The Growing Popularity of Mini Excavators

If you think you are seeing more mini excavators out there, you are not wrong. Several manufacturers have seen interest in these smaller models ramp up over the past six to eight months. And of course, we are following this development closely, as one feature of mini excavators is their rubber, rather than steel, tracks. This allows them to leave a less destructive footprint in some of the more delicate projects they are used in—landscaping, for example. 

Considerations When Choosing a Mini Excavator

Depending on the maker, these machines are variously called mini, midi, or compact excavators. “Compact excavator” is the most accepted and inclusive term, so we’ll use that in this discussion. 

To refine the definition further, we are talking about excavators in the two to nine metric ton range. Another distinctive feature of the compact machine is the likelihood that they will have a zero, reduced, or minimal tail-swing to enable them to do more in less space. And most have a blade that allows them to backfill after trenching. 

When comparing the various models available, experts recommend a few key features to look for, although the utility of each feature may not be the same in all applications. 

• If you need to add a hydraulic tool to your machine, you will want to make sure that the machine is equipped and rated for the type and size of attachment you will use. 
• If you commonly need to maneuver your excavator into backyards or through certain narrow doorways, you will want to look for a retractable undercarriage, which most, but not all models offer. 
• Also, ask yourself if you need a canopy or a 4-season cab. 

Another issue to consider is the weight of the compact excavator. This will affect the size and rating of trailers and towing vehicles and even licensure. Of course, the fact is that the compact excavator category is certainly lighter and smaller than a full-size excavator—another advantage to the compact range! 

Compact Versatility

The word heard most frequently when discussing the appeal of the compact excavator is “versatility.” 

Earlier, we mentioned landscaping and trenching, but those are by no means the extent of the machine’s ability to adapt to a host of applications. Besides the use of the bucket for demolition, construction, or other heavy lifting, their versatility is only limited by the number of attachments available—mowing, mulching, and digging fence-posts are just a few of the many jobs the right attachment will allow you to tackle. 

This versatility also means that you need to keep an eye on the excavator’s rubber tracks. Some of the surfaces they traverse are more likely to wear down the tracks. Wear is easy to spot, though, and you should have plenty of warning before failure, giving you plenty of time to source your replacement tracks from Dominion Equipment Parts. And we make that easy on you. 

Compact Excavator Rubber Tracks

Dominion Rubber Tracks are available for all rubber tracked mini excavators, not to mention rubber tracked track loaders and rubber-tracked carriers including: 

• ASV
• Bobcat
• Takeuchi
• John Deere
• Case
• Caterpillar
• Kubota
• Doosan
• Morooka
• New Holland
• Mustang
• Gehl
• Yanmar
• Komatsu
• Terex
• Ditch Witch
• Vermeer
• Among many others

If you’re not sure what track to get, click here to get the three measurements you need to take to order a replacement that fits perfectly! 

By the way, if you are considering buying a used rubber track as a replacement, please click the button below to view a couple of guidelines.