Top 10 Mini Excavator Brands in 2023

Mini excavators are versatile machines that can handle a variety of tasks, from digging trenches and foundations to landscaping and demolition. They are also compact and easy to transport, making them ideal for working in tight spaces and urban areas. But with so many brands and models to choose from, how do you know which one is the best for your needs?

Top 10 Mini Excavator Brands in 2023

In this article, we will compare the top 10 mini excavator brands in 2023 and highlight their key features, advantages, and disadvantages. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about mini excavators at the end of the article.

#1. Yanmar

Yanmar is one of the pioneers of mini excavators, having introduced the first model in 1968. Since then, Yanmar has been developing innovative and reliable machines that offer high performance, fuel efficiency, and durability. Yanmar’s mini excavators range from 0.8 to 10 tons and feature zero or minimal tail swing, advanced hydraulic systems, and spacious cabs. Yanmar also offers a variety of attachments and options to suit different applications and preferences.

One of the most popular models from Yanmar is the ViO35-6A, which has a zero tail swing design and a Tier 4 engine that reduces fuel consumption by 20%. It also has ECO and auto-deceleration modes, a quick coupler system, and an easy-access engine compartment. The ViO35-6A has a maximum digging depth of 11.25 feet and 24.4 horsepower. It weighs 8,214 pounds and can handle various landscaping, utility, and construction tasks.

Key Advantage: Tier 4 engine with increased fuel efficiency Key Disadvantage: Higher price than some competitors

#2. Bobcat

Bobcat is another well-known brand in the mini excavator market, offering a wide range of models that can fit any budget and project. Bobcat’s mini excavators have dig depths from 6 to 15.5 feet and horsepower from 13 to 49. They also have rubber tracks that provide stability and traction on different terrains, as well as hydraulic joysticks that offer precise control and smooth operation. Bobcat’s mini excavators can accommodate various attachments, such as augers, breakers, grapples, grading blades, and more.

A good example of Bobcat’s mini excavators is the E26, which is designed for the rental market and has a Cylinder-Inside-Boom workgroup that protects against bucket collision. It also has a minimal tail swing design that allows it to work in confined spaces without compromising performance or visibility. The E26 has a maximum digging depth of 8.5 feet and 24.8 horsepower. It weighs 5,690 pounds and costs around $40,000.

Key Advantage: Includes Cylinder-Inside-Boom workgroup to add protection against bucket collision Key Disadvantage: Lower digging depth than some competitors

#3. Kubota

Kubota is a Japanese brand that specializes in agricultural and construction equipment, including mini excavators. Kubota’s mini excavators are known for their quality, reliability, and comfort. They have dig depths from 5.6 to 12.5 feet and horsepower from 10 to 40. They also have variable track widths that allow them to adjust to different working conditions and access narrow spaces. Kubota’s mini excavators have spacious cabs with ergonomic controls, digital displays, and air conditioning.

A great option for household use is the Kubota K0008-3, which is one of the smallest mini excavators available. It has a maximum width of less than 3 feet and can fit through doorways easily. It also has a track frame and blade that are adjustable to suit different ground levels and slopes. The K0008-3 has a maximum digging depth of 5.6 feet and 10 horsepower. It weighs only 2,200 pounds and can be used for landscaping and indoor tasks.

Key Advantage: Adjustable blade and track width allow it to fit through doorways Key Disadvantage: Limited power and performance compared to larger models

4. Caterpillar

Caterpillar is one of the most recognized brands in the construction industry, offering a full line of mini hydraulic excavators that can lift from 1 to 10 metric tons. Caterpillar’s mini excavators have dig depths from 5 to 20 feet and horsepower from 13 to 70+. They also have zero or reduced tail swing designs that improve maneuverability and safety in tight spaces. Caterpillar’s mini excavators have advanced features such as auto-shutdown, load-sensing hydraulics, LCD monitors, joystick steering, cruise control, and more.

One of the most compact models from Caterpillar is the 300.9D, which has a width of 2.4 feet and can be transported in a conventional trailer. It also has a foldable ROPS bar that reduces its height to 4.6 feet, allowing it to enter low-clearance areas. The 300.9D has a maximum digging depth of 5.6 feet and 13 horsepower. It weighs 2,061 pounds and can be used for small-scale projects such as digging, backfilling, grading, and landscaping.

Key Advantage: Foldable ROPS bar that reduces its height to 4.6 feet Key Disadvantage: Low lifting capacity and stability compared to larger models

#5. Takeuchi

Takeuchi is a Japanese brand that focuses on compact construction equipment, including mini excavators. Takeuchi’s mini excavators have dig depths from 5.5 to 14.8 feet and horsepower from 11.7 to 64.4. They also have rubber or steel tracks that provide traction and durability on various surfaces, as well as tilting cabs that facilitate maintenance and service. Takeuchi’s mini excavators have multiple attachment options, such as buckets, hammers, rippers, thumbs, and more.

A notable model from Takeuchi is the TB135, which has rubber tracks that offer two speeds of travel on different surfaces. It also has a fully tilting cab that provides easy access to the engine and hydraulic components. The TB135 has a maximum digging depth of 11.2 feet and 27.8 horsepower. It weighs 7,672 pounds and can perform well in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Key Advantage: Fully tilting cab that provides easy access to the engine and hydraulic components Key Disadvantage: Higher noise level than some competitors

#6. John Deere

John Deere is a famous American brand that produces agricultural and construction equipment, including compact excavators. John Deere’s compact excavators have dig depths from 6 to 20 feet and horsepower from 14 to 66. They also have zero or reduced tail swing designs that enhance flexibility and minimize potential damage to the machine and surrounding property. John Deere’s compact excavators have features such as auto-shutdown, load-sensing hydraulics, EPA Final Tier 4 diesel engines, and more.

A good example of John Deere’s compact excavators is the G-Series, which offers a digging capability of 12 feet and the ability to reach 20 feet. It also has a reduced tail swing design and an EPA Final Tier 4 diesel engine that meets the latest emission standards. The G-Series has a maximum digging depth of 12 feet and 25 horsepower. It weighs 7,760 pounds and can be used for various tasks such as grading, leveling, digging, loading, and lifting.

Key Advantage: EPA Final Tier 4 diesel engine that meets the latest emission standards Key Disadvantage: Lower horsepower than some competitors

#7. Komatsu

Komatsu is a Japanese brand that manufactures mining and construction equipment, including mini excavators. Komatsu’s mini excavators have dig depths from 5 to 18 feet and horsepower from 11 to 65. They also have zero or minimal tail swing designs that allow them to work in tight spaces without compromising performance or safety. Komatsu’s mini excavators have features such as variable track widths, load-sensing hydraulics, LCD monitors, joystick controls, auto-idle systems, and more.

A popular model from Komatsu is the PC35MR-5, which has a minimal tail swing design and a variable track width that can be adjusted from 5 to 6 feet depending on the working conditions. It also has a load-sensing hydraulic system that optimizes the flow rate according to the load demand. The PC35MR-5 has a maximum digging depth of 11.5 feet and 24 horsepower. It weighs 8,050 pounds and can handle various earthmoving projects such as trenching, landscaping, grading, and demolition.

Key Advantage: Variable track width that can be adjusted from 5 to 6 feet depending on the working conditions Key Disadvantage: Higher maintenance costs than some competitors

#8. Doosan

Doosan is a Korean brand that produces industrial equipment, including mini excavators. Doosan’s mini excavators have dig depths from 8 to 15 feet and horsepower from 15 to 49. They also have rubber tracks that provide stability and maneuverability on different terrains, as well as spacious cabs with ergonomic controls, digital displays, and air conditioning. Doosan’s mini excavators can use various attachments such as buckets, breakers, augers, rippers, thumbs, and more.

A great option for Doosan’s mini excavators is the DX35-5K US10 model (also known as DX35Z), which has a zero tail swing design that allows it to rotate within its own footprint without hitting nearby objects or walls. It also has an auto-shift travel system that It also has an auto-shift travel system that automatically shifts between high and low speeds depending on the terrain and load. The DX35-5K US10 has a maximum digging depth of 10.1 feet and 24.8 horsepower. It weighs 7,937 pounds and can be used for various applications such as landscaping, utility, and construction.

Key Advantage: Auto-shift travel system that automatically shifts between high and low speeds depending on the terrain and load Key Disadvantage: Lower digging depth than some competitors

9. Volvo

Volvo is a Swedish brand that produces construction and transportation equipment, including mini excavators. Volvo’s mini excavators have dig depths from 6 to 15 feet and horsepower from 16 to 50. They also have zero or conventional tail swing designs that offer different levels of stability and maneuverability. Volvo’s mini excavators have features such as load-sensing hydraulics, auto-idle systems, LCD monitors, joystick controls, and more.

A good example of Volvo’s mini excavators is the EC35D, which has a conventional tail swing design that provides more counterweight and lifting capacity. It also has a load-sensing hydraulic system that delivers optimal power and efficiency. The EC35D has a maximum digging depth of 11.5 feet and 31 horsepower. It weighs 8,157 pounds and can be used for various tasks such as digging, grading, lifting, and loading.

Key Advantage: Conventional tail swing design that provides more counterweight and lifting capacity Key Disadvantage: Higher fuel consumption than some competitors

10. Hitachi

Hitachi is a Japanese brand that manufactures industrial and construction equipment, including mini excavators. Hitachi’s mini excavators have dig depths from 5 to 15 feet and horsepower from 14 to 58. They also have zero or reduced tail swing designs that improve versatility and safety in tight spaces. Hitachi’s mini excavators have features such as variable track widths, auto-idle systems, LCD monitors, joystick controls, and more.

A great option for Hitachi’s mini excavators is the ZX50U-5, which has a reduced tail swing design and a variable track width that can be adjusted from 5 to 6 feet depending on the working conditions. It also has an auto-idle system that reduces fuel consumption and noise when the machine is not in use. The ZX50U-5 has a maximum digging depth of 11.8 feet and 39 horsepower. It weighs 10,560 pounds and can handle various earthmoving projects such as trenching, landscaping, grading, and demolition.

Key Advantage: Variable track width that can be adjusted from 5 to 6 feet depending on the working conditions Key Disadvantage: Heavier than some competitors

Conclusion

Mini excavators are useful machines that can perform a variety of tasks in different environments. They are also compact and easy to transport, making them ideal for working in tight spaces and urban areas. However, not all mini excavators are created equal, and there are many factors to consider when choosing the best one for your needs.

Some of the factors to consider are:

• Digging depth: This is the maximum depth that the mini excavator can dig below the ground level. It depends on the length of the boom and arm, as well as the size of the bucket. A deeper digging depth means that the mini excavator can reach deeper underground structures or utilities.
• Horsepower: This is the measure of the engine power of the mini excavator. It affects the speed, performance, and efficiency of the machine. A higher horsepower means that the mini excavator can work faster, handle heavier loads, and overcome tougher terrains.
• Weight: This is the measure of how heavy the mini excavator is when fully loaded with fuel and attachments. It affects the stability, maneuverability, and transportability of the machine. A lighter weight means that the mini excavator can work on softer or more sensitive grounds without causing damage or sinking.
• Tail swing: This is the measure of how much the rear end of the mini excavator extends beyond its tracks when it rotates. It affects the flexibility and safety of the machine in tight spaces. A zero or reduced tail swing means that the mini excavator can work closer to walls or obstacles without hitting them.
• Track width: This is the measure of how wide the tracks of the mini excavator are when fully extended or retracted. It affects the stability, maneuverability, and accessibility of the machine in different working conditions. A variable track width means that the mini excavator can adjust its tracks to fit through narrow spaces or increase its footprint on uneven grounds.

Based on these factors, we have compared the top 10 mini excavator brands in 2023 and highlighted their key features, advantages, and disadvantages. We hope that this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the best mini excavator for your needs.

Most Asked Questions and Answers about Mini Excavators

Q1: What is the difference between a mini excavator and a compact excavator?

A: A mini excavator and a compact excavator are terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of machine. However, some manufacturers or dealers may use different definitions or classifications based on the weight, size, or capacity of the machine. Generally, a mini excavator is considered to be any excavator that weighs less than 10 metric tons, while a compact excavator is considered to be any excavator that weighs less than 6 metric tons.

Q2: How much does a mini excavator cost?

A: The cost of a mini excavator depends on many factors, such as the brand, model, condition, age, features, attachments, and location of the machine. Generally, a new mini excavator can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $90,000, while a used mini excavator can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. However, these are only rough estimates and the actual price may vary depending on the specific circumstances and negotiations.

Q3: How do I choose the right size of mini excavator for my project?

A: The right size of mini excavator for your project depends on several factors, such as the type, scope, and complexity of the project, the working environment and conditions, the availability and accessibility of the site, the budget and timeline of the project, and the personal preference and experience of the operator. Generally, you should choose a mini excavator that can perform the required tasks efficiently and effectively without causing damage or inconvenience to the site or surrounding property. You should also consider the digging depth, lifting capacity, reach, swing radius, and transportability of the mini excavator when choosing the right size.

Q4: What are some of the common attachments for mini excavators?

A: Some of the common attachments for mini excavators are:

• Buckets: These are containers that are attached to the end of the arm and used to dig, scoop, load, or dump soil or other materials. Buckets come in different shapes, sizes, and types depending on the application and material.
• Breakers: These are tools that are attached to the end of the arm and used to break or demolish concrete, asphalt, rock, or other hard materials. Breakers use hydraulic pressure to deliver powerful impacts or vibrations to the material.
• Augers: These are tools that are attached to the end of the arm and used to drill or bore holes in soil or other materials. Augers use hydraulic power to rotate a spiral-shaped blade that cuts through the material.
• Rippers: These are tools that are attached to the end of the arm and used to rip or tear apart soil or other materials. Rippers use hydraulic force to pull a sharp tooth or claw through the material.
• Thumbs: These are tools that are attached to the end of the arm and used to grab or hold objects or materials. Thumbs work in conjunction with buckets to create a pincer-like action that can lift or move objects or materials.

Q5: How do I maintain and service my mini excavator?

A: Maintaining and servicing your mini excavator is essential for ensuring its optimal performance, efficiency, safety, and longevity. You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions for regular maintenance and service intervals. Some of the common maintenance and service tasks for mini excavators are:

• Checking and changing the engine oil and filter
• Checking and changing the hydraulic oil and filter
• Checking and changing the fuel filter
• Checking and changing the air filter
• Checking and greasing the pins and bushings
• Checking and adjusting the track tension
• Checking and cleaning the radiator
• Checking and replacing the belts
• Checking and replacing the hoses
• Checking and replacing the spark plugs
• Checking and replacing the batteries
• Checking and repairing any leaks or damages

Q6: How do I operate my mini excavator safely?

A: Operating your mini excavator safely is important for preventing accidents, injuries, damages, or fines. You should follow these general safety tips when operating your mini excavator:

• Read and understand the operator’s manual before using your mini excavator
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, boots, helmet,