Mini excavators are compact hydraulic excavators with operating weights of between 1 and 6 tonnes, designed for use in confined spaces, on city centre construction sites and for private excavation work. They are characterised by their compact dimensions, a rear swing radius close to or equal to zero, and a low transport weight suitable for car trailers.
Variants include zero-tail models (no rear swing), standard mini excavators with rear swing, compact excavators between 6 and 13 tonnes, and electric mini excavators for indoor use and emission-sensitive applications.
Common manufacturers include Kubota, Yanmar, Takeuchi, Bobcat, JCB, Wacker Neuson, Hitachi, Volvo and Caterpillar.
Mini excavators are used in gardening and landscaping, for laying service connections, in pool and basement construction, in interior finishing, for cemetery and renovation work, and by amateur gardeners. Common attachments include various bucket sizes, hydraulic hammers, augers and mowing heads.