Mini excavator

Price
Manufacturer
Condition
Year of construction
Operating hours
Weight
Engine power

Buy new and used mini-excavators – from Yanmar, Sany, Wacker Neuson, JCB, Bobcat and Volvo, directly from specialist dealers. The mini excavator is the best-selling construction machine of all: for gardening and landscaping, utility connections, civil engineering in city centres, demolition of existing buildings and hire. Dealers such as Kraus Baumaschinen from Frankenthal, GSK Baumaschinen from Hanhofen and Bontebok from the Netherlands advertise their machines here, specifying the year of manufacture, operating hours, operating weight and engine power – with no middlemen and no commission. We’ve summarised here what’s important to consider when making a purchase.

Which mini-excavator is right for your job?

0.8 to 1.2 t – micro excavators: Yanmar SV10/ViO10/ViO12, Sany SY10, JCB 8008, XCMG XE18. Fits through any door (around 70–80 cm with the undercarriage retracted) and can be transported on a car trailer. Suitable for domestic connections, interior demolition and landscaping.

1.5 to 2 t – the rental class: Yanmar SV19/ViO17, JCB 15C-1/16C-1/8018, Bobcat E19, Doosan DX19, Kubota KX019. The standard in landscaping and for hire companies: still transportable with a 3.5 t trailer and a Category B driving licence, but already offering a reasonable digging depth (2.3–2.5 m).

2.5 to 3.5 t – the all-rounder: Yanmar SV22/ViO25/ViO26/ViO27/ViO33, Wacker Neuson 28Z3, Volvo ECR25, Hitachi ZX33U, Sany SY26U, Bobcat E27. Digging depth 2.8–3.2 m, short tail (zero tail) for working close to walls, sufficient power for a hydraulic breaker and compactor attachment. This makes up the bulk of our fleet.

5 to 9 t – midi excavators: Yanmar ViO50/ViO57/SV86, Wacker Neuson 6003/75Z3, Hyundai R60, XCMG XE60, Doosan DX85R, Cat 306/308. For sewer construction, roadworks and larger earthworks – the transition to crawler excavators.

Two features are more important than the make: short-tail or conventional (short-tail models can turn within the track width, whilst conventional models offer greater stability and lifting power) and an adjustable boom (articulated boom) for working parallel to a wall or in a trench.

What we look for in a used mini excavator

Operating hours and year of manufacture: Mini-excavators usually run for 300 to 600 hours a year. A machine with 2,000 hours over five years is normal; one with 2,000 hours over two years has been used for hire – in which case it’s worth taking a closer look at the bolts, bushings and undercarriage.

Undercarriage: rubber tracks (cracks, broken-off lugs, exposed steel core), track rollers, idler wheel, track tension. A new set of tracks costs a four-figure sum – a price consideration, but not a deal-breaker.

Boom, arm, bucket: play in bolts and bushings (raise the boom and push it sideways), distortion in the arm, condition of the quick-change coupler and bucket teeth. Check hydraulic cylinders for scratches on the piston rods and damp patches.

Hydraulics and engine: cold start, smoke pattern, oil pressure, smooth movements without jerking, no sagging of the raised boom. For modern machines, have the fault memory read out.

Documentation: CE marking with declaration of conformity, operating instructions, annual inspection by a qualified person (BetrSichV/DGUV), maintenance records. For imported machines, it is essential to check CE conformity.

ClassOperating weightDigging depth approx.TransportTypical models
Micro excavators0.8–1.2 t1.5–1.8 mCar trailerYanmar SV10, Sany SY10, ViO12
Compact1.5–2 t2.3–2.5 m3.5-tonne trailer, Category BEJCB 16C-1, Bobcat E19, Yanmar SV19
All-rounder2.5–3.5 t2.8–3.2 mTrailers from 3.5 t / small low-loadersYanmar ViO26/33, Volvo ECR25, Sany SY26U
Midi5–9 t3.5–4.5 mLow-loaderYanmar ViO57, Neuson 75Z3, Doosan DX85R

Brands and dealers

Yanmar (ViO and SV series) and Kubota are the best-selling mini-excavators in Germany, followed by Wacker Neuson, Bobcat, JCB, Volvo and Takeuchi; Sany and XCMG have established themselves as competitively priced new machines with a warranty; the used stock also includes older IHI, Caterpillar and Terex models at fixed prices. Our dealers: Kraus Baumaschinen in Frankenthal (authorised Yanmar dealer, new and used mini-excavators), GSK Baumaschinen in Hanhofen (new Sany machines with a 5-year warranty, Yanmar) and Bontebok Trading in Friesland (used machines at fixed prices, export). Filter by manufacturer, weight, year of manufacture, operating hours and price – each listing includes the technical specifications and direct contact details.

Frequently asked questions about used mini-excavators

How much does a used mini-excavator cost?

Prices range from five-figure sums for older 1.5-metric-tonne machines to prices comparable to new machines for recent 5-metric-tonne excavators with very few operating hours. Factors affecting the price include weight class, year of manufacture, operating hours, short-tail or adjustable boom, quick-change coupler and bucket set. Many of our dealers quote fixed prices; for ‘negotiable’, please enquire directly via the advert.

How many operating hours are still acceptable for a mini-excavator?

Well-maintained mini-excavators can run for 6,000 to 8,000 hours or more. A machine is considered ‘young’ up to around 3,000 hours. More important than the figure itself are maintenance records, the undercarriage, play in bolts and bushings, and a clean cold start.

Which mini-excavator can I tow with a car?

With a Category B driving licence, you can tow up to 750 kg (unbraked) or a total combination weight of up to 3.5 t – this is sufficient for micro-excavators weighing up to 1 t. With a Class BE or B96 licence, you can tow a 3.5-t trailer: this can accommodate mini-excavators up to around 2.5 t, including buckets. From 3 t upwards, you’ll usually need a low-loader or a Class C1E licence.

Short-tail or conventional rear boom?

Zero-tail models are ideal for working against walls, on roads and in confined excavations – the rear remains within the track width. Conventional excavators have more counterweight and therefore greater lifting and breaking force for the same weight. Zero-tail models are now standard for landscaping and construction work.

New or second-hand – when is which option best?

New machines from Sany or XCMG now sometimes cost less than three-year-old Yanmar or Kubota models – and come with a warranty. Buying second-hand is worthwhile for premium brands with documented maintenance records and for machines with fewer than 1,500 operating hours. Take the resale value into account: Yanmar, Kubota and Takeuchi retain their value best.

Which attachments are compatible with a mini-excavator?

Backhoe buckets in various widths, trench cleaning buckets, hydraulic hammers, compactors, grapples, drill drives – a suitable quick-change coupler (mechanical or hydraulic, e.g. MS01/MS03) and an auxiliary hydraulic circuit are required. Check which buckets are included in the price.

Can I lease a mini excavator or finance it via hire purchase?

For many listings, you can submit a non-binding leasing or hire-purchase enquiry directly. You can discuss the terms with the dealer or their finance partner; the purchase and payment are handled directly between you and the seller.

An overview of all types: Construction machinery · Larger models: Tracked excavators and wheeled excavators · For transport: Construction machinery trailers · Guide: Buying used construction machinery – the 10 most important tips

Frankenthal, DE
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Item number
KRAUS-GG2576
Model
SY 18 C
Frankenthal, DE
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Item number
KRAUS-1406
Model
ViO33-6
Frankenthal, DE
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Item number
KRAUS-1454
Model
SV 19 VT Advance Plus
Frankenthal, DE
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Item number
KRAUS-1456
Model
ViO26-6
Frankenthal, DE
Updated on
Item number
KRAUS-GG2130
Model
E 85
Frankenthal, DE
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Item number
KRAUS-1191
Model
DX85R-7
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Compact excavators for downtown construction sites : The SANY SY10U mini excavator, with a curb weight of 1,195 kg, is ideal for precise work on tight construction sites and in urban areas.
Item number
K-SY10U
Model
SY10U
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Complete mini-excavator set for tight construction sites: SANY SY18C with two interchangeable attachments and a compaction rammer for civil engineering and excavation work in confined spaces.
Item number
GSK-47284
Model
SY18C
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Compact excavators with attachments : The SANY SY26U mini excavator, with an operating weight of 2,760 kg, is ideal for precision work on tight construction sites and in gardening and landscaping.
Item number
GSK-55387
Model
SY26U
Contact us for a price
Hanhofen, DE
100%
Updated on
Tight Construction Sites & Indoor Work : The Yanmar ViO 27 LW-6 is a 2.67-metric-ton mini excavator with a zero-tail-swing design, ideal for confined work areas and transport on standard trailers.
Item number
GSK-55882
Model
Vio 27 LW-6
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Compact construction work in tight spaces: The Yanmar ViO27-6 is a mini excavator with a zero-tail-swing rear design for safe operation along property lines and in urban areas.
Item number
Y-ViO27-6
Model
ViO27-6
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Compact Excavator Use on Urban Construction Sites : The Yanmar ViO33-6 is a zero-tail mini excavator with a curb weight of 3,275 kg and an engine output of 18.5 kW, making it ideal for confined workspaces in cities.
Item number
Y-ViO33-6
Model
ViO33-6
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Compact excavator for tight job sites : The Yanmar ViO50-6B is a zero-tail-swing mini-excavator with an operating weight of 4,875 kg and a 27.5 kW diesel engine, designed for work in confined spaces.
Item number
Y- ViO50-6B
Model
ViO50-6B
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Compact excavators for urban construction sites : The Yanmar ViO57-6B is a zero-tail-swing mini excavator with a 33.5 kW diesel engine and an operating weight of 5505 kg, designed for confined workspaces.
Item number
Y-ViO57-6B
Model
ViO57-6B
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Compact mini-excavator equipment : SANY SY18C mini-excavator with a professional attachment set for tight construction sites and excavation work.
Item number
GSK-42952
Model
SY18C
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Compact Construction Site Work : The Bobcat E35Z is a lightweight mini-excavator with a curb weight of 3.8 metric tons, designed for tight construction sites and indoor applications.
Item number
Bob-E35
Model
E35Z
Contact us for a price
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Trailer Transport: The Saris Magnum Explorer 3500 is a rugged, versatile transporter with a payload capacity of 2,835 kg, designed for commercial transport tasks.
Item number
Saris-EX-3500
Model
Magnum Explorer 3500
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Compact Construction Site Work : The Bobcat E27 Z is a mini excavator with a curb weight of 2,571 kg, designed for tight workspaces and small construction sites.
Item number
Bob-E27
Model
E27 Z
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Mini-excavator work on tight job sites: The Yanmar ViO12-2A is a compact zero-tail mini-excavator with an extendable undercarriage for precise excavation work in confined spaces.
Item number
Y-ViO12-2A
Model
ViO12-2A
Hanhofen, DE
100%
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Working in Confined Spaces : The Yanmar ViO17 is a mini excavator with a zero-tail swing design for working in tight urban and downtown areas.
Item number
Y-ViO17
Model
ViO17
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