Key takeaways: 

• Lots of compact excavators are being sold. Size-to-power ratio, transportability, and attachment versatility continue to drive strong demand across contractors and rental.
• The 3- to 4-metric-ton class dominates the market. These machines deliver the best balance of digging power, lift capacity, maneuverability, and ease of transport.
• Today's mini excavators are smarter. Grade control, advanced hydraulics, telematics, electric models, retractable undercarriages, and attachment options are expanding what these compact machines can accomplish.

I’ve been writing about mini excavators for 25 years. Fun fact: I once won a national gold writing award for a mini excavator market overview. Over the last quarter of a century, it’s been crazy to see the popularity of this category grow and evolve. Today, mini excavators or compact excavators (same thing) represent one of the largest sales segments in the earthmoving equipment market. Let’s find out why.

What the heck is a mini or compact excavator?

Compact excavators are long-armed earthmovers and tool carriers typically weighing between 1 and 8 metric tons. They are designed to work in tight spaces — backyards, urban jobsites, utility corridors, landscaping projects, and indoor demolition work. Compact excavators feature an undercarriage, tracks, a rotating house, boom, and attachments. They can dig between 5 and 20 feet. They come with cabs or ROPs operating stations, various tail swing configurations, and diesel engines ranging from 13 to 70+ hp. There are a few electric variants on the market too. The combination of compact dimensions, transportability, digging performance, and attachment versatility has made compact excavators a favorite with everyone from landscapers to rental houses.

But the words “compact excavator” can be a little misleading. They do way more than excavating dirt — though they do that very well — especially when you add some grade control. Add a grapple, and a mini excavator can help build retaining walls. Connect a brush cutter, and a compact excavator can cut tall grass on hard-to-reach lakeshores. Attach a breaker, and a mini excavator becomes a demo machine.

What manufacturers make mini excavators? How much do they cost?  

For good or bad, today’s market is one of the most competitive in all of machinery. More than 20 major manufacturers are selling compact excavators in North America. Key players include Bobcat, Caterpillar, Kubota, John Deere, Takeuchi, Case Construction Equipment, Komatsu, Volvo Construction Equipment, Develon, Yanmar, JCB, Wacker Neuson, Liebherr, Hyundai, and many others. Demand continues to be strong thanks to infrastructure spending, labor shortages that favor compact, and growing attachment and technology options.

If there’s a sweet spot in the market, it’s the 3- to 4-metric-ton class. These machines are the meat and potatoes of the industry, and you'll see a lot of them in the showcase below. They offer a great balance of size, power, reach, lifting capability, and transportability. Prices for new 3- to 4-metric-ton machines can range wildly — between $35,000 and $80,000 — depending on options. Overall, pricing can vary significantly depending on features, attachments, cab options, and tech packages. You can find a mini excavator for under $10,000 today, or you can find one for over $140,000. Choose wisely. 

With the popularity of mini excavators in mind, we reached out to major manufacturers to ask what units were actually their most popular. Those machines are below, but before we get into that, I compiled 10 things fleet managers, owners, and operators should know about this expansive equipment category. This guidance is based on my years of covering the compact market.  

10 things every buyer should understand about mini excavators

1. Specs

Before shopping, determine your required dig depth, reach, lift capacity, weight transport requirements, and jobsite access constraints. Understand your unit’s engine horsepower and its auxiliary hydraulic flow to the attachment. The latter is configured in gallons per minute (gpm) and pounds per square inch (psi).

2. Attachments

Modern compact excavators are awesome tool carriers. Beyond buckets, they can run breakers, grapples, augers, trenchers, brush cutters, plate compactors, thumbs, mowers, and tiltrotators. The right attachment package can create entirely new revenue opportunities. Some excavators never use a bucket.

3. Grade control

What was once reserved for large excavators is now available on compact machines. Grade control systems help operators maintain precise depths and slopes, reduce rework, improve accuracy, and compensate for labor shortages. Entry-level systems can start around $5,000, while advanced 3D systems can exceed $50,000.

4. Maintenance access

Inspect the service points. Open every engine cover before you buy. Daily maintenance items like the air filter, engine oil dipstick, coolant reservoir, battery, hydraulic filters, and grease points should be easy to reach from ground level. Look for wide-opening panels, grouped service points, and a cab that tilts up.

5. Tail swing design

Buyers can decide between three tail swing choices — conventional, reduced, or zero tail swing. Zero tail swing models are especially valuable in residential, urban, and utility work because the counterweight never extends beyond the tracks when rotating. See photo below. 

6. Cab comfort

Today’s operators expect much more than a seat, joysticks, and ROPs. Features like climate-controlled cabs, Bluetooth radios, touchscreen displays, heated seats, adjustable wrist rests, Stick Steer and cruise control, and ergonomic controls improve productivity and reduce fatigue.

7. Electric excavators

Battery-powered mini excavators are gaining traction in North America. They’re especially attractive for indoor demolition, residential projects, and jobsites with strict noise or emissions restrictions. Electric options are currently available from Bobcat, JCB, Volvo, Case, and New Holland.

8. Retractable undercarriages

Ultra-small compact excavators — especially models under 2 metric tons — feature retractable undercarriages that hydraulically narrow to fit through gates, doorways, and other tight access points. These machines are popular with landscapers, utility contractors, and rental fleets. Electric units with retractable undercarriages are great for indoor demo.

9. Track choices

Compact excavators are available with rubber tracks, steel tracks, or steel tracks fitted with rubber pads. Rubber tracks are the most popular option, offering lower ground disturbance and better performance on finished surfaces. Buyers can choose from several rubber tread patterns. Block-pattern treads are the most common. Multi-bar or zigzag treads provide a smoother ride with less vibration. C-pattern or directional treads improve traction in mud, clay, and loose soils. There are more. 

10. Dealer support

Specs matter, but uptime matters more. We consistently point to dealer responsiveness, parts availability, and long equipment partnerships as critical factors in buying decisions. The best machine will not last the long haul without the right dealer.

Getting the most out of your mini excavator attachments

This section was written by Darren Ashton, product manager of compact equipment, Volvo Construction Equipment.

A compact excavator is only as productive as the attachments it can run. While this machine is traditionally used for simple bucket work, its true value to a contractor is the ability to transform into a tool carrier for thumbs, breakers, augers, and tiltrotators. Achieving that versatility requires a close look at the machine’s auxiliary hydraulic system.

Understanding flow and pressure

Not all attachments demand the same hydraulic output. Simple tools like mechanical thumbs require very little, while high-demand tools like brush cutters or cold planers need continuous, high-volume hydraulic flow to operate efficiently. When spec’ing a compact machine, looking at the auxiliary flow rates — and whether the machine offers adjustable presets via the in-cab display — is critical. Running an attachment with too little flow leads to sluggish performance, while forcing too much flow can overheat the hydraulic system and damage the tool.

The rise of the tiltrotator

More contractors are utilizing tiltrotators to increase efficiency in tight spaces. By allowing an attachment to rotate 360 degrees and tilt up to 45 degrees, the operator can shape complex slopes or dig around utilities without constantly repositioning the tracks. This saves time, reduces ground disturbance, and cuts back on fuel use.

Maintenance matters

To protect high-performance hydraulic systems, keeping things clean is your best defense. When swapping attachments in the field, always wipe down the quick-coupler faces to keep dirt and dust from entering the hydraulic lines. Contaminated oil can quickly score valve spools or damage pumps, turning a highly productive attachment setup into an expensive repair bill. Manufacturers that provide additional filtration for the auxiliary hydraulics offer the extra protection for those who frequently use attachments.

The most popular compact excavators on the market

Compact excavators are available in dozens of sizes from nearly every major equipment manufacturer, but a handful of models consistently rise to the top. The following represent some of the industry’s most recognizable and best-selling compact excavators, each with its own strengths. We reached out to each manufacturer below (and others) to ask what was their most popular compact digger, and this is what they sent us. 

Bobcat E35 compact excavator

First up is the Bobcat E35. The American compact king says this mini is popular in a variety of sectors — utility work, landscaping, and residential construction applications where maneuverability and performance are equally important. The unit utilizes a zero tail swing design. Powered by a 25-horsepower Bobcat engine, the E35 is engineered for efficient operation and simplified routine maintenance. Features such as refined low-effort joysticks and an updated hydraulic control valve provide smooth, precise machine control, allowing operators to perform multiple hydraulic functions without sacrificing performance. The excavator also features an exclusive in-track swing frame and dual-flange roller system to support durability and stability on demanding jobsites. Inside the cab, operators benefit from generous headroom and legroom, clear visibility and a larger suspension seat for improved comfort throughout the workday. Available extendable-arm and long-arm configurations provide more configurations. Operators can also equip the E35 with Machine IQ telematics and Bobcat’s Depth Check technology for real-time depth and grade information during excavation tasks. For more info, visit Bobcat’s website.

Caterpillar 305 CR compact excavator

The Cat 305 CR has become one of Caterpillar's most popular compact excavators by combining the digging performance of a larger machine with the maneuverability contractors need on crowded jobsites. Weighing 12,688 pounds and powered by a 45-horsepower Cat engine, the compact-radius excavator delivers a maximum digging depth of 12 feet while maintaining a footprint well suited for utility installation, residential construction, landscaping, and rental applications. Caterpillar says the 305 CR offers up to 20 percent greater lifting, digging, and multifunction performance than previous-generation models while reducing total ownership costs through extended service intervals and easy ground-level maintenance access. The machine is packed with operator-friendly technology, including Cat Stick Steer, cruise control, an intuitive touchscreen monitor, and the company's Ease of Use (EOU) technologies. Available E-Fence electronically limits machine movement around overhead obstacles, underground utilities, structures, and traffic lanes, while the Indicate grade guidance system and optional Laser Catcher help operators dig to grade faster and with greater accuracy. Buyers can choose between canopy and enclosed cab configurations with air conditioning and suspension seating. Rubber tracks, steel tracks, and steel tracks with rubber pads are available, along with a wide range of Cat attachments. For more info, visit Caterpillar's website.

Develon DX62R-7 mini excavator

Develon's most popular unit is the bigger DX62R-7 mini excavator, a 6-metric-ton machine built for tight spaces. The excavator features a reduced tail swing and width-protecting swing frame. The DX62R-7 delivers high lifting capacity and breakout force for construction, utility, and landscaping jobs. To boost productivity, the machine includes auto downshift to prevent bogging down, auto idle for fuel efficiency, a thumb-ready arm, and joystick-controlled hydraulics for fast attachment changes. The fully equipped cab ensures all-day operator comfort with an integrated HVAC system, high-visibility glass door, LED lamps, Bluetooth audio, and selectable control patterns. It comes standard with My Develon telematics, allowing owners and fleet managers to easily monitor the machine remotely via a mobile app or web browser. For more info, visit Develon’s website. 

John Deere 17 P-Tier and 26 P-Tier compact excavators

When asked its contractor favorite, John Deere pointed to the 17 P-Tier and 26 P-Tier compact excavators. These two deliver power, versatility, and operator-focused features in very trailerable packages. Designed using extensive customer feedback, both models offer improved dig forces, cycle times, and attachment capabilities to tackle a wide range of construction and landscaping applications. Standard thumb-ready brackets, optional single or dual auxiliary hydraulics, and a new fixed-pin mechanical coupler make attachment changes quick and efficient, while long-arm options provide additional reach and digging depth without sacrificing performance. The 26 P-Tier also features a redesigned cab equipped with heat, air conditioning, Bluetooth radio, and intuitive push-button controls for enhanced operator comfort. Maintenance is simplified through standard battery disconnects, a 500-hour service tracker and factory-installed JDLink telematics for equipment monitoring and fleet management. For more info, visit John Deere’s website. 

Takeuchi TB240 compact excavator

Takeuchi’s TB240 compact excavator is a favorite with rental customers and professional contractors alike. Weighing in at 8,575 pounds (canopy model), the TB240 features all-steel construction and is available in canopy and cab configurations. The excavator is powered by a Tier 4 Final, 35.8-horsepower engine with three working modes so operators can choose the mode best suited to their applications. When it’s time for maintenance, convenient rear engine access and ground-level, panoramic serviceability get the TB240 out of the shop and back on the jobsite faster. Experienced and novice operators alike can quickly master the TB240’s advanced multi-function display and precision pilot controls. The excavator’s comfortable interior also includes a foot-operated boom swing, easy-to-reach rocker switches, and a dial throttle control. Two-way auxiliary hydraulics allow for multiple attachment options, further enhancing the TB240’s versatility and productivity. Peace of mind comes standard with five years of Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) at no additional cost. For more info, visit Takeuchi’s website.

Case Construction Equipment CX38D mini excavator

What's the favorite Case mini digger? The company noted the CX38D mini excavator, a standout in the popular 3- to 4-metric-ton class. Designed with a compact zero tail swing footprint, the CX38D combines digging performance with the maneuverability needed for tight spaces. A long-arm configuration, standard high-flow, one- or two-way and low-flow two-way auxiliary hydraulics, and electronic throttle control with auto idle help maximize productivity and efficiency. An available six-way dozer blade enhances grading and backfilling capabilities. Operators benefit from a premium automotive-style cab featuring ergonomic controls, a suspension seat for greater comfort, and electronic throttle control for smoother, more efficient operation. Visibility is enhanced with a LED lighting package, a two-piece rollup front window, and optimized hood angles. Serviceability is simplified through a forward-tilting cab, wide-opening service panels and strategically located maintenance points. For added convenience, a hydraulic pin grabber coupler provision comes standard. For more info, visit Case’s website. 

Kubota KX040-5 compact excavator

The Kubota KX040-5 is one of the best-selling 4-metric-ton compact excavators in North America. Powered by a 40.3-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, the KX040-5 delivers a bucket breakout force of 9,397 pounds and reaches digging depths of 11 feet, 2.3 inches, making it capable of tackling demanding excavation tasks across residential and commercial construction sites. Key updates include a redesigned hydraulic system that enhances performance and cycle efficiency, translating to faster project timelines. The spacious and quiet cab reduces operator fatigue during extended shifts, critical for maintaining productivity on tight construction schedules. Standard tech features improve precision on grading and utility work, while the compact footprint allows access to confined jobsites where larger equipment can’t operate. Built for demanding construction applications, the KX040-5 delivers reliable performance you can depend on. For more info, visit Kubota’s website.

Hyundai HX35AZ compact excavator

When asked for its top seller, HD Construction Equipment Hyundai North America sent us the HX35AZ compact excavator. This is a zero tail swing unit, offering a combination of power, performance, safety, and comfort. The Hyundai HX35AZ is powered by a Tier 4 Final-compliant Kubota D1703 diesel engine with a net power rating of 24 horsepower. Equipped with a standard 0.14-yard3 bucket, the HX35AZ has an operating weight of 8,664 pounds, maximum dig depth of 11 feet, 3 inches, and bucket breakout force of 5,919 pounds. The HX35AZ integrates a spacious cab design and expanded visibility from the large, curved windows. Standard offerings include adjustable auxiliary flow, 5-inch full-color LCD monitor, and an auto-safety-lock function preventing unintended use of the machine. The compact excavator is offered in both canopy or cabin versions along with the choice of standard or four-way dozer blade. For more info, visit Hyundai's website. 

Hitachi Construction Machinery's ZX75US-7 and ZX85USB-7 compact excavators

The ZX75US-7 and ZX85USB-7 are Hitachi Construction Machinery’s two most popular compact excavators. While both models deliver 63.7 horsepower, a 6-foot, 11-inch arm length, an ultra-short tail swing radius, and a 12,926.5 pounds-force bucket breakout force, each is designed to meet different jobsite demands. The ZX75US-7 is equipped with a fixed boom for straightforward digging and loading applications, while the ZX85USB-7 features an independent swing boom that provides added flexibility when working alongside obstacles. The ZX75US-7 is optimized for high productivity with greater digging depth and lifting capacity, making it ideal for handling pipes or jobs that require heavier attachments. The ZX85USB-7’s independent swing boom and longer digging reach making it ideal for digging alongside walls and guardrails. For more info, visit Hitachi's website.

Volvo Construction Equipment EC37, EC65, and ECR90 compact excavators

When asked for its most popular, Volvo Construction Equipment chose three. Its 9-ton ECR90 now delivers 28 percent more engine power and a 13 percent increase in bucket breakout force over its predecessor, allowing it to compete with larger classes in confined spaces. For jobs requiring precise execution in smaller layouts, the EC37 features extended track lines for better stability, while the larger EC65 offers a 9 percent increase in boom lifting force and a 100 percent increase in auxiliary hydraulic flow. This specialized combination of hydraulic power, balance, and reach allows operators to run demanding attachments across utilities, landscaping, and general construction sites. For more info, visit Volvo Construction Equipment’s website.

Mecalac MCR Series compact excavators 

Mecalac designs unique, high-end compact construction equipment. Let's take its popular crawler skid-excavators — the newly updated MCR Series. Comprised of three models, the 6MCR, 8MCR, and 10MCR, Mecalac’s line of compact "skid-excavators" offers fast speeds, big productivity, and compact operation versus traditional mini excavators. Mecalac says the machines provide the swiftness of a skid steer with the 360-degree rotation of an excavator. Travel speeds are two times faster than most small excavators (6.2 mph). MCR units also combine Mecalac’s innovative three-part arm and a rotating ability to deliver superior performance as part of the company’s signature 360-degree compactness. The extended range of movement increases flexibility and reach while minimizing unnecessary movement, allowing operators to do more from a single position or within confined spaces. The three-part arm can also be tucked in, even with a full bucket. For more info, visit Mecalac’s website.