A Buyer’s Guide to Mini Excavators with Retractable/Expandable Undercarriages
Mini excavators with retractable undercarriages are purpose-built for jobs where space is limited. Whether you’re moving through backyard gates, navigating indoor jobsites or working in urban areas, these compact machines are designed to squeeze in and get the job done. A retractable undercarriage lets operators narrow the machine’s track width for tight access and expand it on the jobsite for added stability. It’s a critical feature for professionals tackling residential work, interior demolition or utility tasks in crowded spaces. These mini excavators typically weigh between 1 and 2.5 metric tons. They’re easy to transport on small trailers and trucks, saving time and money. Despite their small size, they offer serious digging power, impressive reach and compatibility with a wide range of attachments.
Ideal for Residential and Indoor Work
From backyard trenching to basement foundation repairs, retractable undercarriage machines can access tight areas that larger equipment simply can’t. Their maneuverability makes them ideal for jobs with limited clearance or delicate surfaces. Read on for a look at the big brands with mini digger featuring a retractable undercarriages — from electric models to zero tail swing options — and how each can boost your productivity in tight quarters
Bobcat E20 Compact Excavator
The Bobcat E20 compact (or mini) excavator is a powerful, yet highly maneuverable, machine designed for tight spaces and small-scale projects. With an operating weight of 4,306 lbs, this machine provides impressive performance across indoor demolition, residential landscaping and backyard projects. A retractable undercarriage and blade allow E20 operators to reduce its width to just 39 in., allowing access through tight gates and doorways. Its zero-tail-swing design provides flexibility if you are constantly working close to objects or against a wall. The E20’s in-track swing frame means that swing castings and cylinders remain within the tracks when digging in an offset position, allowing operators to get even closer to their work in tight areas. The boom cylinder is top mounted to protect against wear and tear, while the standard long arm increases reach and dig depth, minimizing the need for repositioning. Operators appreciate the ergonomic controls, including selectable control patterns and available fingertip controls for lower fatigue. Its 2-Speed travel with optional auto shift improves efficiency across job sites to maneuver faster when needed. For more info, visit bobcat.com.
JCB 18Z-1 Compact Excavator
The JCB 18Z-1 is a zero tail swing compact excavator designed for confined jobsites and frequent repositioning. Its retractable undercarriage reduces the overall width to 39 in. for easier access through narrow spaces. When fully expanded to 51 in., the track width provides enhanced stability for lifting and digging tasks. Powered by a 21.9-hp Tier 4 Final engine, the 18Z-1 delivers a maximum dig depth of 7 ft, 11 in. and a maximum reach of 13 ft, 5 in. at ground level. The machine weighs approximately 3,856 lbs and features a two-speed tracking system for improved maneuverability. Built with all-steel bodywork and protected hydraulic hoses routed through the boom, the 18Z-1 is designed for durability and simplified maintenance. An intuitive control layout and spacious operator station contribute to daily ease of use. For more info, visit jcb.com/en-us/.
Takeuchi TB225 Mini Excavator
Designed to work in confined, demanding applications, the Takeuchi TB225 features a hydraulically retractable undercarriage that can expand to 59.1 in. wide or retract to 43.3 in. wide, making the machine particularly useful for utility work, foundation repair and demolition. With the undercarriage fully retracted, the machine can maneuver easily through narrow passages to get to the worksite. The undercarriage can be expanded at the worksite to provide optimum balance and stabilization. The TB225 also includes features more commonly found in larger models, like electronic throttle control and electronic proportional auxiliary control. A 19.6-hp diesel engine provides nearly 50 ft-lb of torque, while a four-pump hydraulic system offers smooth, coordinated control during simultaneous operation of the boom, arm, bucket and slew functions without limiting work speed and performance. A standard long arm provides greater reach and dig depth while also maintaining excellent bucket breakout and arm crowd forces. For more info, visit takeuchi-us.com.
Cat 302.7 CR Hydraulic Mini Excavator
The new Cat 302.7 CR mini excavator stands out in the 2.7- to 3.5-tonne class with its retractable/expandable undercarriage option, offering great flexibility in confined workspaces. Operators can hydraulically reduce the track width to just 53.3 in. for tight access, then expand it to 70.1 in. for greater stability during digging and lifting tasks. This feature makes the 302.7 CR especially valuable for urban and residential jobsites where space is limited. While the 303 CR and 303.5 CR offer fixed undercarriages, the 302.7 CR’s adjustable design enhances versatility without compromising performance. Built on Cat’s Next Generation platform, the 302.7 CR also delivers advanced hydraulics, compact radius swing, and simplified service access to help reduce total cost of ownership. Its customizable operator settings, stick steer control and tilt-up canopy or cab further enhance comfort and efficiency on the jobsite. For more info, visit cat.com.
Sany SY16C and SY18U Mini Excavators
Sany’s SY16C and SY18U mini excavators offer powerful, compact solutions for landscaping, utilities, septic work, hobby farming and small construction or demolition tasks. Both models feature a fuel-efficient 18.2-hp Yanmar engine, retractable undercarriages (38.6 to 53.1 in.), extendable backfill blades and swing booms for enhanced maneuverability. The SY16C boasts a reduced tail swing design, 93-in. max dig depth and 158-in. reach, while the SY18U’s zero tail swing allows for even closer work near structures, offering a 101.8-in. dig depth and 163-in. reach. Load-sensing hydraulics and auxiliary circuits support a range of attachments like augers, breakers and thumbs. Built for easy transport and serviceability, these machines are ideal for professionals or property owners seeking reliable, versatile performance in tight quarters. Whether trenching, grading or digging on confined sites, the SY16C and SY18U deliver durability, efficiency and big-machine capabilities in transportable packages. For more info, visit sanyamerica.com.
Get Attached to Some Attachments
One of the biggest benefits of compact excavators is their compatibility with a wide range of attachments, which makes them incredibly versatile. And while a skid steer can handle many of the same attachments, you get better visibility, reach and swing radius with a compact excavator — not to mention a smoother experience overall. Pin grabber-style quick couplers and tiltrotators make it even easier to use attachments. A pin grabber-style quick coupler allows the operator to quickly change attachments from the cab, rather than using a mallet to manually drive pins in and out. This is not only more convenient but safer.
A tiltrotator allows an attachment to rotate 360 degrees and tilt up to 45 degrees, so less machine movement is needed — plus, there won’t be protruding cylinders or pistons that could cause damage and prevent a clear line of sight. But compatibility isn’t only about the interface. The machine itself must be adequately equipped. Compact excavators with single-acting and double-acting hydraulics are true workhorses, and some have even more hydraulic options than that.
John Deere 17 P-Tier Compact Excavator
The John Deere 17 P-Tier compact excavator is a versatile and powerful solution designed for tight job sites and precision excavation. A standout feature is its variable-width undercarriage, which can hydraulically expand from 3 ft, 3 in. to 4 ft, 3 in. This allows operators to easily maneuver through narrow passages and then widen the stance for enhanced stability during operation. This flexibility is a game changer on residential and urban jobsites, where space is limited but productivity can’t be. The 17 P-Tier is compact enough to fit through gates and work alongside structures, yet it holds its own when it’s time to dig in. With a reduced-tail-swing design and the reliability you expect from Deere, this machine is made for operators who need to get any job done quickly and efficiently. For contractors looking to maximize efficiency in close quarters, the 17 P-Tier is purpose-built to perform. For more info, visit deere.com.
Are you curious about the most popular mini excavator models? We have all the dirt.
Kubota U10-5 and U17-5 Mini Excavators
Both of these Kubota mini exs features an adjustable track gauge that can be reduced to navigate tight spaces or widen for more stability. Kubota’s U10-5 minimal tail swing excavator takes an in-demand spot in the U Series minimal tail swing lineup. The U10-5 is Kubota’s answer to the rental or professional customer who requires a compact excavator in the 0- to 1-ton range. With a more compact frame and minimal tail swing, the U10-5 provides superior flexibility when working in tight spaces with very minimal overhang at 0.6 of an in. over the tracks. Kubota recently introduced the U17-5 zero-tail swing compact excavator to its powerful lineup. Featuring improved stability, enhanced operator comfort and 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. The new U17-5 zero-tail swing compact excavator will be available at Kubota dealerships in the first quarter of 2025. For more info, visit www.KubotaUSA.com.
Hitachi ZX17U-5N Compact Excavator
The ZX17U-5N, Hitachi Construction Machinery’s smallest excavator, has an adjustable undercarriage and blade that can be retracted to as small as 3 ft, 3 in. and expanded to as wide as 4 ft, 2 in. When retracted, the ZX17U-5N can fit through gates in residential areas, between obstacles, and through narrow corridors. The smaller footprint also makes it easier for contractors to transport it on smaller trailers. Once at a jobsite, the extended undercarriage offers operators increased maneuvering stability. The wider footprint allows the machine to rest comfortably on uneven terrain and provides a solid foundation for heavier work. The retractable undercarriage of the ZX17U-5N makes it one of Hitachi Construction Machinery’s most versatile machines. With its advanced attachment capabilities, the ZX17U-5N can be adapted for numerous jobsites, easily handling a project that would otherwise require two machines. For more info, visit hitachicm.us.
Yanmar ViO17-1E Mini Excavator
Yanmar Compact Equipment’s 1.8-ton class ViO17-1E mini excavator is powered by a 14.5-hp Tier 4 Final Yanmar diesel engine. Featuring an impressive lift capacity and bucket digging force for its size, the mini excavator goes where larger excavators can’t and works easily against walls or buildings. Featuring true zero tail swing, the machine allows operators to take on more jobs in tighter spaces. Because of its zero tail swing, no part of the ViO17-1E housing extends beyond the tracks, so operators can work efficiently almost anywhere, with less risk of damage to both the machine and the worksite. Plus, operators enjoy better visibility for increased performance and safety. The machine’s unique, retractable undercarriage and folding blade provide even greater flexibility. The tracks hydraulically retract down to 37 in. for traveling through narrow passageways, or they can expand to 50 in. for greater stability while digging. Yanmar CE backs the machine with its leading four-year/4,000-hour warranty. For more info, visit yanmarce.com/product/vio17/.
Develon DX17Z-7 Mini Excavator
Introduced in 2024, the Develon DX17Z-7 mini excavator features a retractable undercarriage. Operators can retract the undercarriage before traveling through narrow spaces like gates; then the operator can expand the undercarriage before excavating. When fully expanded, the mini excavator’s undercarriage provides optimum stability, especially when working over the side. The retractable track is easily controlled via an electric switch on the DX17Z-7 mini excavator control panel. Develon North America is headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, and markets the Develon (de•VEL•on) brand of award-winning products. These products include crawler, wheel and mini excavators; material handlers; log loaders; dozers; wheel loaders; articulated dump trucks; compact track loaders and attachments. For more info, visit na.develon-ce.com/en.
Case CX15EV Electric Mini Excavator
Case Construction Equipment’s CX15EV electric mini excavator gives operators a dynamic and powerful machine for working in indoor and outdoor environments where a minimal footprint is required. The compact, 1.5 metric-ton mini excavator can be easily transported and offers an adjustable undercarriage for easy navigation through tight spaces and standard doorways when retracted, while providing increased stability during operation when extended. The CX15EV offers the same working performance as a diesel machine — all while delivering the benefits of electrified construction equipment: zero on-site emissions, minimized noise and less maintenance. The CX15EV is also compatible with numerous attachments — including various buckets, augers and hydraulic hammers — making it an extremely versatile tool for getting more work done efficiently. And, with no diesel engine, operators can reduce downtime and improve productivity with simplified daily checks and maintenance. For more info, visit casece.com.
Volvo CE ECR18 Compact Excavator
The ECR18 from Volvo Construction Equipment has a retractable undercarriage that means this do-it-all mini excavator can work just about anywhere. It’s 79 in. tall and just 39 in. wide with the undercarriage retracted. Once in position, the undercarriage can extend to 53 in. for added stability. Even with its tracks fully extended, the ultra-short swing ECR18 is a great option for working in tight spaces with a rear overhang of only half an inch. Its top-mounted boom cylinder offers protection during loading and braking, and large tie-down points on the upper frame provide easy, safe transport. For those who work indoors or in other fume and/or noise-sensitive environments, the battery-electric version of the model offers the same retractable undercarriage and performance specs — breakout force of 2,900 lbf and tear out force of 1,787 lbf. For more info, visit volvoce.com/united-states/en-us/products/excavators/ecr18e/.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
Stability vs. Mobility: How to Balance Track Width for Safe Operation
By Lee Tice, Product Manager, JCB
Mini excavators with retractable tracks offer flexibility, but using them correctly is key to safe and efficient operation. Here’s what you should keep in mind for optimum performance and safety.
Narrow for Access
Retracting the tracks reduces the machine’s width down to about 39 in. on some models, making it easier to move through gates, alleyways or tight spaces between buildings. This mode boosts mobility, making it easier to reposition the excavator in confined environments without the risk of getting stuck or damaging property.
Wide for Work
Once the machine is in place, expanding the tracks to their full width — often around 51 in. — improves stability. This wider stance provides better weight distribution, reduces risk of tipping, increases lifting capacity and helps the excavator perform more steadily during digging.
Common Mistake: Working While Retracted
Leaving the tracks retracted during operation is a frequent mistake. It may feel more convenient, but it compromises the machine’s center of gravity and can increase wear on critical components. A good rule of thumb: If you have the space, widen the stance. You’ll get better performance, a smoother ride and improved operator confidence.
Use Track Width Intentionally
Whether you’re trenching in a backyard or clearing material near buildings, using the retractable track feature intentionally — and not just as a set-it-and-forget-it function — can extend the life of your equipment and enhance jobsite safety.
