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Rent Mini Excavators: Understanding Popular Size Terminology

Posted on Monday, April 22, 2024

Looking to rent a mini excavator? Although they’re called “mini” excavators, there are still considerable size variations among these heavy equipment machines. Ranging from quite tiny to the admittedly larger side of “small,” mini excavator sizes are just as varied as their use cases. And while mini excavator model numbers typically increase alongside the machine’s increase in size and specs, the terminology referring to various sizes and size ranges can be more nuanced and confusing.

With this guide in your back pocket, you’ll better understand the different mini excavator sizes and be better prepared to identify which excavator for rent best suits your project goals.

Micro Excavator Rentals

The smaller mini excavators are sometimes called micro excavators, or even compact excavators. These terms typically refer to mini excavators in the 17 and 18 size range.

Micro excavators generally have a horsepower between 13 and 17 and an operating weight between 3,000 and 4,050 pounds. In addition, these machines can typically dig and dump from a range of 7 and 8.5 feet.

Ideal jobs for micro excavators in the 17 and 18 size range include indoor projects, yardwork projects, digging shallow trenches, and leveling the ground.

Mini Excavator Rentals

Remember, all the excavator sizes and terms discussed in this article are mini excavators. That being said, when people say “mini excavator,” they’re often talking about excavators in the 30, 33, 35, 40, and 45 size range.

Mini excavators in this size range generally have a horsepower between 23 and 41, and an operating weight between 6,250 and 11,000 pounds. In addition, these machines can usually dig between 9 and 12 feet deep and can dump from a height between 10 and 13 feet.

Mini excavators in the 30, 33, 35, 50, and 45 size range are an ideal choice for jobs like backfilling, digging deep trenches, compressing soil, and clearing land.

Small Excavator Rentals

The term mini excavator is synonymous with the term small excavator, though it’s sometimes used to refer to some of the larger mini excavator sizes: Sizes 55 and 57.

Small excavators generally have a horsepower between 37 and 48, and an operating weight between 11,000 and 12,500 pounds. In addition, these machines can usually dig 11 to almost 14 feet deep, and can usually dump from a height of almost 13 to 14.5 feet.

Ideal jobs for small excavator rentals include digging foundations for homes and small commercial structures, demolishing small structures and buildings, digging fencepost holes, and removing stumps and large rocks.

Excavator Rentals

Some of the largest mini excavators look big enough that some people don’t realize they’re still considered to be “mini”—like the 80 and 85 sizes. As a result, these are sometimes referred to simply as “excavators.”

Excavators in this size range generally have a horsepower between 55 and 70, and an operating weight between 18,000 and 20,000 pounds. These machines can usually dig between 14 and 15 feet deep, and can usually dump from a height between 15 and 18.5 feet.

Ideal jobs for mini excavators in the 80 and 85 size range include bigger jobs like digging roadside ditches, creating and maintaining large trails, installing septic tanks, and dredging waterways.

5 Benefits of Renting Mini Excavators

The advantages of renting a mini excavator are practically endless, but five benefits deserve special recognition:

  1. Offers opportunities to try different brands and models
  2. Provides access to the latest models and technology for a fraction of the purchase price
  3. Repair services and maintenance support is included
  4. Can rent one size for one project, then rent a different size for another project as needed
  5. Renters don’t have to worry about finding space to store the machine while it’s not in use

Rent a Mini Excavator from The Equipment Source

Do you have a project that a mini excavator can help with? Or, do you have multiple projects that would benefit from renting a mini excavator? Whether it’s one project or several, The Equipment Source team is here to help you choose a mini excavator that aligns with your needs and circumstances. And with eight different locations, The Equipment Source is prepared to help you get the project done quickly and seamlessly.

FAQs

What’s the going rate for a mini excavator rental?

Although the total cost will vary depending on the mini excavator’s make and model, you can expect rental fees to fall somewhere between $200 and $500 per day.

Can anyone use a mini excavator?

Yes! Mini excavators are very user-friendly, making them popular among experienced construction workers and novices. That being said, The Equipment Source always provides brief but thorough training on safe operation.

How big of a mini excavator do I need?

It depends on what project(s) you’re working on. For instance, smaller models in the 17 and 18 size range suit projects like yardwork and planting trees. Mini excavators in the 80 and 85 size range are better suited for larger projects like installing septic tanks or dredging waterways.

If you’re unsure which mini excavator size is right for your project, our team at The Equipment Source is here to help.

Are there any small equipment rentals near me in Naples, Florida?

Yes! The Equipment Source offers eight convenient locations, one of which is located in Naples, Florida. Open Monday through Friday from 7-5, our expert team is ready to help you access the tools and equipment you need.

Are there any equipment rentals near me in Englewood, Florida?

Yes! One of The Equipment Source’s eight locations is in Englewood, Florida. Stop by Monday through Friday between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM, and our team will help you determine what equipment you need to finish your projects with ease.

Ready to Rent A Mini Excavator?

If you’re asking yourself, Are there any equipment rentals near me in Naples, Florida? you can rest assured that The Equipment Source has you covered. From questions about our different location hours or inquiries about our available earth moving equipment rentals, our experienced team is here to help.

Have any questions? Ready to rent and get your project done? Contact our equipment rental experts today!