 |  RECOMMENDED AGE: 14+

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Best RC Excavator - REVIEWS

BEST HOBBY GRADE

1. Top Race TR-211M 23 Channel Hobby RC Excavator

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Read the full review of Top Race TR-211M

This top RC excavator model is not to be confused with a toy that you can use or gift to your child. This replica is one of the best remote control excavator models that is made as a professional hobby-grade item and almost as capable as an RC hydraulic excavator but much cheaper.

This is an RC excavator that can dig! It packs powerful motors with a classy remote control that helps control this vehicle. It has a battery of 2000 mAh. A realistic look to this toy gives satisfaction when you buy this product. This fantastic item is for the ones who love to collect. It comes with different attachments like shovel, drill and smoke oil. All the various pieces can be attached to this excavator when you have an urge to modify it.

2. Top Race TR-211 15 Channel Full Functional RC Excavator

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What's unique about this leading excavator and how does it operate? This RC Excavator toy is designed with three distinct high-powered engines for controlling each portion of its arm. One engine controls the bulldozer shovel only up or down; one engine controls the elbow portion of the arm. Another engine controls the primary arm to the fullest extent so that it can reach anywhere in any situation.

This construction toy excavator comes with all the realistic features of an actual construction vehicle for a caterpillar. This building toy model features a metal shovel for real digging on delicate sand or soil. It is also for carrying the products and loading them onto your RC excavator and prepared to be removed from your sandbox or building configuration.

This model is a good option before you move up to the more expensive RC construction toys gas hydraulic excavators.

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3. DOUBLE E 17 Channel Full Functional RC Excavator

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This truck RC excavator has a distinctive style. The structure is compelling, including a frame, cockpit, quality track, metal bucket and distinct engines on the digging arms.

It is an ideal toy to give your children for the maximum experience of the realistic job of construction vehicles. Helping the growth of your child's brain is a beautiful gift. The digger features a 680 degree rotating cab for realistic maneuvring, and it can dig in any direction with its distinct arms digging energy. By simulating flashing lights and sounds, it makes playing with it even more realistic.

4. Double E 1:20 RC Excavator

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This RC excavator is designed exclusively for young kids.  It has 11 channel functions and each arm and the heavy-duty shovel can move separately with three distinct powerful motors. It can readily climb hard rocky terrains with double-track drives.

The RC excavator comes with two powerful rechargeable 4.8V 800mAh batteries. With no need for frequent charging, it allows a long time to play and more enjoyment. What's more, just like the real thing this is an RC excavator that can dig making it a joy to play with. The bulldozer shovel is of long-lasting alloy material, that can endure heavy-duty usage and does not wear or rust quickly. A solid workbench and cabin make it a sturdy toy that can resist children's hard usage. Moreover, it includes sound effects.

Read more reviews & buying guide > Best Drones under $300

5. Top Race 15 Channel RC Fork Excavator

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The Grapple Fork Top Race comes with all the characteristics of a real car of building. This excavator toy features a Grapple Fork on a building site imitating realistic impacts. With three powerful motors attached to the digging arm, the Grapple Tractor comes with a 680 degree rotating cab for a sensible maneuver.

Just like the actual construction vehicle, this remote-controlled model can be easily moved back, front and side by side with maximum control. Operating on 2.4Ghz with a range of more than 100 feet from the remote control, you can feel like working an actual excavator on all-terrain kinds. This RC construction vehicle, made of durable plastic and heavy-duty steel, can manage heavy loads.

Experience the rush with this realistic excavator replica to operate heavy equipment.

6. Volvo RC Excavator

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Another Double E product, with authorization from Volvo,  that is an authentic replica of a real excavator that has powerful motors for its size. It offers 3 separate motors on its digging arm that make it more maneuverable and the 660-degree rotation of its workbench can have you digging in any direction.

Its machine is easy to operate from up to 100 feet away and it can also support multiple cars play together without interference. There is no issue with issuing precise control orders for excavation using the controller.

All in all this excavator toy with a realistic design is loads of fun.

7. Fisca RC Excavator

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Fisca is another notable brand that has made a name for itself in making construction vehicles. This machine is easy to operate from up to 100 feet away and can be fun for kids to operate on their own. Its workbench can rotate 680 degrees and has a 360 degree pivot steering with caterpillar bands.

The controls are responsive and the 3-section arms and showel are maneuverable enough to accomplish basic lifting tasks. It has a decent battery life and fun lights making it a good RC excavator for kids.

8. Huina 580 RC Excavator Fullmetal Version 2

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This is another more of a hobby-grade excavator that carries out heavier tasks than a toy-grade machine would. It is, as the name suggests, a fully functional remote control excavator made of hard metal with a solid build and is very realistic in appearance.

The metal construction is solid, the transmitter is good and the rechargeable battery is reliable.  This heavy-duty machine may be more suited to older kids and adults.

BEST OVERALL PICK

9. Kolegend RC Excavator, 22 Channel

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The Kolegend Remote Control Excavator is a well-built machine that is fun and easy to operate. The machine is made primarily of metal, and it's easy to take apart for cleaning and maintenance. It comes with a metal shovel, which is great for digging into hard ground or sand. The excavator is also equipped with a sound unit and flashing lights to make the experience more enjoyable.

This Kolegend model is equipped with a 2.4GHz transmitter, which allows you to operate from a distance of approximately 130 feet. The transmitter is also equipped with an anti-interference function. The excavator's cab can be rotated in a 680-degree range, which makes it easy to maneuver. This excavator is perfect for people who love heavy machinery and want to get in on the action, but don't have the space or money to operate a full-size excavator.

10. TongLi 1580 All Metal RC Excavator for Adults

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This is the second hobby-grade RC excavator in our list and a close runner-up to our top recommendation which is the Top Race 23 Channel model. The TongLi 1580 is manufactured by Huina and it scores well on all of our criteria for a full metal, heavy duty RC excavator that can be used for some real digging.

This Tongli model scores well for power, fast excavation, and it's made of high-quality materials. It has powerful motors allowing you to move some pretty big objects. The three-in-one design lets you remove the bucket and replace it with a jack-hammer or a grapple. It is a complete RC excavator for a very reasonable price (for hobbyists).

This is a well-designed RC excavator that can do everything you need it to do. It can be used in the garden, for real digging in the dirt or soil. There's a reason why it's ranked #2 on our list — it's a great all-around hobby-grade RC excavator.

Tap into your inner geologist and discover the power of the Tongli 1580!

Conclusion - Best RC Excavators

The Top Race and Double E brands are the ones that stand out the most. With their premium quality and fantastic reviews from satisfied customers, it is no doubt that RC excavator models from these brands can beat their competitors easily.

So here are our top picks again:

BEST OVERALL - Kolegend RC Excavator, 22 Channel

BEST BUDGET CHOICE - Double E RC 1:20

BEST HOBBY GRADE - Top Race TR-211M 23 Channel RC

You can choose any of the above them by your preference and get satisfied by it after using it.

RC Excavators - Buyer’s Guide

You do not need to worry about the things you have to look at before buying an RC Excavator. We have sorted that out for you too in this buyer’s guide.

How to Choose An RC Excavator

There are a few important things to consider when buying an RC backhoe for your child. For example, does your child want a big digger or a small one? Some kids like to play with the small diggers, while others prefer full-sized models. What kind of terrain do you want the excavator to be able to navigate? If you have lots of space in your yard and don't mind the extra expense, then perhaps a larger remote control excavator would be right for you. But if you live in an apartment complex and need something compact that will not take up too much space, then you may want to go in for a smaller, more compact model.

You will find different features you need to take in consideration before buying any similar RC construction vehicles.

• Battery

You should always check beforehand the life of your battery.

The most important thing for you will be whether the battery lasts to give you a complete experience. A large battery means that the excavator equips with more functions. And the lesser hassle of frequent charging of the machine.

A 2000mAh battery will be a good option for a big remote-controlled excavator. It would last 30-40 minutes, which is a good running time when you or your children are using it.

• Durability

The material which is used for the making of the machine needs to be a strong one.

A substance that can withstand heavy-duty and rough usage. Excavators are to work on rough terrains and to use for gardens.

So for that, a good alloy or ABS premium plastic needs to be used so that it can last long.

Also, children tend to use these products roughly. For rough use, durable material is also necessary as you would not want to buy another one for your child.

• Budget

This will help you to narrow your budget choice. This will save the time and energy you need to look for the ideal vehicle under your budget, i.e. the price you can and willing to pay.

Cheaply priced excavators do not mean poor quality and will not last for an extended period of time.

They just might not equip all the functions that an expensive one might have.

More often, big companies keep a more significant profit margin; hence, their products are much pricier.

Buy looking at your budget, and you can easily choose the top one out of all that meet your desires and preferences.

• Tires

The tires need to be durable as they might be the first ones to wear off. They need to be of good quality.

A rubber track on the wheel might do the work as they are longer lasting. Due to the heavyweight of the product, the tires would get the most pressure. With that, rugged terrain and rugged gardens might also affect the tires.

So, the excavator needs to have a tire warranty or tire assurance that it will last longer and would not get stuck.

Precautions for using an RC excavator

• Keep the excavator clean all the time. It might carry diseases that will harm your child after use.
• Assemble the equipment with ease and smoothly
• Replace batteries after heavy use
• Do not overuse the excavator. It might be hazardous
• Keep a check on your kids when they are using a remote controlled excavator

RC Excavators vs RC Dozers

• Functions: the RC excavator would have more tasks than a dozer as you can change the arm of the excavator for other purposes
• Wheels and tires: the dozer would have more robust and round tires compared to the excavator's truck tires. The bulldozer might have better ones
• Size: the size of an excavator might be more significant than the bulldozer as it needs to have an equipped arm and is a much better replica

All of these remote control diggers are fantastic products and good for your children to get the full experience. They are also for hobby purposes; it depends on you.

These selected products are the best RC excavators in the market with a few them complete replicas of the bigger, real excavators.

Thus,  make your choice wisely with the help of these reviews and buyer's guide!