Mini Excavators

In recent years, mini excavators have been increasing in popularity, due to their ability to operate in tight quarters, the simplicity of their operation and the versatility of the things for which they can be used. With the proper attachments and accessories these machines are capable of accomplishing a number of jobs.

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Mini Excavator Overview
The mini excavator is an important tool for general contractors, excavators, plumbers, paving companies and other types of professional contractors. With a wide variety of uses and a vast array of attachments to specialize the mini excavators for any job, the machine has many advantages over its larger counterparts. As stated previously, the primary advantage of the mini excavator is its size. Because the compact excavators are so small, they are often used in tight spaces where larger machines would not be able to operate. They are able to maneuver through trees and fit through gates and small openings, and because they are lighter than most larger excavators, they do less damage to the landscape. Many of these mini excavators feature expandable tracks, which can be extended or detracted based on the size of the area where work is being done.

Many of the new and used compact excavators on the market have tracks that can be detracted to less than three feet wide. Others are much larger. If the machine will be used for a specific job, or a certain type of job, it is a good idea to measure any openings the machine will have to fit through, to determine what size machine is needed.

Weight of the Machine
The width of the mini excavators is not the only consideration that has to be made when looking at different machines. Contractors use compact excavators because the weight of the machine often allows them to travel to places a larger machine would be unable to go. As with everything else, the difference in the weight of these machines will determine what type of terrain they can be operated on. The lighter machines will easily be able to transverse soft, wet ground, where heavier machines may not be able to go.

A large proportion of the machines are manufactured with a rubber track, as opposed to one of steel. The rubber material is low impact, making traveling on soft ground easier and doing less damage to the area. Mini excavators can range in weight from as little as 1200 pounds to as heavy as 7000 pounds or more. Light weight machines can be operated with the least amount of damage to the landscape. Because they are so light, they are often are easier to get to job locations than larger models. They can be towed on a trailer behind a normal size truck, eliminating the need for special transportation and commercial driver's licenses.

Dig Depth
As with the dimensions of the machine, compact excavators can also come with a variety of dig depths. While some can dig up to twelve feet deep, others can go only as little as four. When shopping for a mini excavator, it is important to look at what it will be used for and what depth the machine needs to be able to achieve. The majority of mini excavators can achieve dig depths of ten feet, which is substantial for handling residential construction and other basic projects. Most of these residential construction jobs require dig depths not to exceed seven feet. For any digging that will exceed twelve feet, a bigger excavator will most likely be needed.

Bucket Sizes and Functions
A variety of bucket sizes are available for the mini excavators and, as with everything else, the type of job will determine what size bucket will be needed. Most buckets range from twelve to twenty-four inches. While the dimensions of what you need to dig may mandate how large of a bucket is needed, the size of the compact excavator also needs to be taken into consideration. Larger buckets are heavier and will require larger machines be used to lift them. Different buckets can accomplish different tasks. A smaller bucket may be necessary when digging near utility lines, or a larger bucket may be more useful when dealing with wet and muddy earth. The job and the surroundings will determine what type of tool is needed.

Dump height must also be considered. Most mini excavators have a standard dump height of between five and ten feet. This means the bucket can be lifted to a height of five to ten feet, to dump the load into a dump truck or other receptacle.

Rotation of the Body
The growing popularity of compact excavators has driven manufacturers to provide more features for the machines. While most excavators have the capability to rotate 360 degrees, many manufacturers are taking things one step further with mini excavators by offering zero tail swing. Zero tail swing allows the machines to be rotated to the full 360 degrees without any part of the cab overlapping the width of the track. This is a useful tool since mini excavators are often used in tight places. Zero tail swing keeps the cab from hitting obstacles when rotating on its base. Offset booms are also becoming standard on several models. The offset booms allow the compact excavators to dig in close proximity to walls, foundations, and other accoutrements. The booms can be moved off center to allow for digging at a close proximity without having to change angles or constantly realign. Offset booms allow the arm of the excavator to dig parallel to the tracks. These features are available on a selection of new and used compact excavators.

Attachments and Accessories
Mini excavators, like their larger counterparts have the ability to support multiple types of attachments. Depending on the type of job, some of these attachments and upgrades might be useful. Many of the compact excavators feature a quick-coupler attachment that allows attachments to quickly be changed. As previously referred to, different types of buckets are available and can allow for a range of digging widths and soil types. For almost any job a larger machine can accomplish, there is a tool that will enable the mini excavator to compete.

Grapples can be attached to the mini machine to allow the pick up of bunches of logs or downed trees. The size and power of the machine will determine how much weight it can lift. Hammers can be attached, turning the machine into a demolition tool capable of breaking concrete or completing pipe digging work, and a thumb attachment will allow the mini excavator to pick up piles of brush or rubbish.

Many models of excavators also come with or are ready for the addition of back fill blades. The blade allows the operator to push dirt back into the hole they have dug, effectively performing the work of two machines. Buying new attachments is not always necessary. Buying used attachments and accessories is an option that could save thousands of dollars in the long run. When buying used accessories, just like when purchasing used mini excavators, the buyer needs to examine the part and make sure they know what they are purchasing.

Total Cost of Equipment
While it would be nice to buy the highest rated machine on the market along with all of the accessories and attachments, many companies and independent contractors simply do not have the funds in their budget to make such a major purchase. Despite the fact that mini excavators cost much less than their larger counterparts, cost and budget must always be considered. A full sized excavator can cost in excess of $100,000, while a mini excavator averages approximately $30,000.

Buying a used mini excavator is an option that can be explored. Buying a used machine can save thousands of dollars, and, just like buying a used car or truck, often times the used machines still have years of life left in them. Before making any major purchase, the buyer must evaluate all of the features of the machine, and look at any hidden costs that could result from the purchase. Hidden cost could include maintenance of the machine, the cost of accessories, transportation and storage fees, or any of a number of other possibilities.

When purchasing a machine, be sure to explore all of your options. Investigate which attachments will be most needed, and make sure to check local rentals as well as suppliers. Instead of purchasing every attachment, put your money toward getting the best machine for your needs, and rent the accessories that won’t be needed on a daily basis. Shop around and find the best deal on what you are looking for, but also remember that you get what you pay for

Maintenance
Despite the fact that these mini machines cost major money, eventually there are going to be costs related to the maintenance of the equipment. You can minimize these costs by looking for money saving features before you purchase a piece of equipment. High strength booms and thicker plates can make a lot of difference in the longevity of the machine, improving the strength and reducing the possibility of damage to the machine. Reinforced or protected bucket and arm cylinders have the potential to reduce side damage. Some machines help you even more, by having easy to read diagnostic results displayed on the dashboard, so the machine’s performance can be constantly monitored during use.

No matter how careful you are, there are some maintenance costs that cannot be avoided, but by taking precautions and researching your options before the purchase of a vehicle, you can find a machine that may require significantly less maintenance, and the less work that needs to be done, the less money it will cost. When comparing machines, it is always important to think about who will be working to fix the minor issues that arise, and to choose a machine where the parts are easily accessible when needed. Remember, you don’t want to have to go to a mechanic every time the oil needs to be changed or a belt needs replacing. Pick a machine that is easy to maintain as well as easy to operate. If you are looking at a used compact excavator, you can ask the seller for previous maintenance information, to make sure the machine was well maintained. Understanding previous maintenance issues on the used mini excavators can also be an important tool for gauging what type of work the machine may need in the future.

Quality of the machine
When making a major investment, like purchasing a large piece of equipment, you don’t want to rush into anything. If things go right, you are going to have the equipment for a very long time. The price of the compact excavators will vary greatly, especially when looking at a selection of used and new equipment. While it may not be necessary to buy the most expensive piece of equipment on the market, you want to make sure that you are at least getting your money’s worth. The quality of the machine can be measured based on any number of factors, depending on what is most important to you, but it will ultimately determine how long the machine will last. Make sure to compare features and factors of each machine. Read reviews and talk to other professionals who have already gone this route. You don’t have to purchase more machine than you need, but you definitely don’t want to purchase one that won’t fit your needs.

Once you have purchased the machine, make sure to take care of it as best you can. Some parts are going to wear out and need replacing, but if properly maintained these parts can last longer, saving you money. Regular vehicle maintenance, including flushing the fluids and changing the hoses may help to increase the longevity of the machine. It might be costly upfront to maintain and store the vehicle properly, but the costs will pay out in the long run.

There are many choices and possibilities when it comes to mini excavators. Which machine is right for you will be determined by what type of environment you are working in, and what type of work you will be doing on a regular basis. Make sure to take all factors into consideration, including which features you need and which you can live without. Remember extra accessories and attachments can be purchased or rented later if they are needed. The best machine for you is one that will meet all of your needs, perform up to your standards, require little maintenance, and stand the test of time.


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