FAQs About Mini Excavators
Excavators and their smaller siblings, mini excavators, are powerful earthmoving machines used for a variety of tasks. Whether you’re renting a small track hoe for a landscaping project or operating a 40,000-pound machine on a jobsite, you may need a refresher on how to operate an excavator. This Project Uptime article outlines the controls and the basics of how to drive and park an excavator or mini excavator and use it to dig and backfill.
Our mini excavators are excellent for precision excavations as they combine the compact size of a backhoe with the heavy-duty tracks and 360-degree swing of an excavator. United Rentals has mini excavators for rent in a broad range of sizes and capabilities. Our smallest 2,000-pound mini excavator is ideal for jobsites with weight restrictions, and our largest 18,000-pound mini excavator can dig swimming pools, utility trenches and more. You can expect to find mini excavators from trusted manufacturers like Bobcat and Takeuchi among our rental fleet. For more information on mini excavators, visit our FAQs section below.
Our fleet of mini excavators is organized by operating weight. Our smallest compact excavator has an operating weight of 2,000 lbs., and our largest has an operating weight of up to 18,000 lbs. By comparison, our smallest standard-size excavator weighs from 18,000 to 19,000 lbs. depending on model.
The width depends on the model of the mini excavator. Smaller compact excavators start at 3 feet wide, and larger models can be about 7 feet wide. This does not include the articulating arm as it is swinging. For compact jobsites, look for models with zero tail swing. Measure your jobsite and ensure you will have enough space for a mini excavator to move around comfortably and safely.
Operators have used mini excavators for all sorts of landscaping and clearing jobs, including stump removal. Before choosing a mini excavator, consider how large and tough the tree is and how deep the roots go. It is important to choose a compact excavator that has the power and lift to remove the stump without damaging the equipment. United Rentals also offers thumb attachments for our mini excavators that can assist in stump removal. Consult your local United Rentals representative for detailed information on power and lift requirements. Learn about the many uses of mini excavators in our Project Uptime article, What Is a Mini Excavator Used For?