Mini excavators, also known as ‘compact excavators’, provide the reliability, durability and comfort required by operators, contractors, plant hirers and builders. Weighing between two and six tons, mini excavators mount one heavy-duty arm on a set of tracks to undertake digging applications in smaller surroundings.
It is worth finding out when considering mini excavator hire or purchase whether there is the possibility of attachments such as varying bucket sizes, augers, thumbs and hydraulic hammers. Also, swing booms, zero tail swing, a backfill blade, an enclosed cab, or anti-vandalism features may all be worth noting when looking at mini excavators for sale.
When looking at different brands’ mini excavator sales, you will note that the brands offer different specialised features. In terms of mini excavators UK, the big brands are Takeuchi, JCB and Kubota.
Takeuchi
As pioneers of two speed tracking and hydraulically extending tracks, Takeuchi did much to bring the mini excavator up to the standards that we expect to find today. Furthermore, Takeuchi mini excavators are known for their durability and performance. The smallest Takeuchi digger is the TB106. Not so much mini as micro, this excavator weighs a minute 835kg. This diminutive model is able to pass though normal doorways, making it a particularly useful machine. Other models include the TB23R which boasts zero tail swing, and the FR range, such as the TB138Fr, TB153FR and TB180FR, which all have reduced tail swing and offset boom. The TB016 weighs less than 1600kg and is the most popular of the Takeuchi range. If you are looking for a wheeled option for street works, the TB175W is purpose built for road use, urban highways and recycling.
To compare the smallest Takeuchi mini excavator, and one its largest models: The TB108 weighs 835kg, has a dig depth of 1680mm, a max bucket dig force of 10.2kN, and a travel speed of 2.0-3.9 kph. The TB1140 weighs 14,230kg, has a max dig depth of 4990mm, a max bucket breakout force of 26.5kN, and a travel speed of 3.0-5.3 kph. As you can see, the TB1140 weighs less than twice the TB108, but combines an impressive breakout force and dig depth.
JCB
Known for their superb controllability, JCB produces a comprehensive range of mini excavators, from the micro mini 8018 digger weighing 1.7 tonnes, with a dig depth of 1879.6 mm, to the 8045 mini excavator which weighs 4.75 tonnes, and has a dig depth of 3542mm.
In the ZTS range are the 8025ZTS which weighs less than 2700kg, has a dig depth of 2600mm, and a bucket breakout force of 24kN. The 8030ZTS weighs 3,200kg and has a bucket breakout depth of 26kN. Also, the 8035ZTS weighs 3700kg and has a powerful 31.8hp diesel engine, making it a fast and efficient machine. All of these offer a revised boom and dipper design, and single-piece counterweight providing maximum stability, along with low noise levels and high tractive performance.
In the sub 5 tonne class, and popular with plant hirers, are the 8040ZTS and 8045 ZTS machines which weigh 4.3 tonnes and 4.75 tonnes respectively. The maximum dig depth for the 8040ZTS is 3341 mm and the longer dipper of the 8045ZTS gives a max dig depth of 3542mm. Both are equipped with powerful diesel Tier II engines, delivering 46hp, and are capable of a top speed of 5.5kph, and tractive efforts of 48kN and 55kN. JCB’s dozer blade design makes these two models highly proficient in dozing applications.
All JCB mini excavators are fitted with a single auxiliary hydraulic pedal, allowing more floor space in the cab, and JCB also offer reduced noise and vibration in cab for the welfare of the driver. The JCB mini digger excavator also offers good service access, with a rear mounted engine on the 8025, 8030, and 8035, and the side-mounted engine of 8040 and 8045 allowing the air and fuel filter, oil dipstick, water top-up, starter motor, alternator and the hydraulic pump to be easily found.
Kubota
Kubota prides itself on producing one of the most economical and green engines for the KX61-3. The Kubota V1505-EBH engine, with a full tank, gives ten hours of continuous work. In addition, in the 2.5 ton class, the KX61-3 Kubota mini excavator boasts both the longest arm and largest digging depth. It also has the biggest force, in terms of arm and bucket digging. With this model, services and repairs are made easy with the double-opening bonnet. It also has variable displacement pumps for fuel efficiency, a reduced noise level of 77db, and low vibration levels. It also has a V-shaped thick plate which prevents damage from transportation or rocks. The undercarriage has 300mm rubber tracks and has a two speed travel switch on the dozer lever.
The Kubota mini excavator has an independent pedal for boom swing and auxiliary hydraulic for easier operation. For the safety and comfort of the driver, there is ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure, ISO 3471), FOPS (Falling Objects Protective Structure) level 1, adjustable seat, seatbelt, wrist rests and emergency exit hammer.
In addition you can choose optional equipment for the Kubota mini excavator, including the 1300mm arm, 300mm steel track for the undercarriage, and other add-ons such as radio installation, a warning buzzer and anti-theft device.
As with other mini excavator brands, there are various weights within the range, such as the K008-3 weighing a mere 1 tonne, and the U35 which weighs 3.64 tonnes. As a general rule, the dig depth and reach (or dump height) of the mini excavator will increase in accordance with the weight of the excavator. Another model in the Kubota range is the KX121-3 which offers an angle blade. This may be an important requirement when looking into mini excavators for sale or hire.
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