The Top 3- to 4-Metric-Ton Mini Excavators on the Market

Welcome to Compact Equipment‘s weekly showcase column. This week we’ll be looking at 3- to 4-metric-ton mini excavators, a category that’s become a favorite among contractors, landscapers and rental fleets alike. These machines offer the perfect balance of power and versatility, providing just enough capacity for tougher tasks while still being small enough for tight jobsites. With more than 20 brands in the market, ranging from Kubota to New Holland Construction, there’s no shortage of options for operators looking for reliable, high-performance equipment.

This size class, specifically 3 to 4 metric tons, is the most popular among mini excavators in North America. Contractors love them for their ability to tackle a wide range of projects, from digging trenches to moving materials, all while being compact enough to maneuver in confined spaces. With hydraulic systems capable of handling a variety of attachments, these machines are equally adept at lifting, digging or even clearing brush with tools like grapples and augers.

Whether you’re looking to purchase or rent, a few considerations can make or break your decision. Think about the reach, dig depth and weight of the machine, as well as auxiliary hydraulic flow if you plan to use attachments. For tight spaces, zero tail swing models are often the best choice. Plus, don’t forget to consider comfort and ease of operation, with many models offering advanced cab features like air conditioning and ergonomic controls.

As we explore the top models from leading manufacturers, this showcase will give you the insights you need to make an informed decision on your next 3- to 4-metric-ton mini excavator. Let’s dive into the details!

Kubota KX040-5 Compact Excavator

Kubota Tractor Corp. recently introduced the new KX040-5 to its robust compact excavator lineup. Putting productivity and operator experience at the forefront, the KX040-5 introduces key updates including a redesigned hydraulic system, a 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 jobsite. The new KX040-5 compact excavator will be available at Kubota dealerships in the first quarter of 2025. For more information or to find an authorized Kubota dealer near you, visit www.KubotaUSA.com.

Takeuchi TB20e Electric Compact Excavator

As Takeuchi’s first designed-and-built, battery-powered compact excavator in the 3-4 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., a bucket capacity of 1.34 cu ft and a primary auxiliary flow of 9.0 gpm. Maximum reach is 13 ft, 4 in. and maximum digging depth is 7 ft, 10.1 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 or around residential neighborhoods, municipalities, schools and hospitals. For more info, visit takeuchi-us.com.

John Deere 30 P-Tier Compact Excavator

The John Deere 30 P-Tier compact excavator is a highly versatile and durable machine built to excel in confined spaces and challenging jobsites. Being a part of the robust P-Tier lineup from John Deere, it is equipped with a powerful engine, advanced hydraulics, and superior lifting capabilities, making it the ideal choice for a wide range of tasks, including digging and trenching, material handling, and site preparation. Featuring a reduced tail-swing design, the 30 P-Tier offers enhanced maneuverability in confined areas, while its compact frame ensures easy transport between jobsites. The 30 P-Tier is designed with operator comfort in mind, featuring a spacious, ergonomic cabin that offers excellent visibility and intuitive controls, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation. For more info, visit deere.com/en/construction.

New Holland Construction E30C Compact Excavator

The New Holland Construction E30C is compact and powerful, offering excellent digging capabilities for increased productivity. The​​​ 23.2-hp engine provides plenty of power to the load-sensing hydraulics for smooth and efficient operation in this compact and easily transportable package, measuring 8 ft, 2 in. in height and 13 ft, 9 in. overall transport length. Slim frame posts ensure excellent all-round visibility, with good views of the boom and dipper. When working in a confined area, in urban areas, or between valuable crops such as in a vineyard, nursery, or an orchard, you can operate a New Holland compact excavator with absolute precision for minimal disruption. The standard arm on the E30C provides a maximum 9 ft, 7 in. of dump height and 4520 lbf in bucket breakout force. With 14 ft of overall reach height, this machine is ready to prove the power it brings to your jobsite. In addition, the available Object Handling Kit allows you to raise heavy, suspended loads using a lifting hook on the bucket linkage. For more info, visit construction.newholland.com.

JCB 35Z-1 Mini Excavator

The JCB 35Z-1 is a powerful and versatile 3.5-ton mini excavator built for demanding jobsites. With an operating weight of 7,840 lbs and a 24.7 hp diesel engine, it delivers the strength and efficiency needed for tough excavation tasks​. The zero tails wing design enhances maneuverability in tight spaces, making it ideal for urban construction and utility work​. Designed for operator comfort, the 35Z-1 features a spacious cab with a flat floor, hands-free Bluetooth radio, and excellent visibility. Electro-proportional controls and up to 10 pre-set attachments ensure precise handling and quick tool changes​. Its rugged steel body and protected hydraulic hoses minimize downtime, while the machine’s 500-hour greasing intervals and accessible service points keep maintenance simple​. Performance is enhanced with a maximum digging depth of 10 ft, 6 in., a bucket tear-out force of 7,284 lbs, and industry-leading fuel efficiency with programmable auto-idle​. Whether tackling earthmoving, trenching, or demolition, the 35Z-1 is built to perform. For more info, visit jcb.com/en-us​.

Hitachi ZX35U-5N Compact Excavator

The Hitachi compact excavator ZX35U-5N 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 the 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. Their durable rubber tracks allow it 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.com.

Bobcat E40 Compact Excavator

The Bobcat E40 compact excavator delivers impressive digging power, depth and reach, with smooth and precise controls offering operators exceptional performance and attachment versatility. Popular compact excavator attachments include augers, flail mowers, hydraulic breakers, drum mulchers and more. As a minimal tail swing excavator with less than two inches of overhang, a standard long arm and nearly 4,000 pounds of lifting capacity, the E40 can outperform the competition and helps operators accomplish more. 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, carefully tuned hydraulics and other features including a suspension seat, low-effort joysticks and standard LED lighting. For more info, visit bobcat.com.

Hyundai HX35A Z Compact Hydraulic Excavator

The Hyundai HX35A Z is a compact hydraulic excavator equipped with a low-emission Tier 4 Final compliant diesel engine. It offers efficient operation and increased power in confined spaces. Precision designed with trusted and proven components and systems from leading OEM’s, the HX35A Z is engineered to be rugged and reliable for longer up time, reduced operating costs and improved productivity. The HX35A Z received the prestigious 2022 Red Dot Design Award, recognizing outstanding industrial designs worldwide. The excavator was honored, in part, for its distinctive “tiger eye” rear light design, showcasing a perfect blend of form and function. Fore more info, visit na.hd-hyundaice.com.

Case CX37C Mini Excavator

With an operating weight of 7,990 lbs and a 24.4-hp engine, CASE Construction Equipment’s CX37C mini excavator boasts a bucket digging force of 6,900 lbs and a digging depth of 10 ft, 3 in. The machine is available in a short-radius design. It also has a swing boom for improved operation in tight areas, and an auto-shift travel system for operator convenience in varying terrain. Standard features include auxiliary hydraulics and a mighty dozer blade for improved productivity, as well as a spacious cab environment that offers adjustability, ergonomic controls and excellent sightlines for all-around visibility. Easily transportable, all you need is a half-ton pickup and trailer to get the CX37C to the jobsite in many locations. For more info, visit casece.com.

Volvo Construction Equipment EC37 Compact Excavator

Because this size range makes up more than a quarter of the compact excavator market in North America, Volvo Construction Equipment took great care in designing the EC37 excavator to provide the best operator experience possible. The spacious, ergonomic cab provides top-notch visibility, a quieter workspace, an improved HMI and adjustable features for ultimate comfort. It also has an elongated undercarriage for better weight balance and stability, reducing the “rocking chair effect” and maximizing safety. Customizable hydraulics flow settings and work modes make it easier than ever to prepare the EC37 for any task, and profiles can be set up to save multiple operators’ preferences. Auto engine shutdown means that hours not worked are not recorded, keeping the machine operating efficiently for longer while reducing maintenance costs. For more info, visit volvoce.com.

Develon DX35Z-7 Mini Excavator

The DX35Z-7 mini excavator is a zero tail swing machine, providing peace of mind for operators when they are working in tight spaces. The machine’s operating weight, digging depth (10 ft, 8 in.) and reach (17 ft, 7 in.), combined with its design, make it a desirable mini excavator for customers working in construction, landscaping and utility applications. Operators can dig in offset positions while working flush against structures or obstacles. The mini excavator’s swing casting and cylinders remain within the track width at full left-swing, making it less likely that operators will damage the components when working in tight areas. This feature is especially helpful when rental stores are renting to less-experienced operators. Standard features for the DX35Z-7 include the following: one-way/two-way auxiliary hydraulics (without pedal), My Develon fleet management (telematics), quick-coupler-ready design, selectable control pattern (BHL vs. ISO), thumb-ready arm (bracket installed), and travel alarm. For more info, visit na.develon-ce.com.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.