Mini Excavators vs Standard Excavators: Which One Should You Choose?

Mini excavators, also known as mini diggers, are any excavators at least 30% smaller than full-sized excavators – making them under 5 feet. A common misconception is that they are just like standard excavators but smaller. However, many other differences should be considered when deciding which one is right for your situation.

Size

Starting with size, mini excavator models like the XN10-8 with extensible tracks can collapse down to 800mm width to fit through doorways, however, standard excavators are usually between 2100mm to 3500mm wide. In addition to having more compact frames, mini excavators also have less tail swing (the amount the rear end swings while the front end moves in the opposite direction).

The larger size of standard excavators rules them out for use in many urban projects with doors, obstacles to avoid, alleyways and tunnels. For projects with small spaces or enclosed spaces, such as indoor demolition, a mini excavator is needed. However, their smaller size makes them slow at completing larger excavations.

Weight

Mini excavators typically weigh between 1-3 tonnes. Their lighter weight means they use more fuel and hydraulic function to dig the same depth as standard excavators. They can also tip over if you try to pick up something too heavy.

However, many professionals such as farmers and landscapers know the lightweight offers unique advantages

• Mobility: Easier to tow, easier to take to different job sites, and quicker to arrive
• Precision: with less strength, they are necessary if there are chances of underground cables, wires or pipes.
• Cost-effectiveness: not only are the excavators themselves cheaper to ship, maintenance and replacement parts are significantly cheaper

Some examples of their weight classes and possible use cases can be seen below

Mini Excavators

Standard Excavators

Tracks

Smaller mini excavators typically have non-marking rubber tracks as opposed to steel tracks or wheels on larger machines. Each track type has distinct advantages

Rubber tracks:

• Versatility: most importantly they don’t damage the ground like steel tracks, allowing them to be used in paved or grassed surfaces
• Noise: they are significantly quieter and give less vibration for the operator

Steel tracks:

• Durability: they last longer and are better suited for rough terrain and heavy-duty applications like demolition

Overall, this makes mini excavators better for home and light contractor work while standard excavators are suitable for harsher environments

Cost

Cost is always an important consideration and the cost difference between mini and standard excavators is way more than you might think. For example:

• A Rhinoceros XN08 mini excavator can be purchased for as little as £4800
• A mid-sized excavator costs approximately £50,000-£100,000
• A standard excavator typically ranges between £100,000-£300,000

This cost doesn’t include the transport costs, maintenance costs, and spare parts costs which are all orders of magnitude cheaper for mini excavators.

Which one should you buy?

Your choice depends on the scope and requirements of your project:

Standard excavators:

• If you need high depth, breakout force or reach capabilities
• Common applications include massive excavation or landscaping, mining, demolition, or extensive construction projects.

Mini excavators:

• Necessary for residential and urban construction projections
• Common applications include driveways, garden landscaping, utility digging, trenching, small foundations, stump removal and material handling
• Their affordability makes them better for any individuals or professionals just starting out

Both mini and standard-sized excavators can be equipped with a variety of attachments such as augers, breakers, and rakes, allowing them to handle diverse applications.