Mini excavators are essential equipment for a wide range of projects, from landscaping to home renovations, pool installation, and small building demolitions. With over 100 current models from 16 popular brands, choosing the best mini excavator for your project can be challenging. In this mini excavator spec guide, we will provide an overview of the most important specifications for every current model from the top brands in the industry.
The Sizes of Mini Excavators
There are three main size ranges for mini excavators: small, medium, and large. The operating weight of the machine distinguishes these three categories, with small models ranging from 2,000-10,000 lbs, medium from 10,000-20,000 lbs, and large models exceeding 20,000 lbs.
Small mini excavators, which make up the majority of the selection, are ideal for projects that require working in tight spaces or when a lower operating weight is needed due to fragile foundations. Medium-sized excavators are more powerful and can handle most projects, often outperforming larger machines while maintaining a lighter weight. Large mini excavators offer the highest power and are best suited for jobs requiring exceptional strength.
The Most Important Mini Excavator Specs
When choosing a mini excavator, several key specifications should be considered:
- Operating Weight: The main factor determining the amount of stress applied to the surrounding environment.
- Maximum Dig Depth: How deep the excavator can dig with the boom, stick, and bucket extended downwards.
- Maximum Dump Height: The height at which the bucket can be safely dumped, crucial for loading materials onto vehicles.
- Engine Power: The total power generated by the machine’s engine, influencing its effectiveness and speed.
Specs and Sizes for Every Brand of Mini Excavator
Bobcat
Bobcat offers the largest selection of mini excavators in the industry, with 22 models ranging from 2,593-19,600 lbs. They have machines for any reasonably sized project and are an excellent choice if you know the exact specifications required for your project.
CASE
CASE provides a smaller selection of six models, including four small and two medium-sized machines. Their advantage lies in exceptional horsepower, making them highly responsive and suitable for confined spaces.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar offers 18 models, including large machines exceeding 20,000 lbs. Their versatility is unmatched, reaching dig depths of over 17 feet and dump heights of over 19 feet.
Develon (formerly Doosan)
Develon provides excellent mini excavators, including a large-class machine. Their models offer exceptional horsepower, making them suitable for any project.
Hitachi
Hitachi’s eight models range from 3,790-18,735 lbs, providing excellent performance on small and medium-sized jobs. They offer impressive dig depths and are ideal for projects requiring deeper excavation.
Hyundai
Hyundai manufactures eight models ranging from 2 tons to 10 tons, offering maneuverable and versatile equipment for residential and commercial projects. Their compact excavators feature zero-tail swing options and well-designed booms.
JCB
JCB offers 11 models, including a large-class option. Their machines excel in dig depth and dump height, with a model reaching an industry-best 21 feet 1 inch dump height.
John Deere
John Deere’s models fall slightly behind the industry average in terms of specifications. Their best-performing model reaches dig depths and dump heights that exceed their competitors.
Komatsu
Komatsu is renowned for its large excavators and offers six models of mini excavators. Designed for long days, these machines provide operators with comfort and reliability.
Kubota
Kubota offers a wide variety of machines, including models that reach dig depths and dump heights exceeding 15 and 17 feet, respectively. Their equipment is easy to operate and control.
New Holland
New Holland offers two medium-class machines with exceptional horsepower. Although they do not provide maximum dump heights for their models, their equipment outperforms competitors with similar specifications.
SANY
SANY is a popular brand worldwide, offering five mini excavators that provide versatility for small and medium-sized projects.
Takeuchi
Takeuchi offers an extensive selection of models with impressive dig depths and dump heights. Their machines consistently outperform competitors and provide exceptional engine power.
Volvo
Volvo’s mini excavators are reliable and suitable for small-scale landscaping, demolition, and construction projects. With a wide range of models, they ensure there is an excavator to suit your needs.
Wacker Neuson
Wacker Neuson offers a wide selection of 12 models, including tracked conventional tail, zero tail, and wheeled mini excavators. Their EZ series provides excellent maneuverability and versatility in confined spaces.
Yanmar
Yanmar focuses on efficiency, performance, and reliability, manufacturing nine mini excavators ranging from 1 ton to 10.5 tons. Their ViO models offer better fuel economy and zero tail swing for working in small spaces.
Renting a Mini Excavator
Operating weight, dig depth, dump height, and engine power are crucial factors when choosing the right piece of equipment for your project. If you’re unsure about purchasing, you can rent mini excavators from DOZR. They offer a wide selection of mini excavators to fit your specific needs.
Whether you’re working on landscaping, home renovations, pool installations, or small building demolitions, choosing the right mini excavator will ensure efficient and successful project completion.