Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you are looking for an engaging toy for your child, we have created a list of the best toy excavators to help you choose. Many parents struggle with keeping their children entertained or inspiring their children to take an active interest in physical activities. Excavator toys help divert your child’s attention from computer screens, television, phone, and tablets to fun outdoor games. They help you keep them occupied while improving their dexterity and motor skills.
As your child gets accustomed to the digging functions, they enhance their hand-eye coordination. As these construction vehicles are available in various designs and sizes, choosing the right toy may be challenging. So, read on to learn more about these best-selling toys.
Top Picks
15 Best Toy Excavators
1. Best Friction-Powered Wheels: Toy To Enjoy Excavator & Dump Truck Toy
Encourage your child’s imagination with Toy to Enjoy’s creative toy set featuring a garbage truck and an excavator toy made of durable ABS plastic. They are recommended for children aged three and above. The tried-and-trusted toys are sturdy enough to withstand rough handling and completely non-toxic with no sharp edges, ensuring that the child has a safe playtime. The excavator can rotate 360 degrees and includes an operating handle. This toy set is designed to promote a child’s motor skills.
Pros
- Friction-powered wheels
- Durable plastic construction
- Realistic parts that move
- Encourages imagination
- Ideal size for little hands
- Promotes hand-eye coordination
Cons
- Digging mechanism may be a little complicated
- May not be suitable for outdoor play
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 3,928 good reviews on Amazon.
2. Best With Realistic Functions: Top Race 15 Channel Full Functional Professional RC Excavator
Top Race’s RC excavator is a multi-functional tractor that functions like a real excavator. With its massive steel shovel, it has superior digging ability and forces. The cab can rotate up to 680 degrees, and the digger arm has three separate motors that allow it to rise to its full height. In addition, this toy excavator includes a metal shovel for digging in soil or sand, hauling objects, and loading them onto the toy dump truck. This video review will help you learn more about the age-appropriate product.
Pros
- Sturdy build
- Realistic functions
- Skid-free
- Features sound effects
- 100 feet remote control distance
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes USB charging cable
Cons
- Some may find the battery life poor
- May be slightly hard to control in the beginning
Point to consider3. Best For Pretend Play: Poco Divo Ride-On Excavator
This multi-functional toy excavator by Poco Divo can be used as a scooter, digger truck, and ride-on car. Its movable arm and rotatable driver’s cabin make it seem realistic. After turning on the power, children can press the button on the steering wheel to listen to various sound effects and music. In addition, there is a three-piece garden tool set stored in a storage compartment beneath the seat. All children will enjoy playing with this role-playing toy.
Pros
- Anti-skid tires
- Movable handle
- Rotating drivers cab
- Easy to assemble
- Available in different colors
- Anti-back brake design
Cons
- Bucket may fall off when digging
- Some may find it smaller than expected
"My toddler gets super excited riding on this excavator toy. He enjoys it even more when it makes a sound on every steering. Assembling it is a breeze too. It makes a memorable gift for young riders."
4. Best Heavy-Duty: Gili RC Excavator Toy
Gili’s radio-controlled RC excavator is a 1/26 heavy-duty digger that operates as a real construction truck. It also has a 350-degree rotating cab, a working hydraulic, a digging shovel, and a flexible articulated arm. Suitable as an outdoor and indoor toy, its rubber belt track enables it to travel easily on various surfaces. Liked by many reviewers, you can control this hydraulic excavator from a distance of 100 feet using various digging features.
Pros
- Durable
- Made of non-toxic material
- Comes with a storage bag
- Variety of motor movements
- Suitable for multiple players
- Anti-interference radio cars
- Includes rechargeable batteries
Cons
- Battery power may be inadequate
- Some may find the bucket less effective
"It's the multiple moving parts that have charmed my little one the most; he spends hours playing with it. I highly recommend this excavator for budding construction enthusiasts."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 2,014 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
5. Best For Hand-Eye Coordination: Cat Construction Toy Excavator
The Cat Construction yellow toy excavator is articulated with genuine Cat construction parts. The time-tested toy excavator is made of solid and high-quality plastic with genuine working parts, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor play. The 15-inch toy excavator is appropriate for three-year-olds and is designed to help improve your child’s hand-eye coordination.
Pros
- Promotes cognitive recognition
- Durable and tough construction
- Free-wheeling
- Does not rust
- Noiseless
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Some may find the scoop stiff or hard to move
- Base might tilt
"Little ones love the size of the excavator toy, and it holds up well during play in both dirt and sand. I like its robust, durable design for that. The digger arm feels slightly rigid, but continuous play makes it smoother over time. All in all, a worthy purchase."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,976 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
6. Best With Multiple Functions: Fisca Remote Control Excavator
Fisca excavator has 15 channel functions to move the toy forward or backward, dig, play sounds, and switch on lights. It has a workbench that rotates 680 degrees. As per reviews, the remote-control excavator has a range of zero to 100 meters and aids in automatic pairing, allowing multiple children to play simultaneously. The design is child-safe and non-toxic. It charges via a USB charge and runs on rechargeable batteries.
Pros
- Eco-friendly plastic
- Realistic details
- Thicker caterpillar bands
- Suitable for all terrains
- Strong arm and shovel
- Helps improve motor skills
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to operate
- Battery may run out quickly
"Just like a real excavator, this one too moves freely across the surfaces, makes sounds, and flashes lights— everything my toddler enjoys. It moves well and has different ways to go. Just be mindful of where and how you play with it to make sure it lasts and stays safe."
7. Best For Developing Motor Skills : Double Volvo RC Excavator
This RC excavator is great for improving your child’s motor skills. It is built on a 1:16 scale and has powerful motors and heavy rubber tires. With a large shovel that can easily dig up dirt, a powerful motor, and heavy rubber track tires, this model can quickly move left, right, forward, and backward. In addition, this parent-recommended simple excavator toy features a detailed cab, flexible arms, a window, and sound and light features.
Pros
- Made of non-toxic ABS plastic
- 17 channel functions
- Operates at a distance of at least 100 feet
- 660° rotating cab
- Easy to assemble
- Battery lasts long
- Authorized by Volvo
Cons
- Changing the attachments may be difficult for some
- Some may find it less powerful
"The strong arm and different metal attachments have surely doubled up the fun. Not on rough terrains, but it runs effortlessly on flat surfaces. Overall, it's a lovely choice for fun, creative play."
Quick tip8. Best Realistic: Kolegend Remote Control Excavator Toy
The Kolegend remote control excavator toy has a powerful motor and a unique design. It enables complete race functions as it is built on a 1:14 scale. The 22-channel toy can dig in any direction thanks to three powerful independent motors on its digging arm. The bucket is made of durable metal, and it includes excavator lights, sounds, a rechargeable battery, and a USB charging connection for endless fun.
Pros
- Durable
- Realistic design
- 680° cab rotation
- Skid-proof
- Double rubber track design
- Metal shovel and flexible digger arm
Cons
- Gears may be weak
- Some may find it difficult to operate
9. Best With Rotating Handle: Geyiie Toys Excavator
Geyiie’s portable and realistic toy excavator has a shovel arm and an operating handle and can rotate 360 degrees. This toy is a bulldozer vehicle with an adjustable swing and a shovel that can load and dump sand, earth, and other materials. The realistic-looking moving parts and the detailing add to its charm. It is an ideal construction vehicle to support a child’s transporting schema.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- No sharp edges
- Thickened rubber track
- Detachable and washable tracks
- Includes other construction accessories
- Improves motor, language, and social skills
- Does not require batteries
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Tracks may occasionally fall off
- Pullback function may not work on high-friction surfaces
"The sturdy, well-built design seems to adapt to my child's various imaginative play, whether it's inside the house or out in the backyard. Its moveable parts are a plus, keeping him entertained. All in all, it's a decent choice for supervised fun."
10. Best Durable: Rolly Toys John Deere Ride-On Excavator Toy
The scooping bucket and dual-action levers on the John Deere excavator toy allow children to control the digger effortlessly. The large resin-digging shovel can rotate 360 degrees around the digger’s main base, and the four resin-based rolling wheels allow for simple forward and backward movement. In addition, it is capable of picking up dry sand, loose soil, and snow.
Pros
- Good traction
- Durable quality
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy wheels and axles
- Arm locking facility
- Ideal for kids aged three years and up
Cons
- May occupy a lot of space
- Some may find the bucket thin
"From scooping sand with the shovel to dumping it in the pit, my little one thoroughly enjoys the toy's functionality. Yes, it takes some practice for little ones to navigate it, but the joy it brings makes it worth the initial effort."
11. Best WaterProof: Costzon 12V Battery Powered Kids Ride
Costzon’s toy is modeled after an adult construction excavator with an extending arm, allowing children to imitate a construction worker. The forward, backward, stop, and two-speed functions add to the fun, and the fully functional backhoe digger effortlessly scoops up large amounts of dirt, sand, or snow. Your child can play with this tried-and-tested battery-operated excavator for up to one-and-a-half hours on one full charge.
Pros
- Made from PP and ironware
- Comfortable seat with safety belt
- Wear resistant wheels
- Easy-to-use stop function
- Waterproof construction vehicle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May be heavy to carry around
- Assembly may be difficult for some
"Seeing my toddler riding on this excavator is such a treat— it's powerful and has decent traction, even on the snow. It picks up tiny sticks and leaves along the way, making his riding experience more realistic. The charging process could be easier, but in general, it captures children's imaginations and seems to offer a fun experience."
12. Best With Free-Rolling Wheels: John Deere Big Scoop Construction Toy Excavator
Use this John Deere excavator toy to spark your child’s interest in STEM and machines.
It is designed to effortlessly handle large loads with the fully functional excavator arm and scoop. This heavy-duty plastic excavator is durable enough to be used as both an indoor and outdoor toy. Its large size and sturdy construction make it ideal for children of all ages.
Pros
- 360° cab rotation
- Officially licensed John Deere product
- Lightweight design
- No sharp edges
- Free-rolling plastic wheels
Cons
- Some may find the joints stiff
- May need two hands to raise and lower the bucket
"The sturdiness and durability of this toy are noteworthy. It withstands my little one's continuous rough play yet stays unscratched. He also enjoys the manual scooping process even though the handle is not automated to do. It's a solid toy for imaginative fun."
13. Best Skid-Proof: Rolly Toys CAT Construction Pedal Tractor
RollyToys’ working backhoe digger and the pedal tractor have a stabilizer foot and safety clasp and can scoop up large mounds of dirt and dry sand. This excavator and tractor’s fully functional front loader can scoop up large piles of sand and dirt. It does not require a power system because the excavator tractor is pedal-powered, and the front bonnet compartment rises for authenticity. Loved by many reviewers, this toy allows you to adjust the seat in two positions to fit kids aged three to six years.
Pros
- Rubberized tread
- Skid-proof and all-terrain safe
- Durable
- Fully enclosed chain drive system
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Some may find it difficult to assemble
- Backhoe may be less powerful
14. Best Well-Detailed: Beestech Construction Toys
The details on the Beestech construction vehicle are well-made, and the operating arms work smoothly. They don’t need batteries and can travel a long distance with just a little push. The large truck tires allow them to run over dry sand efficiently. In addition, you can disassemble the toy into two sections and make it into two separate toys.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to assemble
- Ideal for ages three years and up
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"These trucks are a big hit with kids, making playtime in sand and mud lots of fun. The excavator is super tough, holding up well even when left outside. But I did notice that the front loader may not handle rough play as well. They're a good choice for adding to the sandbox, although the durability might be different for each piece."
15. Best With Under-Seat Storage: Costzon Kids Ride-On Construction Excavator
The Costzon Kids Ride-On excavator is based on an adult construction digger truck. It has under-seat storage for storing a snack. A manually controllable digger equipped with a powerful front loader can scoop up large piles of snow, mud, or dry sand. With many positive reviews, the ride-on comes with a honking horn and a safety helmet and is suitable for children aged over three years.
Pros
- Sturdy PP frame
- Overturn protection for safety
- Wide seat
- Anti-skid and shockproof wheels
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Buttons may not work at times
"My son uses this toy for both indoor and outdoor play. Surprisingly, it survives through all the tumbles and rough play. Despite the faulty scoop mechanism, it's thoroughly entertaining. Overall, it's a solid gift option for construction toy enthusiasts."
How To Choose The Right Excavator Toy Truck?
Here are some pointers on how to select the right excavator toy.
- Toy-grade: Toy-grade excavators are appropriate for children up to the age of 12. They are typically made of metal and plastic.
- Battery Life: Most remote-control toys have a battery life of ten to thirty minutes. Typically, charging the battery takes two to three times as long as playing time. Therefore, before purchasing the toy, consider how long it takes to charge the toy to ensure that it saves you a significant amount of time.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose specializes in creating content on children’s toys and games and is well acquainted with their likes and dislikes. Here, she presents a collection of the best toy excavators for kids. Priti has ensured that the toys are safe and engaging for children. She has also summarized the main features of each product. The buying guide provided here will surely help you purchase the right excavator toy that your child will love.
Children love to play with toy excavators. They can be used for several games, such as sandbox play and digging. The best toy excavators help kids become more imaginative and creative and improve their motor skills. However, you must ensure that the toy excavator is safe, made of non-toxic plastic, sturdy and durable. Look for one with long battery life, realistic functions, easy to assemble, skid-proof, free-rolling wheels, lightweight, and waterproof. Also, avoid toy excavators with sharp edges to ensure the safety of your little one.
Infographics: Toy Excavator Activities To Keep Your Child Entertained
Excavator toys have realistic features that help retain the child’s interest and attention for a long time. Being innovative when playing with excavator toys can make their playtime more engaging and entertaining. Read the following infographic to learn how to keep your kid occupied with excavator toys.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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