Mini Excavators

On a compact excavator, the details that decide whether a machine earns its keep are the hydraulic system, the undercarriage and the tail swing. Proportional auxiliary hydraulics let an operator feather a breaker, auger or grab rather than treating every attachment as on or off. A tracked undercarriage spreads load on soft ground and keeps the machine stable while digging over the side. Zero-tail or reduced-tail designs allow the upper structure to slew within the footprint of the tracks, which matters when working in lanes, courtyards and alongside foundations. Transport weight and tie-down points determine how easily the machine moves between sites on a trailer.

These machines suit utility contractors, landscapers, rental yards and builders who need productive digging without the transport and access constraints of a larger machine. Common work includes trenching for services, footing excavation, drainage, pool and patio preparation, and light demolition.