12 Manufacturers Highlight Their Mini Excavators
Mini excavators are great machines for a wide variety of tasks, everything from excavating for underground utility installations to moving decorative rocks in a patio project to breaking up concrete in a demo job. Let’s take a look at a dozen mini excavators on the market today.
Kubota KX040-5 and U17-5
Kubota Tractor Corp. recently introduced two new mini excavators: the KX040-5 and U17-5. Putting productivity and operator experience at the forefront, the KX040-5 introduces key updates including a redesigned hydraulic system, spacious and quiet cab and tech features that now come on standard models. Powered by a 40.3-hp Kubota diesel engine, a digging depth of 11 ft, 2.3 in. and a bucket breakout force of 9,397 lbs, the KX040-5 can tackle the toughest tasks on the job. Featuring improved stability, enhanced operator comfort and greater efficiency, the new U17-5 replaces the U17VR1. Equipped with a 16.1-hp Kubota diesel engine, the U17-5 features a working range that includes a digging depth of 7 ft, 6.2 in., a dumping height of 8 ft, 1.2 in. and a bucket breakout force of 3,547 lbs. Both excavators will be available at Kubota dealerships in the first quarter of 2025. For more info, visit kubotausa.com.
John Deere 35 P-Tier
The John Deere 35 P-Tier is a compact, yet powerful excavator designed to work in tight spaces and is loaded with the latest technology that reduces operating costs. The zero-tail swing design of the 35 P-Tier helps maximize performance in tight spaces or urban settings, allowing the model to excel in a variety of applications and jobsites. Part of the P-Tier lineup from John Deere, it features improved hydraulics and a wedge-style coupler that enables swift changes with a wide range of buckets and attachments. The 35 P-Tier’s design creates the optimal user experience for operators, featuring a spacious cab with wide entryway, swing boom and foldable travel pedals for foot space. A noise-reducing muffler and isochronous high-idle speed contribute to a quieter work environment. Built for durability, the 35 P-Tier is designed with components built to withstand tough conditions, while its easy-to-access design simplifies maintenance for decreased downtime and reduced service costs. For more info, visit deere.com.
Caterpillar 305 CR
Built to deliver an improved customer experience, the 5-ton Cat 305 CR Next Generation mini hydraulic excavator delivers more power to the pumps, higher bucket breakout forces and deeper standard digging depths to increase performance by up to 20 percent over its E2 Series counterpart. The engine on the Cat 305 CR delivers nearly 9 percent greater power to increase machine performance. Hydraulic system improvements provide higher breakout forces — 11,061 lbf bucket, 6,362 lbf standard stick and 5,665 lbf long stick — to improve digging efficiency in hard rock applications. Its compact radius swing reduces overhang when working to the side, while its 78-in. track width and extra counterweight option help to optimize stability and lift performance in confined spaces. For more info, visit cat.com.
Bobcat E40
The Bobcat E40 is the most recent compact excavator introduced in the company’s lineup and delivers impressive digging power, depth and reach. Paired with Bobcat’s extensive attachment lineup, the E40 provides versatility across many worksites. As a minimal tail swing excavator with less than 2 in. of overhang, a standard long arm and nearly 4,000 lbs of lifting capacity, the E40 can outperform the competition and help operators maximize productivity. A tough, no-nonsense compact excavator, the E40 sets the standard for over-the-blade and over-the-side lift capacity, fast cycle times, optimal slewing power, finely tuned hydraulics and other features including a suspension seat, low-effort joysticks and standard LED lighting. For more info, visit bobcat.com.
Takeuchi TB20e
As Takeuchi’s first designed-and-built, battery-powered compact excavator in the 3- to 4-metric-ton class, the TB20e doesn’t sacrifice power or performance. When fully charged, the TB20e offers a continuous working time ranging from four to eight hours, depending on the application and environment. An onboard charger can charge the machine at the end of the workday and extend your uptime by allowing the TB20e to operate while tethered. The excavator has an operating weight of 4,255 lbs and a primary auxiliary flow of 9 gpm. Its maximum reach is 13 ft, 4.9 in. and maximum digging depth is 7 ft, 10 in. The TB20e also features a comfortable operator’s station with a completely new high-definition, multi-informational color display. Zero exhaust emissions and reduced noise/vibration levels make the TB20e an environmentally friendly, sustainable choice when working around residential neighborhoods, municipalities, schools and hospitals. For more info, visit takeuchi-us.com.
JCB 19C-1 and 19C-1E
The JCB 19C-1 and 19C-1E compact excavators are built to meet the needs of modern contractors and landscape professionals, offering power, reliability and flexibility in both diesel and electric models. With an operating weight of 4,314 lbs, a maximum dig depth of 8 ft, 5 in. and a digging reach of 13 ft, 3 in., these excavators deliver exceptional performance across a range of applications, from utility work to landscaping. The 19C-1 diesel model is a dependable workhorse, ideal for high-demand projects requiring consistent power and long hours. The 19C-1E electric variant, however, provides zero emissions and significantly reduced noise, making it perfect for indoor work, urban areas and eco-conscious projects. Both models feature robust steel construction and simple maintenance access, minimizing downtime and repair costs. Operators will appreciate the spacious, ergonomic cabin and intuitive controls, making the 19C line accessible to users of all experience levels. For more info, visit jcb.com.
Let’s take a look at the smallest mini excavators on the market.
Hitachi ZX35U-5N
The Hitachi ZX35U-5N compact excavator is a mighty tool carrier that is equipped to work in close quarters. Several features enhance this machine’s attachment capabilities, including the hydraulic quick-coupler that allows operators to easily swap attachments without leaving the cab. An auxiliary flow rate changer enhances compatibility with a variety of attachments. This compact excavator has a fuel efficient 23.7-hp engine that has Eco and Power modes to configure the machine to the power required for the job at hand. An auto idling system further lowers fuel consumption and emissions. Whether that jobsite is a tight alleyway, a busy highway or someone’s yard, contractors can easily maneuver this excavator with its near-zero tail swing. Its durable rubber tracks allow the machine to cross virtually any terrain leaving minimal ground damage even on paved surfaces. The ZX 35U-5N is a true tool carrier that can tackle more jobs, quicker. For more info, visit hitachicm.us.
Case CX50D
For construction and utility crews who are scaling up work on bigger jobs but still need to work in tight spaces, Case Construction Equipment’s 5-metric-ton CX50D mini excavator delivers more punch in a compact design. This 5-metric-ton class machine offers greater lifting capacity and better digging performance for jobs that demand more production in a shorter time from operators. When it comes to attachment versatility, the CX50D powers a wide range of specialized attachments for highly varied jobs. It comes standard with multifunctional hydraulics and a second auxiliary circuit, as well as an optional third auxiliary circuit for advanced attachments like tiltrotators and grapples. It also offers another optional dedicated auxiliary circuit to power mulchers. Crews can improve the safety and efficiency of material handling with the optional Object Handling Kit that includes check valves on the boom and arm. For more info, visit casece.com.
Mecalac MCR Series
Mecalac’s newly updated MCR Series is comprised of three models: the 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR. The line of compact skid excavators offers superior speed, productivity and compact operation over traditional mini excavators. These machines provide the swiftness of a skid steer with the 360-degree rotation of an excavator for versatility and travel speeds two times faster than any small excavator. MCR units 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. Inside the cab, the joysticks can even be adjusted to go from excavator pattern (ISO) to track loader pattern. For more info, visit mecalac.com.
Develon DX17Z-7
Unlocking potential for landscaping, residential construction and utility work, the Develon DX17Z-7 mini excavator stands out due to its compact size and retractable undercarriage with a foldable dozer blade. Offering a 48-in. track width, the DX17Z-7 can travel where larger equipment can’t and the machine’s zero tail swing design makes navigating confined worksites easier than ever. The DX17Z-7 features an open canopy cab and comes standard with the My Develon telematics system. It also features a hydraulic quick-coupler-ready design with quick-coupler hydraulic piping installed to the end of the arm and has a thumb-ready design to grab and lift objects. The DX17Z-7 is backed by a standard warranty which includes full coverage for 36 months or 5,000 hours, whichever comes first, with parts and service support from a local authorized Develon dealer. For more info, visit na.develon-ce.com/en.
New Holland Construction E90D
New Holland Construction’s all-new E90D midi excavator is powered by a robust 73-hp engine and boasts the highest horsepower in its class. The E90D’s innovative design features a four-cylinder, 300-in. displacement engine that ensures superior performance across various applications. Its hydraulic system delivers an impressive 42 gpm, providing operators with the hydraulic power necessary to run multiple attachments simultaneously without compromising efficiency. With this powerful combination, the E90D excels in demanding environments, making it an invaluable asset to contractors, landscapers and municipalities alike. Designed specifically for heavy-duty applications in a compact form, the E90D boasts a dump height and dig depth of almost 7 ft. The machine’s bucket breakout force of 13,000 lbs ensures it can handle the toughest materials, from hard soil to rocky terrain, while its operating weight of 20,305 lbs strikes the perfect balance between strength and maneuverability, enabling it to navigate tight jobsites with confidence. For more info, visit construction.newholland.com.
Volvo ECR40
Volvo’s 4-ton ECR40 compact excavator is all about operator comfort, better fuel efficiency and easier maintenance. It has a short swing radius for working in confined spaces, but the cab is spacious and provides outstanding visibility. For added comfort, the armrest and controls float with the seat, the door opening and travel pedals are larger and the elongated undercarriage and adjusted center of gravity improve stability. The ECR40 is easy to set up thanks to its customizable hydraulic flow settings, work modes, an intuitive jog wheel and a new 5-in. human machine interface (HMI). Work modes now include an Eco mode and auto engine shutdown in addition to auto engine idle, all of which contribute to a 10 percent boost in fuel efficiency. It boasts 50-hour greasing intervals and an 18.5-gal fuel tank. The hoods open wide, and no diesel particulate filter is needed. For more info, visit volvoce.com.
