The Ultimate Mini Excavator Size Chart and Spec Guide

Great for jobs like landscaping, home renovations, installing pools, demolishing small buildings, and much more, the mini excavator is a valuable piece of equipment for any job site. Mini excavators go by many names including mini ex, compact excavator, mini digger, mini hoe, and small excavator, though most manufacturers list their selection as either mini or compact excavators.

When choosing the best mini excavator for your project, it's important to consider all your options. There are 16 popular brands that manufacture mini excavators, providing over 100 current models and growing. Coming in a range of sizes spanning approximately 2,000-22,500 lbs, mini excavators vary greatly in size, maximum dig depth, maximum dump height, and engine power. The specific features you choose to prioritize for your project will determine which model is best for your team.

This article serves as a complete mini excavator spec guide. We'll break down the size ranges for this equipment as well as provide an overview of the most important specs for every current model from the top brands in the industry.

Skip ahead to the following brands and their size charts:

1. Bobcat

2. CASE

3. Caterpillar

4. Doosan

5. Hitachi

6. Hyundai

7. JCB

8. John Deere

9. Komatsu

10. Kubota

11. New Holland

12. SANY

13. Takeuchi

14. Volvo

15. Wacker Neuson

16. Yanmar

The Sizes of Mini Excavators

There are three main size ranges of mini excavator models: small, medium, and large. The distinguishing factor between these three categories is the operating weight of the machine with small models ranging from 2,000-10,000 lbs, medium from 10,000-20,000 lbs, and large models exceeding 20,000 lbs.

Small mini excavators make up more than half of the industry-wide selection of models. These machines generally range between 5-10 feet in terms of dig depth, 6-11 feet in dump height, and 10-40 horsepower (hp). The smaller models on the market are excellent options for projects that require the ability to work in tight spaces or when the foundation is fragile and a lower operating weight is needed.

Find Your Next Equipment Rental on DOZR

4 ton, Mini Excavator Rentals

1.5 ton - 9 ton

5 ton, Mini Excavator Rentals

1.5 ton - 9 ton

6 ton, Mini Excavator Rentals

1.5 ton - 9 ton

SEE ALL EQUIPMENT ON DOZR

The medium-size range of compact excavators is substantially larger and more powerful than its smaller counterparts. These models reach dig depths and dump heights up to 15 feet 9 inches and 21 feet 1 inch respectively, to go along with engine power topping out at 74hp. Capable of handling most projects, this range of machines can at times outperform the large class while maintaining a lighter weight.

The large range of mini excavators achieves dig depths of over 17 feet and a maximum dump height of 19 feet 2 inches and varies between 69-74hp. Although only eight models of this class are on the market, they are extremely capable machines and are best for jobs requiring power not reached by the lighter weight ranges.

The Most Important Mini Excavator Specs

Before doing our deep dive into the specs and sizes of each brand's selection of mini excavators, we want to focus on providing the most useful information for choosing the right machine. In today's guide, we focus on four main categories of specs: operating weight, maximum dig depth, maximum dump height, and engine power.

Along with overall engine power, operating weight is the main dictator of the amount of stress applied to the surrounding environment. However, operating weight does not factor in attachments to the machine, fuel, or the operator. For this reason, lighter equipment is better if it still gets the job done, and is often used in situations requiring minimal disturbance such as working on golf courses or funeral homes.

Maximum dig depth is an important measurement for mini excavators. This spec shows how deep the excavator can dig with the boom, stick, and bucket all extended downwards. Maximum dump height is how high the bucket can be safely dumped. This is especially important when loading materials onto vehicles such as dump trucks, as you need to be sure your machine can clear the sides of the truck.

Horsepower is the total amount of power the machine's engine can generate. This can determine the effectiveness of a piece of equipment and the speed at which it can achieve movements such as lifts, dumps, or driving. However, engine power is occasionally misleading because more efficient hydraulic systems can provide similar results even at lower total horsepower.

Looking for specs on equipment that can do similar jobs to a mini excavator? Check out our in-depth backhoe spec guide.

Specs and Sizes for Every Brand of Mini Excavator

Bobcat

The largest selection in the industry, Bobcat has a whopping 22 models of mini excavators. That's over 20% of the total number of machines on the market!

With models ranging from 2,593-19,600 lbs, they provide machines for any reasonably sized project. However, they do not manufacture any large compact excavators. Bobcat is an excellent choice if you know the exact specs required for your project, as they're likely to have a model that will fit you perfectly.

Bobcat Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

CASE

Another smaller selection of only six models, these mini excavators consist of four small and two medium-sized machines. The biggest advantage of using a CASE model is the exceptional horsepower on their two machines between 12,000-14,000 lbs. This equipment is designed for smooth responsiveness and use in confined spaces on job sites, so a CASE mini excavator is always worth a look.

CASE Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Caterpillar

With 18 models available, Cat is the second largest manufacturer on our list and the first that offers large, mini excavators. Exceeding 20,000 lbs on five of their machines, they have all but three of the eight models on the market that fall under the large class of equipment. Ranging from 5 feet 8 inches to 17 feet 1 inch in dig depth and reaching over 19 feet in dump height, Cat is the most versatile brand in the industry.

CAT Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Develon (previously Doosan)

One of four manufacturers on the model to provide a large-class machine, Develon mini excavators are excellent choices for any project. Providing horsepower among the best in the industry, especially in their DX62R-3 and DX63-3 models, they are an excellent choice for any project.

Develon Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Hitachi

With 8 models ranging from 3,790-18,735 lbs, Hitachi mini excavators are excellent performers on small and medium-sized jobs. Providing dig depth exceeding that of most competitors, these machines are especially useful for jobs where you need to dig deeper while still avoiding the heaviest class of compact excavators.

Hitachi Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Hyundai

Manufacturing eight models ranging from 2 tons to 10 tons, Hyundai's mini excavators are great for residential and commercial projects that require maneuverable, versatile equipment that fits in confined spaces. Their 9A series of compact excavators have zero-tail swing options and well-designed booms. The large blade attachments and quick couplers make them efficient at switching out attachments and increasing versatility.

Hyundai Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

JCB

Another manufacturer providing a large model as an option, JCB is often at the top of their weight classes when it comes to dig depth and dump height. The most notable feature of JCB's selection is their model that reaches a by-far-industry-best 21 feet 1-inch dump height. If you're looking to clear a two-story fence or wall for your dump, the JCB 86C-2 is not only the best but also the only option for you.

Find Your Next Equipment Rental on DOZR

4 ton, Mini Excavator Rentals

1.5 ton - 9 ton

5 ton, Mini Excavator Rentals

1.5 ton - 9 ton

6 ton, Mini Excavator Rentals

1.5 ton - 9 ton

SEE ALL EQUIPMENT ON DOZR

All 11 models provided in their selection are excellent options and are among industry leaders in overall performance. JCB mini excavators have the second largest variety of any brand and are a great choice for any project.

JCB Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

John Deere

One of the smaller selections on the list, John Deere's models tend to fall slightly behind the industry average across the board when it comes to the specs on our list. Their best-performing model is also their largest, coming in at 13,620 lbs. This model exceeds its closest competitors by reaching a dig depth and dump height of 12 feet 4 inches and 13 feet 8 inches, respectively.

John Deere also manufactures a variety of excellent mini excavator attachments to augment the capabilities of your machine.

John Deere Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Komatsu

Known for their large excavators, Komatsu is one of the most prominent heavy equipment manufacturers in the world. With six models currently being offered, Komatsu has a wide range of mini excavator models that fit the needs of small residential and commercial projects perfectly. Designed for long days, these machines offer operators comfort and are extremely reliable.

Komatsu Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Kubota

Providing the third-widest variety of machines on the market, Kubota has a machine for any small-medium sized job you're working on. Reaching peaks of over 15 feet in maximum dig depth and 17 feet in dump height, they provide powerful and dependable equipment while ensuring great operator comfort. Easy to operate, maneuver, and control, Kubota is a brand you should keep in mind in your search for a compact excavator.

Kubota Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

New Holland

The featured aspect of New Holland mini excavators is the horsepower available for their two medium-class machines. Both weighing in around 12,000-13,000 lbs provide best-in-class engine power and generally outperform competitor machines with similar specs. Unfortunately, New Holland does not provide a maximum dump height for any of their models, so that column is left blank in the table below.

New Holland Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

SANY

Operating in North America since 2006, SANY is a China-founded equipment manufacturer and one of the most popular mini and large excavator brands in the world. With five products currently being manufactured, SANY's mini excavators offer a wide range of versatility for small and medium-sized projects. 

SANY Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Takeuchi

Coming in with the third-largest selection on the list, Takeuchi is one of only four brands to surpass 15 and 17 feet in dig depth and dump height, respectively. These machines are consistently high performing and reliable and provide a wide variety of models for small-medium-sized projects. Takeuchi mini excavators also have engine power on par with industry leaders, a great addition to already-impressive specs.

Takeuchi Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Volvo

With a rich history in construction equipment manufacturing, the Sweden-founded Volvo is as reliable as they come. Manufacturing a wide range of products, Volvo's mini excavators are great options when working on small-scale landscaping, demolition, and construction projects. With 11 models ranging in size from 3,748 lbs to just under 21,000 lbs, they are sure to have a mini that suits your needs. Also, they have one of the few wheeled mini excavator models with the Volvo EW60E, making them great for road-working projects.

Volvo Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Wacker Neuson

With a wide selection of 12 models, including at least one in all three weight classes, Wacker Neuson mini excavators are competent machines. They provide three series of mini excavators to suit any project: tracked conventional tail (ET), zero tail (EZ), and wheeled (EW). Although there are distinct advantages to each, perhaps the most important competitive edge comes with the EZ series. With minimal rear overhang, you can easily work in confined spaces or near obstacles.

Wacker Neuson Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Yanmar

Focused on efficiency, performance, and reliability, Yanmar manufactures nine mini-excavators ranging from 1 ton to 10.5 tons. With better fuel economy and zero tail swing on the ViO models, they work well in small, confined spaces.

Yanmar Mini Excavator Sizes and Specs

Renting a Mini Excavator

As mentioned, operating weight, dig depth, dump height, and engine power are the most important factors to consider when choosing the right piece of equipment for your job site. We hope this guide has helped you figure out what size of mini excavator you need.

Whether you're searching for a small, medium, or large compact excavator from Bobcat, Cat, Takeuchi, JCB, John Deere, New Holland, Kubota, Wacker Neuson, Hitachi, CASE, or Doosan, you can find your next mini excavator rental from DOZR.

Not convinced that a mini excavator will be the best option for your project? Check out our backhoe spec guide to help you in picking out the perfect backhoe rental.