top of page
Bobcat GDN Logo

John Deere 870 P-Tier vs Bobcat E165 Large Excavators

Compare the John Deere 870 P-Tier and Bobcat E165 large excavators to see which machine delivers more digging power, reach, and productivity for heavy-duty construction work. This side-by-side breakdown covers engine performance, digging depth, and jobsite efficiency to help you choose the right excavator for your fleet.

John Deere 870 P-Tier Large Excavator

The John Deere 870 P-Tier is a top-tier production-class excavator engineered for large-scale jobs like mining, heavy infrastructure, and mass excavation. With massive horsepower and digging depth, it’s built for moving high volumes of material with maximum efficiency. The Bobcat E165, while in a smaller class, offers precise hydraulic control and compact power for tighter job sites and utility work. These two machines serve very different needs, and the best choice depends on your project scale and mobility requirements.

John Deere 870 P-Tier Pros:

  • Over 500 horsepower for peak digging force and lift capacity

  • Maximum digging depth of over 31 feet for deep trenching

  • Reinforced undercarriage and frame for long-term durability

  • Large cab with advanced operator controls and comfort features

  • High productivity in mining and large earthmoving environments

John Deere 870 P-Tier Cons:

  • Oversized machine limits use on compact or urban sites

  • Requires specialized transport and wide load clearance

  • Higher fuel consumption due to scale and output

Bobcat E165 Pros:

  • Compact frame allows for access to tighter spaces

  • Smooth, responsive hydraulics for precision tasks

  • More fuel-efficient for day-to-day utility work

  • Easier transport with lower weight and footprint

  • Great option for utility contractors and municipal jobs

Bobcat E165 Cons:

  • Lower engine output and lift capacity than larger machines

  • Not suited for heavy production or deep trench work

  • Smaller frame can limit stability under large loads

Bobcat vs. John Deere 870 P-Tier:
The John Deere 870 P-Tier is built for maximum performance in the most demanding excavation environments—perfect for high-production earthmoving and industrial projects. The Bobcat E165 is ideal for contractors needing flexible, precise operation on tighter job sites. Choose Deere when you need unmatched strength and reach. Choose Bobcat for fuel-efficient, compact performance.

John Deere 870 P-Tier Large Excavator
bottom of page