Mini excavators are becoming increasingly popular, mostly due to their compact size and maneuverability. Despite their small size, mini excavators are powerful machines, allowing you to do many different tasks. However, that doesn’t mean that mini excavator weight isn’t important. As a matter of fact, it can impact your mini-excavator's functionality in many ways. Keep reading to find out how:
1. What’s The Usual Mini Excavator Weight?
How much does a mini excavator weigh? In general, mini-excavators can weigh anywhere between 2,000 and 5,000 lbs. In kilograms, that’s between 900 and 2,270 kg. However, make sure to distinguish the net weight from the maximum operating weight. Net weight represents the weight of the mini-excavator alone.
However, you’ll probably use your mini-excavator to dig and move soil or transport other things. That’s why you need to consider the maximum operating weight, which is the net weight + your weight + the weight of the materials that you’re transporting. How much weight can a mini excavator lift?
Depending on their size and other factors, mini-excavators can lift between 200-20000 lbs. In either case. try not to exceed the maximum operating weight, as it can lead to your mini excavator tipping over or cause various mechanical issues.
2. Mini Excavator Weight - Why Does It Matter?
Now that you know a bit more about the usual weight of mini-excavators, let’s see its impact on the functionality and security of these machines:
More Stability
Generally speaking, heavier mini-excavators are more stable, especially when lifting heavy loads or digging deep holes. In these situations, mini-excavators that are too light are more prone to tipping over, especially on uneven or sloped terrains. There is simply not enough weight to ground them and keep them stable and secure. Obviously, having your mini-excavator tip over can lead to serious/fatal injuries, as well as other significant damages.
Better Performance
In most cases, bigger and heavier mini-excavators have more power and a higher digging force. This is extremely important for large and demanding projects, where mini-excavators that are too light would take much longer to finish the same task than a heavier mini-excavator.
Increased Versatility
Mini-excavators are famous for their versatility, as they can work with dozens of different attachments. Heavier mini-excavators can support a wider array of different attachments, as they can work with bigger and heavier attachments, such as large buckets and augers. While light mini-excavators can work with some small and medium-sized attachments, they might be too weak for bigger attachments.
More Durability
Over time and with prolonged use, your mini-excavator will inevitably start to break down. No matter how high-quality it might be, no mini-excavator will last you forever. However, heavier mini-excavators are typically more robust and more durable than lighter ones. Still, that doesn’t mean that the lighter mini-excavators aren’t durable, especially if you buy them from a reputable manufacturer.
Easier Transport
On the other side, heavy mini-excavators can be difficult to transfer. If your projects require you to relocate your mini-excavator rather often, then a lighter mini-excavator would be a much better choice. You can easily tow them, do the work, and then tow them again to their garage or another location.
Ground Pressure
Some projects will require you to drive your mini-excavator over soft or delicate surfaces. For example, if you need to drive over a lawn or garden, a lighter mini-excavator will cause much less disturbance. Or, if you need to drive over the utility lines or even over the indoor surfaces, choose a lighter mini excavator. It won’t make nearly as much damage as a heavier mini-excavator would make.
Fuel Consumption
Furthermore, if you are trying to save money on fuel, then your choice should be a lighter mini-excavator. They consume less fuel overall, which is great if you are on a tight budget or you simply want to be more fuel-efficient.
Price Affordability
Finally, since we are speaking about saving money, we should also mention the price differences between the heavier and lighter mini excavators. Usually, heavier mini excavators are more expensive than the lighter ones. If you are looking to save money, you should think of getting a lighter mini-excavator instead.
3. How To Choose A Perfect Mini Excavator For You
It is easy to see that both heavy and light mini-excavators have certain advantages. So, which one should you choose? Well, that depends on your specific needs - if you need a more powerful, versatile, and secure machine, then a heavier mini-excavator is the right choice for you.
However, if you need a machine that performs better in tight spaces, on delicate surfaces, is easier to transport, and spends less fuel, then you should go for a lighter mini-excavator. In both cases, we have some recommendations for you:
13.5 hp Mini Excavator | AX-12B
If you have opted for a more lightweight mini-excavator, you should take a look at this one. With a net weight of 1874 lb and a max operating weight of 2138 lb, this mini-excavator is perfect for projects where you need agility and speed rather than brute force and power.
13.5HP Mini Excavator B&S Engine with 6 Attachments
If, on the other hand, you want something heavier and more sturdy, this mini-excavator could be the right choice for you. With an operating weight of 2370 lb and 6 attachments, this mini-excavator is strong, versatile, and ready to take on any task that you might come up with.
Conclusion
In this article, you have learned a thing or two about mini excavator weight and why it matters so much. Hopefully, this will help you decide which mini-excavator is the best choice for you and your projects - a heavier or a lighter one. No matter which one you choose, make sure to follow its safety and user guidelines, especially the ones regarding its maximum operating weight.
Also, don’t forget that the quality of your mini-excavator also plays a vital role in how it will serve you and your needs. If you buy a lighter mini-excavator from a reputable company (such as AHM), it will be just as good and efficient as the heavier options.
