Mini excavators, also called compact excavators or small excavators, are mainly known for being small and able to work in tight spaces, which is why people like them. Even though the body is small, it has rich functions just like large excavators.
This kind of mini excavator is very suitable for home gardens and small projects. When choosing a mini excavator, you need to fully consider the weight, digging ability, and whether it can later be matched with different attachments.
Understand the weight range of mini excavators
The working weight of different mini excavators is not the same, and along with that, there are also differences in fuel, engine, attachments, etc. Usually, the weight of mini excavators is defined between 0.8 tons to 2 tons, but different manufacturers will have differences. Below, according to industry standards, we divide mini excavators into three categories:
Small Mini Excavators (1,500–10,000 lbs / 0.75–4.5 tons): These lightweight models, like the Cat 300.9D (2,061 lbs) or Bobcat E10 (2,593 lbs), are ideal for landscaping, small residential projects, or indoor work. Their compact size allows them to pass through standard doorways or gates, minimizing ground disturbance.
Medium Mini Excavators (10,000–18,000 lbs / 4.5–8 tons): Models like the Kubota KX057-4 (12,290 lbs) or SANY SY50U (11,684 lbs) offer a balance of power and maneuverability, suitable for utility trenching, small-scale construction, and demolition.
Large Mini Excavators (18,000–20,000 lbs / 8–10 tons): Heavier models, such as the Cat 308 (18,519 lbs) or John Deere 75 P-Tier (19,326 lbs), are designed for demanding tasks like foundation digging or heavy material.
The weight threshold for a “mini” excavator is subjective but generally capped at 0.8–10 metric tons, beyond which machines are considered standard or small excavators. For example, the SANY SY16C weighs 4,023 lbs, while larger models like the Cat 315 (33,600 lbs) fall outside the mini category.
We provide 0.8 tons - 2 tons of excavators:
- 0.8 ton mini petrol excavator
- 0.9 ton small gasoline excavator
- 1-ton mini excavator
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1.5 ton mini excavator
The tonnage provided above can already meet most operating scenarios. If you are not operating a large-scale project, you don’t have to pursue a large tonnage.
Factors Influencing Mini Excavator Weight
Several components and design choices contribute to a mini excavator’s weight:
- Materials: Most mini excavators use high-grade steel for structural components like the chassis and boom, ensuring durability but adding weight. Some models incorporate lightweight alloys, such as aluminum for cabins, to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. For instance, the SANY SY35U (8,245 lbs) is slightly lighter than the Cat 303CR (9,050 lbs) due to material differences.
- Attachments: Attachments like buckets (50–200 lbs), hydraulic hammers (150–1,000 lbs), or augers significantly increase operating weight. Overloading with heavy attachments can affect stability, especially on smaller models.
- Undercarriage and Tracks: Rubber tracks, common in models like the Bobcat E40, are lighter and gentler on surfaces, while steel tracks, used in rugged terrains, add weight but enhance durability. Retractable undercarriages (e.g., Cat 300.9D) allow for narrower access but may add complexity and weight.
- Engine and Hydraulics: Larger engines and high-flow hydraulic systems, as seen in the John Deere 75 P-Tier (67.6 hp), increase weight but boost digging power. Electric models, like the Komatsu PC33E-6 (3,820 kg with lithium-ion battery), may weigh more due to battery packs but offer zero-emission benefits.
- Cab vs. Canopy: A fully enclosed cab with heating and air conditioning adds 200–500 lbs compared to an open canopy, impacting models like the Case CX26C (5,520–6,160 lbs depending on configuration).
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Zero Tail Swing Design: Zero or near-zero tail swing models, such as the JCB 35Z-1, have counterweights that stay within the track width, adding weight to enhance stability in confined spaces.
Why Weight Matters
The weight of a mini excavator directly affects its performance and suitability for specific tasks:
- Transport Logistics: Lighter models (e.g., Volvo EC18, 4,000 lbs) can be towed with a standard pickup and trailer, while heavier models require specialized transport, increasing costs. Always check trailer capacity to avoid overloading—a common mistake that can lead to fines or accidents.Our MMS excavators have multiple warehouses in the United States. When you purchase, we will ship from the warehouse closest to you in the United States. We also provide unloading services (this is based on your actual needs)
- Site Impact: Lightweight excavators with rubber tracks (e.g., Kubota KX019-4, 4,189 lbs) minimize damage to lawns or paved surfaces, making them ideal for landscaping. Heavier models with steel tracks may cause more ground disturbance, better suited for rural or construction sites.
- Stability and Performance: Heavier machines provide better stability on slopes or when lifting heavy loads, but they may struggle in tight spaces. For example, a Takeuchi TB260 (12,125 lbs) offers robust digging power but requires wider access points.
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Job Suitability: Small models excel in residential landscaping, such as digging trenches for irrigation or removing stumps. Medium and large models handle utility work, foundation digging, or demolition with attachments like hydraulic breakers.
Common Materials Used in Mini Excavators
Our small excavators are strong and durable, and they can handle extreme working environments very well. To achieve these goals, our R&D team uses a combination of high-strength materials, optimized through real-life operation, to ensure the machine’s stability and durability.
Here are some common materials you’ll find in our mini excavators:
1. High-Strength Steel
The frame, boom, and arm of small excavators are usually made of high-strength steel in the industry. This material has very good resistance to bending and breaking, and during operation it can better maintain durability.
2. Cast Iron
Cast iron is often used in components like counterweights, swing frames, and some internal parts of the undercarriage. It's heavy and dense, helping balance the machine during operation, especially when lifting.
3. Rubber and Polyurethane
Tracks on many mini excavators — especially those used in urban or landscaped environments — are made from durable rubber. This provides flexibility, minimizes surface damage, and reduces noise. Seals, bushings, and some hydraulic hose covers may use polyurethane for added wear resistance.
4. Aluminum (Selective Parts)
While not widely used in structural parts due to its lower strength, aluminum may appear in control panels, engine covers, or interior components to reduce weight and prevent corrosion.
5. Hydraulic Components
Hydraulic cylinders and fittings are made from precision-machined steel or specialized alloys designed to withstand high pressures. The hydraulic fluid system is the heart of a mini excavator's power, so material quality here is non-negotiable.
6. Plastic and Composite Panels
Modern mini excavators often incorporate durable plastic or composite materials for exterior panels and operator cabs. These materials are lightweight, weather-resistant, and easier to mold into aerodynamic or ergonomic shapes.
We provide the above high-quality materials to reassure users and improve the quality standards of the entire industry
Mini Excavator Attachments
1. Buckets
Buckets are the most frequently used attachment and come in several varieties:
- Standard digging buckets are used for general excavation.
- Trenching buckets are narrower and perfect for laying pipes or cables.
- Grading buckets are wider and used for leveling and backfilling.
- Tilt buckets allow angled digging, ideal for working on slopes or uneven terrain.
Also known as hammers, hydraulic breakers are used for breaking concrete, rock, or pavement. They are indispensable for demolition projects or any job that involves hard material removal.
3. Augers
Augers are perfect for drilling holes in the ground for posts, poles, or tree planting. Available in different sizes and lengths, they’re a favorite among fence installers and landscapers.
4. Grapples
Grapples allow your mini excavator to pick up and move bulky materials like logs, scrap metal, or construction debris. They’re commonly used in demolition, forestry, and waste-handling applications.
5. Thumbs
Thumb attachments — either mechanical or hydraulic — give the bucket the ability to grip objects. They're often paired with grapples for picking up irregular materials or boulders.
6. Rippers
A ripper attachment is a single-tooth tool used to break up hard-packed ground, frozen soil, or compacted gravel. It’s a cost-effective alternative to a larger dozer when prepping the ground.
7. Plate Compactors
These attachments compress soil, gravel, or asphalt, making them ideal for site prep or backfilling trenches. They’re a good alternative to hand tampers and save a ton of time.
8. Brush Cutters and Mulchers
Perfect for land clearing, these attachments can cut through thick grass, saplings, and even small trees. Great for forestry work, trail maintenance, and roadside clearing.
Choosing the Right Attachment
Not every attachment fits every mini excavator. Always check:
- Coupler type (pin-on vs quick coupler)
- Hydraulic flow capacity
- Machine weight class compatibility
- Jobsite requirements (power, clearance, terrain)
Mini Excavator Weight & Specification Comparison
| Model | Operating Weight | Digging Depth | Engine Power (HP) | Max Reach | Bucket Capacity | Width | Height | Tail Swing Type | Travel Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat E10 | 2,593 lbs (1.2 t) | 6 ft (1.82 m) | 10.2 hp | 10.2 ft (3.1 m) | 0.02 yd³ | 28 in (710 mm) | 87 in (2.2 m) | Zero Tail Swing | 1.5 – 2.5 mph |
| Kubota KX018-4 | 3,704 lbs (1.68 t) | 7 ft 9 in (2.36 m) | 16.1 hp | 12.5 ft (3.8 m) | 0.05 yd³ | 39 in (990 mm) | 90 in (2.28 m) | Conventional | 1.6 – 2.6 mph |
| Takeuchi TB216 | 3,902 lbs (1.77 t) | 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m) | 15 hp | 13.1 ft (4.0 m) | 0.05 yd³ | 39 in (980 mm) | 90.6 in (2.3 m) | Conventional | 1.6 – 2.6 mph |
| John Deere 26G | 6,110 lbs (2.77 t) | 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) | 20 hp | 15.2 ft (4.63 m) | 0.06 yd³ | 59 in (1.5 m) | 98 in (2.5 m) | Zero Tail Swing | 1.8 – 2.8 mph |
| CAT 301.7 CR | 3,800 lbs (1.72 t) | 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m) | 21 hp | 12.5 ft (3.8 m) | 0.04 yd³ | 39 in (990 mm) | 90 in (2.28 m) | Compact Radius | 1.6 – 2.8 mph |
| CAT 304 | 9,867 lbs (4.47 t) | 11 ft 3 in (3.43 m) | 45 hp | 17.6 ft (5.36 m) | 0.10 yd³ | 66 in (1.68 m) | 100 in (2.54 m) | Compact Radius | 1.7 – 3.1 mph |
| Kubota U35-4 | 8,129 lbs (3.7 t) | 10 ft 3 in (3.14 m) | 24.8 hp | 17.1 ft (5.2 m) | 0.10 yd³ | 69 in (1.75 m) | 96 in (2.44 m) | Zero Tail Swing | 2.1 – 2.9 mph |
| Yanmar ViO35-6A | 8,214 lbs (3.73 t) | 11 ft 3 in (3.43 m) | 24.4 hp | 17.6 ft (5.37 m) | 0.09 yd³ | 69 in (1.75 m) | 96 in (2.44 m) | True Zero Tail Swing |
1.5 – 2.9 mph |
Mini Excavators vs. Standard Excavators
1. Size and Weight
The biggest difference between mini excavators and standard excavators is in size and weight. Mini excavators generally refer to the range between 0.8 tons to 3 tons, while standard excavators are above 3 tons. Standard excavators are suitable for large-scale work, while mini excavators are only suitable for small and tight space operations.
2. Power and Digging Capacity
Standard excavators offer far more horsepower and hydraulic power than mini models. This translates to:
- Greater digging depth
- Faster cycle times
- Stronger lifting capabilities
If you're working on large-scale earthmoving, roadwork, or commercial construction, a full-size excavator is hard to beat. But for jobs that require precision over brute force, mini excavators hold their own.
3. Versatility and Attachments
Mini excavators are incredibly versatile. Many support a wide range of attachments like:
- Tilt buckets
- Augers
- Hydraulic breakers
- Grapples
- Compactors
While standard excavators also support attachments — often larger and more powerful — their versatility is limited by their size. You wouldn’t bring a 40-ton machine into a backyard to remove a stump.
4. Transport and Access
Transporting a mini excavator often doesn’t require special permits or oversized load trailers. A pickup and standard trailer are usually enough. In contrast, standard excavators often require:
- Heavy-duty trailers
- CDL drivers
- Route planning for bridge weights and clearances
This makes mini excavators the go-to choice for contractors who need flexibility and mobility.
5. Operating Costs
Mini excavators are:
- Cheaper to rent or purchase
- More fuel-efficient
- Require less maintenance in general
Standard excavators have higher operating costs due to their size and complexity, but they make up for it in output on large-scale jobs.
6. Ease of Operation
Mini excavators are generally easier to learn and operate. Their controls are more beginner-friendly, and the compact size makes them more forgiving in tight spaces. Standard excavators require more experience due to their complexity, higher power, and risk factors on busy job sites.
How much does it cost to buy a mini excavator?
Our MMS mini excavator, because we ship directly from the factory, has a starting price of US$4,850, which is more competitive than many middlemen.