There are a lot of options for mini excavators on the market today from every construction equipment manufacturer you can think of, but they aren’t all equal in terms of quality, serviceability, and expected lifespan. So how do you know which mini excavator is best for your needs? It can be overwhelming to sift through so many options. To help you narrow down your choices, the experts here at Papé Machinery Construction & Forestry, have put together some great tips for finding the best mini excavator for your business.

Mini Excavator Specs To Compare

It’s important to compare the specifications for all of the mini excavator models you are considering to ensure you get the most capable equipment for your budget.

Size – The primary selling points of mini excavators are their small footprint and lower cost compared to a full-size excavator. When looking at mini excavators, you need to consider the dimensions and operating weights to guarantee you can get the equipment to your job sites and that it can do the work it needs to do while it’s there. Keep jobsite obstacles and your towing capacity in mind.

Digging Depth – Most mini excavators for sale offer a maximum dig depth of about 7 feet on the low end up to about 12.5 feet on the high end. That number is for the maximum depth that can be dug from flat level ground. We recommend opting for a machine that has approximately 20% more capacity than you usually need. For example, if your projects typically require 8-foot trenches, you want to opt for a model with a max digging depth of at least 9.6 feet to minimize the need to frequently reposition the equipment.

Digging Reach – From 12 feet up to 20 feet+, the standard reach of mini excavators can vary significantly. The longer the reach, the less frequently operators will need to move and position the mini excavator on the job site, saving valuable time. For additional reach, customers can add a long-arm option to some mini excavator models.

Net Power – In tough digging conditions, every bit of horsepower counts. We recommend opting for a mini excavator model with the greatest horsepower available once you’ve narrowed down your options using the other specs above.

Top Mini Excavator Attachments

One of the best things about a mini excavator is that contractors have the option to really use the equipment in a number of different ways depending on the attachments they purchase. With a quick attach coupling system, like the John Deere Quik-Tatch™ system, a mini excavator can double as a hydraulic hammer or compactor in minutes with quick and easy attachment swap.

Deere offers more than 15 attachment options for compact worksite products to help mini excavator owners maximize the value of their machines, including:

• Augers
• Trenchers
• Hammers
• Grapples
• Plate compactors
• Angle blades
• Upgraded bucket options
• Rubber or steel tracks

Best All Around Mini Excavator

When it comes to the best all-around mini excavator, we think the G-series from John Deere can’t be beat. With features like fuel-saving auto-shutdown, power and economy work modes, reduced-tail swing design, and an EPA Final Tier 4 direct-injected diesel engine, these mini excavators pack the power and efficiency of a much larger excavator in a well-designed compact package built to get the job done productively and profitably.

Not only are these mini excavator models efficient, but they’re designed with operator comfort in mind, too. The John Deere G-Series features a single hinge wide entry door, a spacious cab, and a large glass for unrestricted sightlines and enhanced visibility.

Whether you need an ultra-compact model like the 17G with an operating weight of just 3,790 lb. or a mini excavator with more power like the 60G, you’ll find what you need in the John Deere G-Series.

What Else Do You Need to Consider Before You Buy?

Whether adding to an existing fleet or purchasing your first piece of compact construction equipment, you’ll want to partner with a full-service dealership that is ready to support you and your business beyond the sale. At Papé Machinery Construction & Forestry, you’ll find knowledgeable sales staff, the latest equipment models, experienced service technicians, a huge in-stock parts inventory, the largest rental fleet in the West, an industry-leading warranty, and competitive financing rates for new and used equipment. Contact us today for a demo on a specific model or to learn more about our available mini excavators for sale in Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada.