Mini Excavators Purchasing Guide
A mini excavator, or compact excavator, is a piece of heavy-duty construction equipment that performs the same functions as full-size excavators. They can be used in a variety of construction and landscaping functions including back-filing, digging, filing, grading, leveling, and trenching. Mini excavators have been on the market since the early 1970s. Because they’re more compact, mini excavators are more efficient in smaller or harder-to-reach spaces. However, they offer power and performance that rivals their full-size companions. Prices for mini excavators are based on horsepower, capability, and added features.
Components of Mini Excavators
A mini excavator is made up of three components: an upper structure, a dozer blade, and tracks.
- Upper structure - The upper structure includes the compartment where the equipment operator sits and works from. It also includes the digging arm and other working gear needed to perform the specific job.
- Dozer blade - The blade is used for trenching, leveling, and digging operations.
- Tracks - The tracks or wheels allow the mini excavator to move across rocky, rough, or uneven ground.
- Safety and utility features - More modern equipment is made with expandable tracks that retract to fit through doors, gates, and smaller openings. Once stationary, the tracks expand to provide greater stability while operating. When designed with zero tail swing, the mini excavator won’t exceed the track width during a turn, which keeps the cab from running into anything. {' '}
Pricing for New Mini Excavators
Brand new mini excavators range in price anywhere from $20,000 to $90,000.
- The average cost for a 10-horsepower to 20-horsepower mini excavator with a dig-depth capacity of five to seven feet will cost around $25,000 with one bucket and no additional features.
- Excavators with up to 30-horsepower and eight to 10 feet digging capacity range in price between $30,000 and $40,000.
- For a 40-horsepower or more with greater than 12 feet of dig-depth, expect to pay at least $60,000 or more.
- Additional buckets start at $1,000 each.
- Power attachments and accessories like augers, hammers, and thumbs range in price from $5,000 to $10,000.
Pricing for Used Mini Excavators
You can save a significant amount of money by choosing to purchase a used or refurbished mini excavator.
- In the $15,000 to $20,000 price range, you’ll find mini excavators with up to 20-horsepower and 10 feet digging capacity.
- At $25,000 to $30,000, you can find 25+ horsepower and dig-depth capacities exceeding 12 feet. {' '}
Buying Considerations
Before you buy any mini excavator, new or used, make sure you have a budget established, know the specifications for your job, and know what accessories you’ll need. These items taken together can help you decide if you should invest in a newer, technologically modern mini excavator or if you should opt for used or refurbished equipment that can get the job done. {' '}
What should you look for when buying a new mini excavator?
- Mini excavators have diesel powered engines. In addition to horsepower, consider torque speed and number of cylinders which are important power-related specs for your job.
- Consider whether an open cab will work, or if you need a closed cab design to protect your operator from weather, hazardous materials, or flying debris.
- You’ll also need to understand boom and tail configuration. If your operator needs to see where they’re digging, choose a swing boom. An articulating boom is a choice when you need the arm to be parallel to the equipment. While a fixed arm supports digging in front of the excavator with limited visual field for the operator.
- Select the right attachments for the job. Augers are required for drilling holes. For demolishing rock or concrete, choose a hydraulic hammer. Thumbs with hooks make lifting heavier loads easier and more efficient.
What should you look for when buying a used mini excavator?
First, understand the difference between used and refurbished. Often used mini excavators are purchased from the previous owner. Ask about the volume of use, maintenance, and damage to the machine. Refurbished mini excavators may have rebuilt or replacement parts. Be sure you know if the used equipment has had normal wear and tear, or if it’s been subjected to major damage. Used mini excavators should cost slightly less than factory refurbished ones. {' '}
What should you look for in an equipment dealer and manufacturer?
- Research the type of equipment service and support available from major manufacturers of mini excavators. Some of the most popular manufacturers are Bobcat, Caterpillar, Hitachi, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, New Holland, Takeuchi, Wacker Neuson, and Yanmar.
- Choose a high-quality equipment dealer with representatives that know your industry and are familiar with basic job requirements. Find out what types of financing they offer, including leasing and equipment rental options. Ask if they provide operator training or if video training from the manufacturer is available. Finally, examine their service-level agreement to determine how they handle parts, maintenance, and customer support.
Whether you choose a new, used, or refurbished model, a mini excavator can make your construction and landscaping jobs easier. They are efficient and cost-effective alternatives to full-size excavators. Avoid deciding on price or even brand alone. Choose the dealer that offers the best service-level agreement and support. {' '}