There's probably no harder working machine than the versatile compact excavator. Whether landscaping a yard,
digging a basement, setting a post or busting up concrete, the compact excavator and its variety of attachments have what it takes to do the job. Perhaps that's why manufacturers offer so many makes and models.
Also referred to as mini excavators by some manufacturers, these productive machines generally weigh less than 11,000 pounds, although we've included a few larger models to consider. However, deciding which one is right for you can be more than personal preference.
A slight increase or decrease in size can greatly affect the machine's applications. A few hundred pounds also can determine how it is transported - size of truck or trailer. And digging depth and dump height can vary by several feet across some classes.
Will you be working alongside a house or foundation? Many models also offer zero tail swing for tight conditions. To help you decide on your next purchase, we offer a snapshot of some of the many models available. Whatever the job, you're certain to find the combination that best fits your needs. To learn more about these remarkable machines, be sure to also contact your dealer or visit the manufacturer's Web site.
Deere 75D
The John Deere 75D hydraulic excavator is designed for light site and landscape work. It features a conventional boom, reduced tail swing with 360-degree rotation, and a 15-foot, 1-inch dig depth. The 54-hp Isuzu 4LE2X diesel engine includes an "E" working mode to save fuel by running more efficiently than previous "P" mode models. An auto-idle feature provides additional fuel savings. Equipped with optional rubber tracks, the unit has a drawbar pull of 14,661 pounds and maximum dump height of 16 feet, 10 inches with a swing speed of 10.5 rpm. The climate-controlled cab includes AM/FM radio and a deluxe-suspension multi-position seat. The user-friendly, multi-language LCD color monitor tracks maintenance intervals and lets the operator check operating parameters at the touch of a button. Measuring 20 feet, 8 inches long; 8 feet, 10 inches high and 8 feet, 1 inch wide, the unit weighs 17,637 pounds and has an arm breakout force of 7,194 pounds. For more information: www.deere.com.
IHI Compact Excavator Sales 80NX-3
The 80NX-3 zero-tail-swing compact excavator from IHI Compact Excavator Sales has a digging depth of 14 feet, 1 inch and 8.8-cubic-foot bucket. Powered by a 56.3-hp, water-cooled diesel engine, it features 2-speed travel and a quick-change valve that provides instant changing from backhoe-style to excavator-style controls with the flip of a switch. Auxiliary hydraulics and a backfill blade come standard. Available with rubber or steel tracks, the excavator has a fully enclosed heated and air-conditioned four-post cab and weighs 17,635 pounds. The unit measures 19 feet, 8 inches long; 7 feet, 3 inches wide and 8 feet, 5 inches high. For more information: 800/538-1447; www.ihicompactexcavator.com.
Bobcat 425
The zero-tail-swing 425 compact excavator from Bobcat complements conventional tail-swing models for limited-access jobs. The 425 fills the gap in Bobcat's line of excavators designed for the rental, construction, landscaping and utility markets. Featuring a 27-hp Interim Tier 4 diesel engine, the 425 has an operating weight of 5,849 pounds and travel speed of 2.3 mph. It has a lift capacity of 1,486 pounds, maximum dig depth of 8.3 feet, maximum dump height of 9.2 feet, and maximum reach at ground level of 14.8 feet. Measuring 14.3 feet long, 5 feet wide and 7.9 feet high, the excavator has a standard auxiliary hydraulic flow of 13.2 gpm and auxiliary hydraulic pressure of 2,610 psi. Options include enclosed cab and heat. For more information: 701/241-8700; www.bobcat.com.
Case B Series
The Case B Series models include the CX17B, CX27B, CX31B, CX36B and CX50B. Bucket size in the B Series ranges from 1.3 cubic feet in the CX17B to 9.8 cubic feet in the CX50B. Operating weight ranges from 3,638 pounds to 10,261 pounds. The CX50B delivers 40.8 hp, has a digging depth of 11 feet, 9 inches and a digging force of 7,936 pounds. Rubber tracks and a hydraulically controlled backfill blade are standard on all models. For more information: 866/542-2736; www.casece.com.
Caterpillar Mini Excavators
Caterpillar's line of mini excavators range from the 18.1-hp 301.6C model to the 47-hp 305C CR. The 301.6C and 301.8C mini hydraulic excavators are powered by a Mitsubishi L3E NA diesel engine and have an operating weight of 3,549 pounds. Standard features include dozer blade with float function, 9-inch rubber track and 2-speed travel. Options include biodegradable hydraulic oil, high-back suspension seat and radio/CD player. Both models have a maximum digging depth of 6.8 feet and maximum reach of 11.8 feet. Travel speed is 2.8 mph. The larger 305C CR is powered by a Mitsubishi S4Q2-T engine and weighs 11,465 pounds. It has a maximum digging depth of 11.5 feet and maximum reach of 18.54 feet. For more information: 309/675-1000; www.cat.com.
Kubota KX
Kubota's KX Series rubber-tracked KX121-3 and KX161-3 compact excavators feature up to 47 hp (KX111-3S) with an overall length of 16.7 to 18.2 feet, height ranging from 8.1 to 8.3 feet, and width of 5.6 to 6.4 feet. Maximum digging height ranges from 17.8 to 18.8 feet with a maximum dumping height range of 12.8 to 13.7 feet. The KX Series features a climate-controlled interior with full suspension, high-back seat. The KX161-3 has a standard auto idling system to automatically decelerate the engine four seconds after the operation lever is returned to the neutral position, decreasing operating noise and reducing fuel consumption by approximately 10 percent. The hydraulic angle blade in the KX121-3 can be adjusted by as much as 25 degrees to either the right or left, while the two-pattern selection system enables the operator to quickly change between backhoe and excavator operating patterns. The KX161-3 has a cropped and contoured rear overhang of 4.5 inches. For more information: 888/458-2682; www.kubota.com.
Yanmar VIO
Yanmar offers seven models in the VIO line, ranging from 3,704 pounds through 17,530 pounds. The rubber-tracked VIO17 features a 13.5-hp, water-cooled, 3-cycle diesel engine. Standard equipment includes blade, 2-way control pattern and high-back seat. The top-line VIO75-A is available in either rubber or steel tracks and is powered by a 58.2-hp, water-cooled, 4-cylinder diesel engine. It has a maximum lift capacity of 3,859 pounds, 2-way control pattern, defroster, air conditioner, and suspension reclining seat as standard equipment. All VIO Series models utilize multiple variable displacement piston and gear pumps. The standard equipment hydraulic coupler enables a variety of bucket sizes or attachments to be used. For more information: 847/541-1900; www.yanmar.com.
Komatsu MR-2 Series
Komatsu America Corp.'s MR-2 line of compact excavators includes the 15-hp PC18MR-2, 18-hp PC20MR-2 as well as the PC27MR-2. The PC18MR-2 has an operating weight of 4,090 pounds, an arm crowd force of 2,230 pounds, drawbar pull of 3,750 pounds and a maximum digging force of 3,570 pounds. Both the PC18MR-2 and PC20MR-2 have automatic, 2-speed travel that shifts from high speed to low speed based on the load. They also feature the HydrauMind hydraulic pressure-compensated system that ensures each actuator works according to its control input, regardless of the size of the load. For more information: 847/970-5815; www.komatsuamerica.com.
Mustang 2803ZT
The zero-tail-swing model 2803ZT from Mustang Manufacturing Co. is the latest addition a line of 12 compact excavators. It features a side-mounted engine and rear-mounted hydraulic and fuel tanks. The 2-speed excavator offers pilot-operated pedals and an X-shaped chassis frame. Powered by a 24.3-hp Tier 3, 3-cycle, water-cooled diesel engine, the rubber-tracked excavator has a maximum digging depth of 8.3 feet and dump height of 9.3 feet. It measures 5.2 feet wide and weighs of 5,886 pounds. For more information: 507/451-7112; www.mustangmfg.com.
Vermeer CX219Z
The CX219Z excavator from Vermeer Manufacturing Co. is a zero-tail-swing machine with variable-width undercarriage for maneuvering in tight spaces and part of the seven model CX line, ranging from the 18-hp CX216 to the hefty 52-hp CX254. All Vermeer compact excavators come standard with Kubota diesel engines and an optional canopy or heated cab. A variety of attachment options are available, including the angled backfill blade. Other features include the 2-speed ground drive, 360-degree swing and the ability to change between excavator and backhoe-style controls. The CX219Z has a maximum digging depth of 7.5 feet, dump height of 7.8 feet and maximum reach of 12.8 feet. The rubber-tracked unit weighs 4,189 pounds (cab version) and has a bucket breakout force of 3,307 pounds. For more information: 888/837-6337; www.vermeer.com.
Gehl 753Z
The 69-hp 753Z zero-tail-swing compact excavator from Gehl Co. weighs 16,975 pounds and offers a digging depth of 13 feet, 3 inches. All of Gehl's compact excavator models, up to the 12-ton 1202 model, feature independent boom swing, rubber tracks and dozer blade. Steel tracks are optional. The sloped undercarriage frame is designed to reduce buildup for added safety and quicker cleanup. Operator comfort includes ergonomic controls with forearm supports at each joystick. Cabin-equipped units feature an all-weather design with lockable door, ventilation ducts and adjustable high-back seat. Measuring 8 feet, 9 inches high; 7 feet, 7 inches wide and 21 feet, 3 inches long, the 753Z has a bucket dig force of 10,184 pounds and arm force of 7,396 pounds. For more information: 262/334-9461; www.gehl.com.
Volvo EC55B PRO
The 52-hp EC55B PRO from Volvo has a digging depth of 13 feet, 7 inches and dumping height of approximately 13.5 feet. It also has a bucket digging force of 9,150 pounds, tear-out force of 6,250 pounds and a breakout force of 8,498 pounds. Weighing 12,125 pounds (cab version), the PRO measures 6 feet, 3 inches wide with a transportation length of 19.6 feet. Upgraded features include a larger, longer counterweight for stability. Other features include an efficient hydraulic pump, modified offset cylinder locking mechanism, quiet exhaust system and Volvo STEP II, 16-valve engine. The dipper has welded reinforcements, and the blade cylinder has a protective metal plate. For more information: 828/650-2000; www.volvo.com.
Kobelco 17SR
Kobelco Construction Machinery America LLC and its five zero-tail-swing, center boom models (17SR, 27SR, 30SR, 35SR, 50SR) come with standard bi-directional auxiliary hydraulics, quiet and fuel-efficient engines, ROPS/FOPS canopy and operating pattern control changer. The entry-level 17SR offers a 15.2 hp 3-cylinder Tier 3 Mitsubishi diesel engine, maximum digging depth of 7 feet, 1 inch and bucket weight of 3,638 pounds. It measures 11 feet, 3 inches long; 3 feet, 3 inches wide and 7 feet, 6 inches high. The rubber-tracked unit (steel optional) has button-controlled 2-speed travel with auto downshift, steel-reinforced boom with self-locking pins for greater strength and flexibility and a foldable dozer blade. Its Smart Hydraulic System provides three pumps to ensure maximum power for simultaneous lifting, swinging and travel. For more information: 866/726-3396; www.kobelcoamerica.com.
New Holland E Series
New Holland's six E Series zero-tail-swing models (E15, E18B, E27, E30, E35, E50) feature a counterweight that won't extend beyond the tracks. Dozer blade and auxiliary hydraulics are standard. Horsepower ranges from 11.9 in the E15 to 49.8 in the E50. The mid-line E30 offers 28.4 hp. All models feature water-cooled Yanmar engines. Model weigh ranges from 3,240 to 10,275 pounds. The E30 weighs 6,680 pounds. Rubber tracks are standard on all models, as well as 2-speed travel at the push of a button and automatic downshift. The E30 offers 8,430 pounds of bucket breakout force, 3,829 pounds of arm breakout force and total hydraulic flow of 25.7 gpm. Measuring 14 feet, 5 inches long; 5 feet, 1 inch wide and 8 feet, 5 inches high, the E30 has a maximum digging depth of 9 feet, 3 inches and dumping clearance of 11 feet. For more information: 888/365-6423; www.newholland.com.