How Much Do Mini Excavators Cost in 2023?
In general, a good middle-range price to expect is $29,900 – $48,700. Some will cost quite a bit more, while others will come in under that number. Start here:
Mini Excavator Buyers Guide: Calculate The Cost
Mini excavators are for many different types of construction projects. Whether you need to break some ground for new cement or dig some trenches for a new sprinkler system, this machine could work for you.
And mini excavator prices aren’t bad, either. It only takes a little know-how to get the best deal.
Here’s how much a mini excavator cost, and what you need to know before you buy one.
Comparing Mini Excavator Prices by Company
The brand you go with can play a big role in the cost of the machine. To give you an idea of the price range you should be prepared for, let’s look at a few companies and the mini excavators they sell.
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Bobcat
Bobcat offers several of what they call “compact excavators” and they aren’t short on features. They’re specifically designed to help the operator have a great experience.
Comfort, ride, capacity, and visibility are all priorities at Bobcat. You’ll see that in their designs.
So what do Bobcat compact excavators run for? That will depend on the features, which you can specify if you want.
Used machines sell for $40,000 to even $90,000. Be prepared to spend at least $50,060 on a new compact excavator from Bobcat.
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Kubota
Kubota mini excavators have a large range of prices. You can get your hands on a used one for $12,600, or for $65,200. It all depends on the use of history and features.
Kubota puts out several quality machines. They come in different sizes and provide low noise and good fuel efficiency. They’re also designed to be easy to operate, so they’re great if you haven’t operated a mini excavator before.
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Hitachi
Hitachi offers 23 different models of mini excavators. This wide variety means you have a good chance of finding a Hitachi machine that meets your needs.
Safety features are a priority, so Hitachi is a good choice if you really want to make sure operations will go smoothly.
Hitachi machines are less expensive if you’re willing to consider buying used. You can find some under $10,100, while others are listed closer to $40,600.
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John Deere
This name shouldn’t sound unfamiliar if you’re used to looking at heavy equipment. John Deere offers several different compact excavators for you to choose from.
And, there are many attachments to choose from too. These include blades, brooms, augers, buckets, hammers, and mulchers.
Though this is a big name, you can find some used excavators for as low as around $13,600. Others are in the $30,700 to $40,010 range.
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New Holland
New Holland released six new mini excavators in 2017. These machines are meant to do more without taking as much of your money.
Are you interested in anti-theft technology? Then this is the place to look.
Expect to pay around $15,200 to $30,200 for a used New Holland mini excavator. You may be able to find some cheaper than that, though, if you’re willing to consider older models.
How Much Does a Mini Excavator Cost?
The price of your new mini excavator will depend on several factors. First, you’ll have to consider if you’re buying used or new. New machines will likely cost you more.
That doesn’t mean you should rule out used machines, though. If you’re looking to save some cash, a used machine could be a great option, as long as it’s in good working condition.
The features of each excavator help determine the price point, too. In general, a good middle-range price to expect is $29,700 – $48,700. Some will cost quite a bit more, while others will come in under that number.
You may find a great excavator for $20,100. Or you may have to fork out $90,200 for the one you want.
Since prices vary so much, it’s important to know what you need. Otherwise, you could end up spending more than you need to.
Fees to Avoid When Buying a Mini Excavator
There aren’t any fees associated with buying a mini excavator. The only time you’ll need to worry about fees is if you’re renting.
When renting, you’ll have to pay fees based on the rental terms you agreed to. If you don’t like the fee schedule at one location, you’ll have other options elsewhere.
While fees may sound like a pain, they may be a better option than purchasing. Use your specific situation to determine what the best course of action is for you.
What to Consider Before You Buy a Mini Excavator?
There are many things that need to be taken into consideration as you choose a mini excavator. There’s a huge variety to choose from, so one excavator may be very different from the one next to it. It’s up to you to know the difference.
Here are some of the things you should research when choosing the right excavator.
Size
All mini excavators are smaller than full-sized ones, but there are different sizes within the mini category. Some may still be too large for your job, while others may be too small.
To determine what size of excavator you need, you’ll have to evaluate your worksite. The excavator must be able to fit into the area that needs to be worked. This means it must be able to maneuver correctly, not just fit.
When looking at size, consider height, width, and length. Otherwise, you may end up with a dimension that doesn’t work.
Tail Swing
If you’ll be working in close proximity to structures you’ll need to choose a machine with zero or low tail swing. This means you’ll be less restricted during rotations.
Weight
How will you transport your excavator? Make sure it isn’t too heavy for the setup you plan to use. Otherwise, you’ll cause too much strain to your hauling vehicle, or you won’t be able to move the excavator at all.
Fuel Consumption
When considering the total cost of owning a mini excavator, don’t forget to factor in the cost of the fuel your machine needs to run. While mini excavators won’t cost as much to run as full-sized excavators, some may not be as efficient as others.
Make sure the excavator you choose uses fuel efficiently in order to avoid unnecessary costs.
Undercarriage Options
You may need your excavator to be able to fit through tight spaces, such as a gate. If so, look for an excavator with a retractable undercarriage. This allows your excavator to become more narrow when you need it to.
Arm Length
Different excavators come with different arms. Since the arm is one of the most important parts of the excavator, make sure it will work for what you need it to do.
Consider your project and workspace. Will a standard arm do the trick? If not, find a size that works for you.
Excavator arms are available in long and extendable sizes. These allow for longer reach and higher dump height.
It won’t do you much good if your excavator can’t reach the container it’s supposed to dump stuff in, so make sure it’s the right size.
Safety Features
No doubt about it, there’s some danger when working with heavy machinery like excavators. Even the mini ones should be respected as powerful.
Make sure the excavators you’re considering have appropriate safety features built-in. If they don’t, choose something else. Your safety isn’t worth compromising for the cost.
Protection
Your excavator is a major investment. So protect it like it is. Make sure your excavator has some sort of anti-theft mechanism or technology.
The last thing you want is to suddenly be without a piece of equipment you regularly rely on.
Attachments
Several types of attachments are available for mini excavators. These can be purchased or rented.
What attachments should you look into? Do your research on hydraulic breakers and clamps, augers, and any other attachments you’re interested in.
The types of attachments you have determined the types of work your excavator can do.
Part Availability
Sometimes in your ownership, you may need to purchase some replacement parts. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you have easy access to the parts that make up your machine.
Once you’ve chosen an excavator you like, look around to see if replacement parts can be purchased in your area. While they don’t have to be found locally, having them close by will help you solve problems quicker. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for parts to ship to you.
Make sure attachments are available close-by too. That way, when you need them, they’ll be easily accessible. Check to see if there are rental options, too, if you’ll only use certain attachments occasionally.
Test Drive
If the dealer will let you, take the excavator you’re considering on a test drive. This is the best way to see if it will work for your needs.
Work with what you have available, but if possible, put the excavator through its paces. Make sure it can perform how and where you need it to.
The text drive can really be the defining factor in your decision. It can help you see what features you do and don’t need.
Depth
How deep should your excavator be able to dig? Whatever that number is, make sure the machines you’re considering can do that.
If you need a ten-foot-deep hole, a machine that can only dig eight feet deep isn’t going to cut it. There are plenty of options out there, so don’t settle for less than what you want.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Mini Excavator?
Even if you look at used machines, mini excavators aren’t cheap. So it may be in your best interests to rent one instead of buying one outright.
Renting is perfect if you don’t have a huge, ongoing need for an excavator. If you only need one here and there for odd projects, renting is a great option.
So what does it cost to rent a mini excavator instead of buying one? Prices will differ depending on the machine and where you rent it from. You’ll also need to consider the rental terms.
Mini excavators can be rented on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Some locations may offer hourly rates as well. You decide what’s best for you based on your project needs.
The longer you rent the vehicle, the more you’ll pay. But, your rate may get better if you rent the excavator for longer.
If you’re looking to rent the excavator for only a few hours or a single day, plan to pay a few hundred dollars for it. A week will run you several hundred dollars and a month will cost a few thousand dollars.
Because of this, it’s better to purchase a mini excavator if you’re going to use it often. If you only need it short-term, though, renting is a good option.
Always Compare Mini Excavator Prices
You should always compare when looking at mini excavator prices. Compare every specification that comes with each excavator.
Prices differ depending on many factors. Make sure you understand them if you want to get the best deal.
Consider brand names, any attachments that are included, how long the excavator has been in use, and if it’s better to buy new. You may want to consider renting, too.
Whichever option is best for you, go forward with it. You’ll love having an excavator all your own!
More Excavator Pricing
| Mini Excavator | Overall Rating | Financing | Warranty | Shipping | Compare Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Erskine |  |  | | |  |
 | Caterpillar | | | | | |
 | Bobcat | | | | | |
 | Bruder Schaeff | | | |  | |
 | Hitachi | | | | | |
 | John Deere |  | | | | |
 | Kubota | | | | | |
 | Takeuchi | | | | | |
 | Wacker Neuson | | | | | |
 | Kobelco | | | | | |
 | Yanmar | | | | | |
 | New Holland | | | | | |
Most models run with a diesel engine and are mounted on a set of tracks. The tracks are rugged, heavy-duty models to make the machine practical in as many environments as possible. These units are seen in a variety of settings, including home and commercial construction, road building, land clearing, forestry and more. The price of a mini excavator is often related to the power and size of the machine.
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