Great for jobs like landscaping, home renovations, installing pools, demolishing small buildings, and much more, the mini excavator is one of the most commonly used pieces of construction equipment. They go by many names including mini ex, compact excavator, mini digger, and small excavator.
This article serves as a complete mini excavator weight guide. We'll break down the common weight ranges, the current models from the top mini excavator brands in the industry, and why the weight specifications highlighted in this guide are some of the most important to know before renting or purchasing.
How Much Do Mini Excavators Weigh?
Mini excavators will have operating weights between 1,800 to 23,500 pounds, or 0.9 to 11.8 tons. However, there are often considered to be three sizes of mini excavator models: small, medium, and large. Small mini excavators have operating weights ranging from 1,800 to 9,500 pounds, medium excavators range between 9,500 and 17,500 pounds, and large mini excavators exceed 17,500 pounds.
The determining factor between whether an excavator is considered a mini or a regular excavator is the blade on the front. If it has a blade, it's a mini excavator. If there's no blade, it is considered a full-size crawler excavator.
What Factors Affect Mini Excavator Weight?
When choosing between mini excavators and standard excavators, several factors should be taken into account, including:
- Tail Swing Configuration
- Maximum Dig Depth
- Maximum Dump Height
- Operating Weight
- Engine Type and Power
- Track Material (rubber vs steel)
These factors play a crucial role in determining the suitable excavator for a particular task and whether a standard excavator might be a more viable option.
Understanding Operating Weight
A mini excavator's weight is typically defined as its operating weight, accounting for the machine's weight in action, including added weight from fuel, attachments, and the operator. Model operating weight varies significantly among mini excavators and larger models. This metric is crucial when determining the overall weight of a mini excavator.
Differentiating Between Loaded Weight and Unloaded Weight
Unloaded weight reflects the machine's weight before lifting, digging, or carrying additional materials or attachments. Loaded weight, on the other hand, represents the mini excavator's weight with a full bucket or an attachment added.
Each machine has loaded weight limits specified by the manufacturer, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these limits to prevent tipping, ensure safety on the job site, and avoid machine damage.
Calculating the appropriate loaded weight limit ensures a balance between efficacy and safety standards, preventing machine repairs and downtime.
Popular Mini Excavator Weight Ranges by Brand
Lightweight Models (Under 5,000 lbs)
- MMS 10H:2204 pounds
- MMS 15PRO:3370 pounds
- MMS PC10:1984 pounds
- MMS MS20:4410 pounds
- Kubota K008-5: 2,025 pounds
- CAT 300.9D: 2,399 pounds
- Wacker Neuson 803: 2,269 pounds
- Takeuchi TB210R: 2,535 pounds
Mid-Weight Models (5,000 - 12,000 lbs)
- Bobcat E26: 6,489 pounds
- John Deere 30G: 7,220 pounds
- Case CX37C: 8,350 pounds
- Yanmar VIO35-6A: 8,214 pounds
- Kubota KX040-4: 9,195 pounds
- Volvo ECR50: 11,133 pounds
Heavy Models (Over 12,000 lbs)
- CAT 306 CR: 15,766 pounds
- Bobcat E88: 19,600 pounds
- Hitachi ZX85USB-7: 19,500 pounds
- Yanmar SV100-7: 21,671 pounds
- CAT 310: 22,451 pounds
What is Zero Tail Swing?
A critical factor enhancing the overall performance of a mini excavator is zero tail swing. Excavators are available with conventional, reduced, or zero tail swing configurations. Tail swing depends on the size and placement of the operator's cab in relation to the excavator's tracks and counterweight.
Conventional tail swing excavators feature a counterweight extending beyond the machine's tracks, commonly found in larger excavators for increased stability.
On the other hand, zero tail swing excavators have a counterweight that remains within the cab's perimeter, allowing mini excavators to work with agility within confined spaces, such as fenced-in areas and along busy roadways.
What is Maximum Dig Depth?
Maximum dig depth refers to the depth to which an excavator can dig into the earth. The weight of a mini excavator can impact its dig depth, with smaller excavators potentially limited in trench depth compared to larger counterparts.
This metric differs from an excavator's maximum depth of a vertical wall, which signifies how deep a compact excavator can dig a completely vertical wall. The maximum vertical wall depth is never as much as the excavator's maximum dig depth.
Common dig depth ranges:
- Small mini excavators: 5' - 10'
- Medium mini excavators: 10' - 14'
- Large mini excavators: 14' - 17'
What is Maximum Dump Height?
Maximum dump height is another crucial specification for mini excavators, denoting the highest point an excavator's arm can reach to empty its bucket attachment. This measurement is especially significant when considering mini excavator sizes, as it can impact the heavy equipment operator's ability to work on a project. Smaller excavators may have a limited dump height compared to larger or standard excavators.
Selecting an excavator with a dump height higher than the material's destination, such as a dump truck or other surface, ensures efficient material transfer.
Typical dump height ranges:
- Small mini excavators: 6' - 11'
- Medium mini excavators: 11' - 15'
- Large mini excavators: 15' - 21'
How Much Do Mini Excavator Attachments Weigh?
The weight of a mini excavator can change depending on the attachment equipped. However, mini excavator attachment weights can vary significantly depending on the type and function of the attachment. Here are some examples of typical weights for common attachments:
- Buckets: Standard digging buckets generally weigh between 100 and 500 pounds, depending on their size and capacity.
- Augers: Augers typically weigh between 150 and 400 pounds, depending on the length and diameter of the auger bit.
- Hydraulic Breakers: These can range from 300 to 1,500 pounds, depending on their size and impact energy.
- Grapples: Weigh between 200 and 1,000 pounds, depending on their type and capacity.
- Hydraulic Thumbs: Usually weigh between 60 and 500 pounds.
- Compactors: These attachments can range from 500 to 1,200 pounds, depending on their design and compaction force.
- Trenching Buckets: Adds 145 to 290 pounds to the operating weight.
The weight of the attachment affects the excavator's stability and operational efficiency, so it's important for contractors to consider this when selecting and using attachments.
Accounting for attachment weight ensures that the small excavator is not overloaded, preventing damage and ensuring operator safety.
Why Mini Excavator Weight Matters
Transportation and Mobility
Compared to larger models, mini excavators, or compact excavators, are considerably easier to transport to and from job sites, store between projects, and maneuver in tight spaces. This makes them ideal for small demolition jobs and projects in small or narrow areas.
Weight plays a key role in determining whether the equipment can be transported on a light trailer, and it also affects stability during work, fuel efficiency, and wear and tear on the machine. Lighter machines are generally better suited for tight spaces and easier handling.
Stability and Safety
The operating weight of a mini excavator is crucial for contractors to know as it affects the machine's stability, maneuverability, and transport logistics. A properly weighted excavator ensures better stability during digging and lifting tasks, minimizing the risk of tipping. It also gives an understanding of how effective it will be at moving the type of materials on a site. Overall, the right operating weight enhances safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness on the job.
Manufacturers provide maximum load and operating weight guidelines to ensure safe use. Exceeding these limits might lead to instability or tipping, so it's always best to follow the recommended specifications carefully.
Fuel Economy and Performance
Better fuel economy is one of the key advantages of mini excavators compared to full-sized models. The lighter weight means less fuel consumption while still providing adequate power for most residential and light commercial projects.
Common Uses of Mini Excavators
Mini excavators excel in job sites with limited space or that require a machine capable of fitting into small or narrow areas. Their near-zero tail swing design allows for safe operation near buildings and structures without posing a threat. They provide enhanced accuracy when digging in tight spaces or areas with buried gas lines or pipes.
Owners and operators appreciate mini excavators for their ease of transport, better fuel economy, and suitability for a variety of jobs, including:
- Pool installation
- Digging graves
- Pipe repair
- Landscaping
- Renovations
- Tree harvesting
- Small demolition jobs
- Foundation digging
- Trenching
- Utility installations
Electric Mini Excavators and Weight Considerations
Several manufacturers now offer electric mini excavator models:
- Bobcat E10e and E19e
- Case CX15EV
- Volvo ECR18 Electric and ECR25 Electric
- Takeuchi TB20e
In electric mini excavators, weight is particularly important as it determines the machine's operational efficiency and battery performance. Electric models typically weigh 200-600 pounds more than their diesel counterparts due to the battery pack. Adequate power ensures that the electric excavator can perform demanding tasks with comparable strength and endurance to traditional diesel models. Additionally, efficient power management in electric engines can extend battery life, reducing downtime for recharging and increasing overall productivity.
These electric models have zero emissions, reduced noise and are made for indoor work, making them ideal for urban environments and noise-sensitive job sites.
Weight Specifications Matter Most
When renting or purchasing a mini excavator, the following weight-related specifications are the most important to consider:
1. Operating Weight Range
This determines the machine's overall stability, transport requirements, and suitability for your job site conditions.
2. Loaded Weight Limits
Understanding the maximum safe loaded weight prevents tipping hazards and equipment damage.
3. Attachment Compatibility
Knowing how much weight various attachments add helps maintain safe operating parameters.
4. Transport Weight
Determines what type of trailer and towing vehicle you'll need to move the excavator between job sites.
5. Ground Pressure
Related to weight, this affects whether the machine can operate on soft or sensitive ground without causing damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the typical operating weight of a compact excavator?
A: The operating weight of compact excavators usually ranges from 1,800 to 23,500 pounds (0.9 to 11.8 tons). The exact weight can vary depending on the model and configuration.
Q: Why is the weight of a mini excavator so important for transport and operation?
A: Weight plays a key role in determining whether the equipment can be transported on a light trailer, and it also affects stability during work, fuel efficiency, and wear and tear on the machine. Lighter machines are generally better suited for tight spaces and easier handling.
Q: What are some common factors that influence the weight of a compact excavator?
A: Besides the base machine weight, factors such as the type of tracks (rubber or steel), the configuration of the hydraulic system, engine power, engine type (diesel vs electric), and any attached accessories all contribute to the overall weight.
Q: Are there any safety weight limits to keep in mind when using a compact excavator?
A: Yes, manufacturers provide maximum load and operating weight guidelines to ensure safe use. Exceeding these limits might lead to instability or tipping, so it's always best to follow the recommended specifications carefully.
Q: How does attachment weight affect mini excavator operation?
A: Attachments can add anywhere from 60 pounds (hydraulic thumb) to 1,500 pounds (large hydraulic breaker). This additional weight affects the machine's center of gravity, stability, and safe operating capacity. Always account for attachment weight to prevent overloading.
Q: Can I transport a mini excavator with a regular pickup truck?
A: It depends on the excavator's weight and your truck's towing capacity. Small mini excavators (under 5,000 lbs) can often be transported with heavy-duty pickup trucks, while larger models require dedicated equipment trailers and commercial towing vehicles.
Conclusion
Mini excavators, when operated safely, prove to be valuable additions to equipment fleets. Understanding the machine's weight and attachment considerations contributes to a longer lifespan and adherence to safety standards.