Mini Excavator Basic Features
- A mini excavator consists of a cab, engine, dual rubber or steel track undercarriage, a boom arm, and an attachment. The cab, where the operator sits, can pivot 360° on top of the tracks.
- The diesel engine provides propulsion power for the tracks and powers the hydraulic systems that do the digging.
- The steel or rubber tracks move the machine around the work site, even on loose or muddy ground.
- The boom or dipper, the arm that holds the attachment, provides the digging power.
- The attachment does the actual work. Most excavators come with a standard bucket — a toothed bucket for digging into dirt or gravel — but can support many other types of attachments.
- Tracks
Both rubber and steel tracks are popular on mini excavators. Steel tracks are more durable and provide good traction on loose dirt. However, on pavement or landscaped areas, rubber tracks do a much better job at reducing surface damage and ground pressure: a rubber-tracked mini excavator can drive right over a curb or pavement without crushing or scratching it.
- Attachments
Switching between multiple attachments lets you get much more use out of your mini excavator. Different sizes and styles of buckets are used for different types of digging. Other common attachments include augers (for boring holes),thumbs (for pinching or gripping) and hydraulic hammers. Some mini excavators even use the same "quick attach" couplers as skid steer loaders, allowing you to share attachments between the two. (For more information on Attachments, read our buyer's guide.)
- Many Mini Excavators offer boom offset or swing booms. This popular feature moves the entire digging arm left or right of center. This allows the excavator to dig a trench parallel to its own tracks, and to do so in tight quarters next to existing walls or structures.
- Zero tail swing
Mini Excavators with zero tail swing (sometimes called "compact radius" excavators) can rotate their cabs completely within the width of their tracks, preventing the operator from ever bumping anything with the "tail" or back part of the cab.
- Backfill blade
Many come standard with a backfill or dozer blade that attaches below the boom, making it easy to backfill and level after you're done digging without having to change attachments. Some recent models also offer hydraulic angling to the backfill dozer blade.
- Enclosed cabs
As with skid steer loaders, enclosed cabs that shelter operators from the elements are becoming much more popular on mini excavators than they used to be. These often include heat and air conditioning, and can go a long way towards keeping operators comfortable and working at their best.
- Anti-vandalism features
If you'll be leaving your excavator at job sites overnight, look for mini excavators that allow you to lock up the controls to prevent troublemakers from damaging the machine. Or see our link on our LoJack anti-theft system.
Unlike some other types of compact equipment, mini excavators are almost exclusively available with diesel engines. (Electric mini excavators do exist, but they're very rare and are mostly found in Europe or Asian markets.) A single tank of diesel fuel should give you about 8 to 10 hours of working ability.
Buying tips
When evaluating used mini excavators, demonstrations are even more important than with new machines. Pay attention to the overall feel — if the tracks run freely in both directions and if the arm responds well to the controls. However, don't let yourself be wowed by a fresh paint alone — that can sometimes mean the seller is hiding other problems. (This is especially true when considering buying at an Auction)
Inspect the undercarriage for excessive wear, rust, and shoddy repair work. Look at the hydraulic seals for signs of leaks or other problems, and check the engine for signs of neglect (cracking hoses, worn belts, etc).
If you're buying a used mini excavator, the extra protection of a warranty contract can be a better value. (See Our Warranty Options) Just having expert technicians inspect and lubricate the machine once or twice per year can help prevent small defects from developing into larger problems.
Working in tandem. A mini excavator and a skid steer loader (Read Skid Steer Buyer’s Guide) are a powerful combo that can often replace a full-sized backhoe loader. In addition to being more economical, having both machines lets you do two jobs at once, thus making your company more productive and effient.
The right tool for the job: If you're using an attachment that requires hydraulic power — a thumb, auger, or other hydraulic attachments — make sure your excavator is supplying the correct amount of hydraulic flow and pressure. Too much pressure and you risk damaging the attachment; too little and the performance will suffer. Want more information about mini excavator attachments (see attachment) before you buy?
Used Mini Excavator Pricing
A New mini excavator is not cheap: they can range from $19,000 at the low end to $90,000 for the largest models.
Excavators are built with 8,000 to 10,000 hours expected operating lifespan; so many used mini excavator models are available with good operating lives left in them. Two- to three-year old models with a couple of thousand hours on them can be about 25% to 30% cheaper than new models, while older mini excavators with a little more wear are 40% to 50% less than a new unit. At Equipment Distributors, Inc. our goal is to provide our customers with the best quality pre-owned mini excavators in the industry. (See Certified Inspection)
Choosing Were To Buy Your Mini Excavator
When buying a used mini excavator, you're creating an ongoing relationship with that company. The company you choose may well provide the service and support to keep your machine running smoothly, so it's important that you find one who is reputable, stable, and can provide top-notch service and support. If however you are a buyer only concerned with price sencesitivity this may not be a concern for you, but could lead to making a catastrophic and costly choice.
Some important questions to ask when evaluating, which company you, will do your purchasing with.
- How long have you been in business?
- What type of Warranties do you Offer?
- Do they offer a Money Back Guarentee?
- What kind of parts inventory do you keep on site?
- How many technicians do you have? What is their training and experience like?
- Do you do on-site service if my excavator needs repairs?
If possible you should visit the dealer's facility. Simply seeing the parts warehouse and service areas can give you a good sense of their capabilities.
Talking to other businesses in your area can be a great source of insight into dealers' strengths and weaknesses. Connect with your peers to find out where they turn for compact construction equipment, and get their opinions on the dealers you're considering.
You should also ask the dealer for customer references, preferably of customers with applications similar to yours. When checking references, you can ask questions like these:
- How long have you been a customer of theirs? How many machines have you purchased from them?
- Did you get the right machines for your applications?
- Has the dealer done a good job with maintenance and repairs?
- Would you buy from this dealer again?
- What could the dealer improve about their operation?
Lastly, trust your instincts. A pushy dealer who seems more interested in selling you the 'deal of the day' than understanding your needs and providing the best solution for you is one you should avoid. Helpful and knowledgeable equipment sales specialists are a good indicator of a company that has your best interests in mind and will be worthwhile partnering with in the long run.
Not all construction equipment dealers or brokers are very familiar with used mini excavators. In some cases, the dealer or broker may do more business in full size equipment, or sell mostly new equipment, while used mini excavators represent only a small portion of their sales. Here at Equipment Distributors, Inc. we specialize in the sale of used mini excavators. We know that due to the fact that we sell such a high volume of used mini excavators we will be able to do a better job of helping you make the right choice.
The stress and wear that a mini excavator may undergo also means that your relationship with the dealer or seller is important for preventative maintenance and repairs – especially when buying used. You'll want to make sure the company you choose is familiar with used Bobcats and other brands of mini excavators, has excellent service policies and staff, and is someone you'll be able to work with easily. Read more about Equipment Distributors, Inc. Certified Inspection Money Back Guarantee or Warranties Available
Choose a company you feel is honest with you and who is easy to work with: those impressions are often accurate. Saving a few thousand dollars on a used mini excavator is insignificant compared to the ongoing costs you’ll incur over the years you may own the machine. Instead of focusing only on the initial price, concentrate on establishing a relationship with a company who is trustworthy and easy to work with.
If you're in the market for a used Bobcat or other brand mini excavator, or any compact construction equipment, Equipment Distributors, Inc. can help you find the right equipment for your jobsite application. Fill out one simple form and we'll match you with the best equipment for your job. Equipment Request Form
Equipment Distributors Inc.
503 Pulaski Highway
Joppa, MD 21085
To contact us call
410-538-6000 or send us an email!
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