Digging Radius vs Digging Depth: What Each Number Actually Tells You

Reviewed by Justin, Product Engineer·Based on official factory specifications, updated July 2026·Sources cited below

Both numbers come from the same arm, but they answer different questions on a job site. Confusing them is an easy way to order a machine that reaches far enough forward but not deep enough down, or the other way around.

Digging Radius: How Far Out

Digging radius is the maximum horizontal distance the bucket can reach from the machine's centre of rotation, measured at ground level. On the XN80E, that figure is 6435 mm, which determines how wide a trench the machine can work without repositioning, or how far it can reach across an obstacle without moving closer.

Digging Depth: How Far Down

Digging depth is the maximum vertical distance the bucket can reach below the machine's standing surface. The XN80E is rated for 3600 mm, which sets the ceiling on how deep a single trench or foundation cut can go before the arm runs out of reach, regardless of how far it could still extend horizontally.

Why a Job Can Need One Without the Other

A wide, shallow site clearing job cares almost entirely about radius. A narrow, deep foundation cut cares almost entirely about depth. A machine rated well on one number can still fall short on a job that's actually defined by the other, which is why checking both figures against the job, not just the headline reach number, avoids ordering the wrong machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a larger digging radius always mean a larger digging depth?
   Not necessarily. The two figures come from the same boom and arm geometry but represent different reach directions, so compare both against your job rather than assuming one predicts the other.

Is digging depth measured from the machine's tracks or from the original ground level?
   Digging depth is measured from the machine's standing surface at ground level, so uneven terrain or a raised platform can change the effective depth available on site.

Which number matters more for foundation work?
   Digging depth is usually the limiting factor for foundation excavation below frost line or basement work, while digging radius matters more for wide trenching or site clearing that doesn't go especially deep.

Sources

• Rhinoceros (Shandong Kenstone Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd.) - XN80E official specification page, retrieved July 2026

View the full specifications at rhinocerosequipment.com.

Specifications reflect standard configurations and may vary by option package; confirm current specifications directly with Rhinoceros before purchase.