Whether you’ve rented and used a mini excavator only once or a million and two times, it doesn’t take long for it to become clear how versatile, powerful, and capable these little machines are. And with so many use cases, it can sometimes seem like there isn’t anything that you can’t do with a mini excavator rental.
But it’s important to remember that every machine has its limits, and a mini excavator is no exception to that rule. Perhaps even more important, however, is being able to recognize that just because a mini excavator can do a job, doesn’t mean it’s the best choice of machinery.
So how do you know when to rent a mini excavator, and when to opt for a different earth moving equipment rental? This blog is your roadmap to whether a mini excavator can effectively and efficiently help you finish your project, or if a different piece of equipment is the right call instead.
What Is a Mini Excavator?
As the name suggests, a mini excavator is simply a more compact version of a standard-sized excavator and usually weighs less than 9 tons. Features of a mini excavator usually include a cab for the operator that can rotate a full 360 degrees, tracks or wheels that support mobility, and an arm. Notably, the arm can be outfitted with various attachments, including a bucket, breakers, blades, drivers, augers, and many others.
Ideal Jobs for Mini Excavators
With “excavation” quite literally being in the name, it goes without saying that mini excavators are an ideal machine for getting some digging done. But there are so many more tasks that mini excavators are well suited for, such as:
- Indoor jobs
- Tasks in tight, confined spaces
- Yardwork and landscaping projects
- Leveling the ground
- Trenching—both shallow and deep trenches
- Backfilling
- Compressing soil
- Clearing land
- Plowing and removing snow
- Digging foundations for homes and small commercial structures
- Demolishing small structures and buildings
- Drilling fencepost holes
- Removing stumps
- Removing large rocks, asphalt, and other rubble and debris
- Digging roadside ditches
- Creating and maintaining large trails
- Installing septic tanks
- Dredging waterways
- Planting trees
- Creating garden beds
- Installing an irrigation system
- Installing fences
- Making a new driveway
- Excavating a new pond or in-ground pool
Remember, while this list certainly goes on and on, it doesn’t go on forever.
7 Tasks and Jobs Poorly Suited for a Mini Excavator
As we alluded to above, even though the variety of jobs and projects that you can use a mini excavator for are plentiful, they’re not infinite. In fact, there are instances where using a mini excavator might not be appropriate, and even unsafe.
#1: Heavy-Duty Tasks
Per their size, mini excavators are designed for light to medium-duty tasks. Therefore, attempting to tackle heavy-duty jobs with parameters that are beyond a mini excavator’s spec capacities and capabilities can strain the machine, lead to equipment failures, and even cause accidents and injuries. In such cases, it’s best to opt for a larger machine with higher horsepower.
#2: Large-Scale Demolition Jobs
While mini excavators can certainly handle smaller demolition tasks, tearing down large buildings or structures that are mainly comprised of concrete are jobs that are better suited for larger excavators with superior hammering power.
#3: Deep Excavation Jobs
Although many mini excavators can dig to a considerable depth of almost 15 feet, larger machines can still dig even deeper. So while a mini excavator is great for digging utility trenches, projects that require excavations of deeper depths will require a machine with a longer reach.
#4: Extensive Heavy Lifting Tasks
Mini excavators are strong, powerful little machines, but if your project involves a bunch of boulders, you’ll be better off with a larger piece of heavy equipment. Otherwise, you risk overloading the machine or even breaking it while trying to lift something that’s much too heavy for a mini excavator.
#5: Tasks Hauling Materials Long Distances
Similar to heavy lifting activities, mini excavators just aren’t designed for transporting materials over long distances. For one thing, mini excavators are not road-ready, meaning you need a trailer or suitable truck to move the machine from one work site to another. But even if you’re just moving those boulders from one side of the worksite to the other, you’ll be better off renting a larger piece of heavy equipment.
#6: Jobs on Unstable Terrain or Sleep Slopes
Mini excavators perform best on firm, level ground; they’re less stable on steep or uneven terrain and increase your risk of tipping over and getting hurt. So if you’re working on slopes, mud, or loose soil, a machine with outriggers or tracks specifically designed for uneven surfaces will be safer.
#7: Jobs in Confined Spaces Without Proper Ventilation
Although mini excavators excel at tasks in tight spaces, that’s entirely dependent on there being proper airflow. This is because mini excavators frequently run on gas or diesel engines, which emit exhaust fumes that can pose health risks in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, like respiratory problems or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Rent a Mini Excavator from Equipment Source
The question is: Can a mini excavator rental help you complete your project?
If the answer is yes, The Equipment Source team is here to help you select a mini excavator size and model that best aligns with your project goals and specific requirements.
But if you’re still unsure, that’s okay, too: The Equipment Source still has your back. Whether you want to stop by one of our seven locations or give us a call, our team is ready to discuss your goals and the parameters of your project. Together, we can help you figure out if a mini excavator is the right choice for your situation and circumstances.
If you’ve been asking yourself, Is there an equipment rental near me? Or if you’ve been wondering if one of The Equipment Source’s locations is in Englewood, Florida, the answer is a unanimous yes! With seven locations, you can count on The Equipment Source team to help you start and finish your projects with ease.
Have any questions? Ready to make an equipment reservation and get your hands a little dirty? Contact our equipment rental experts today!
FAQs
What is more useful a skid steer or a mini excavator?
It depends on what you want to do and what your project entails, but a mini excavator is more useful for some tasks while a skid steer is more useful for others:
Skid steers are typically faster than mini excavators and offer a wider range of attachment options. They’re also better for lifting and for large grading jobs, but mini excavators are better suited for excavation jobs, underground utility work, and generally smaller jobs.
What are the pros and cons of a mini excavator?
Pros include versatility, cycle efficiency, fuel efficiency, maneuverability, reduced ground impact, and cost-effective equipment options.
Cons include limited power, small operator cabs, slower travel speeds, not being road-friendly, and not ideal for larger projects or those on loose terrain.
What is too many hours on a mini excavator?
It will vary on the machine’s make and model, but you should start paying closer attention to the wear and tear of a mini excavator once it has logged around 3,000 hours of use.
Are there any small equipment rentals near me?
The Equipment Source has seven locations, including our store in Naples, Florida. Stop by your local branch or give us a call, and our team will help you access the tools and equipment you need to finish your projects.