Are you looking to buy a Mini Excavator? Making a decision can be difficult as there so many different models being offered for sale and price spread is huge. In this article we will go over main things to keep in mind when comparing mini excavator models while making a purchase decision.
Mini Excavator comparison criteria
- Mini Excavator Weight: It is common to find mini excavators ranging from 1.6 tons to 2 tons (machine weight) all being called a "2 ton mini excavators" as the reference is being made to the Operating Weight and not a Machine Weight. To compare apples to apples, ask the seller about the actual machine weight.
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Mini Excavator Performance Characteristics: Mini excavators have four basic performance characteristic: Max Digging Distance, Max Digging Depth, Max Digging Height, Max Dumping Height. Read our "Important mini excavator features to keep in mind" blog post to get more details. Please note that operation of the mini excavators at their maximum specifications is not efficient. It is better to buy a mini excavator that is capable of doing more than what your projects will require
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Mini Excavator Engine: Cheaper priced mini excavators usually come equipped with gasoline engines. Gasoline engines are less expensive, but they can be less efficient, might require more maintenance and cost more in the long run. Usually it is preferable to buy a mini excavator with a diesel engine. Read "Find Out if the Kubota D902 is the Right Diesel Engine for Your Mini Excavator!" blog article to get more information about Kubota D902 diesel engine that JoyT5's JT5200 2 Ton mini excavator is equipped with.
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Mini Excavator Hydraulic Pump Type: Mini excavators can be equipped with hydraulic gear pump or hydraulic piston pump. A piston pump provides smoother operation but it is more expensive. Read our "Main Components of the Excavator Hydraulic System" blog post to learn more about the differences
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Final Drives / Travel Motors: Mini excavators can be equipped with single or double speed travel motors. Double speed will allow for faster travel, can provide more power and be more efficient. This will lead to long term fuel savings. When inspecting a mini excavator, it is easy to tell the type of the final drives by the number of hydraulic hoses connected to them. Single speed mini excavator final drive will have 2 houses and double speed final drive will have 3 hoses. A secondary benefit of the double speed final drives is that often they come with hose cover that lowers the risk of damaging final drive hoses
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Boom Swing: Some excavators are equipped with a swing boom that can also move the boom from side to side without rotating the excavator house. Cheaper models do not come equipped with this option
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Expendable / retractable tracks: Mini excavators under 2 tons can be equipped with expendable / retractable tracks. Read our "Mini Excavator terms that you should know" blog article that has more information about the benefits of a retractable undercarriage
Boom Swing and Retractable Tracks Demo
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Boom Hydraulic Cylinder Location: Mini excavators, up to 2 tons, can have a boom cylinder located over the boom or under. The classic configuration has the boom hydraulic cylinder located under the boom and these models are usually cheaper. However major mini excavator brands like Kubota, CAT and Caterpillar prefer an over the boom cylinder mount for the following reasons:
- Improved Mini Excavator Key Performance Characteristics: Over the boom cylinder mounts will result in a greater maximum digging depth than under the boom cylinder models of the same size
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Additional boom cylinder protection: The boom itself is protecting the cylinder from being damaged by the material being excavated
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Hydraulic Cylinder Shields: At first, it might look like a minor detail, but cylinder shields add an extra layer of protection to your mini excavator that can prevent accidents and mini excavator down time. Also cylinder shields are mandatory for safe operation of some attachments such as hydraulic breaker hammers, to protect the arm cylinder from flying debris during operation of the mini excavator attachment. A cylinder shield can be added later, but they can cost several hundred dollars each for a 2 ton mini excavator.
How to Compare Mini Excavators, Conclusion
Mini excavators are an investment. It is best to do your due diligence and make sure that the mini excavator you will buy delivers the most value for your money. The above 9 aspects of mini excavators is a great starting point to conduct your comparison.
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