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Whether you’re considering Bobcat, Kubota, Sany, or other brands, it’s good to understand that the mini excavator evolved in the early 1960s to help small contractors move lots of materials in tighter spaces. FYI, also called the ‘compact excavator’ by many brands, the most popular term according to Google is overwhelmingly ‘mini excavator’ by an almost 8:1 margin.

All that aside, here are the five main criteria that define the mini excavator, and why it is different from a standard excavator:

• Size – The mini excavator is smaller than the standard excavator (obviously), with varying lift capacities, and narrower widths that allow them to get into tighter spaces.
• Tail Swing – Mini excavators also have a reduced tail swing or even a zero tail swing, which makes it easier to make tight turns in small, narrow job sites, like parking lots, streets, housing sites, and many others.
• Narrower Undercarriage - helps mini excavator operators maneuver a narrower undercarriage through tight spaces, like doorways or gates.
• Lighter – A mini excavator weighs less than a standard excavator, which makes it easier to transport between sites.
• Fuel Savings – Being smaller, a mini excavator also consumes far less fuel.
  Why choose a mini Excavator, and what are the best applications to use it?

Mini excavators are typically not used on large excavation projects, like large road projects requiring hundreds of thousands of yards of material to be moved. But for smaller projects like parking lots, streets, housing sites, utility projects, and many others, they’re perfect. It's crucial to use a mini excavator whenever there's a possibility that a larger excavator may hit a wall or any obstacle. This can not only damage the obstacle but also the excavator itself. When renting or purchasing a mini excavator, here are a few things to keep in mind as you make a decision.

Is your Jobsite a flat, empty landscape, or an urban area with a lot of buildings and other obstacles? Terrain will also determine which type of machine and attachments you'll need to complete the job efficiently and safely.

• Machine size & lift capacity –The weight of the materials you'll be lifting will likely determine the excavator size you'll need. These are the basic size guidelines for most excavators.
• A mini (or compact) excavator typically handles up to six metric tons (or 13,227 pounds)
  A mid-sized excavator handles 6-10 metric tons (or 22,046 pounds)
• Full size he standard (or full-size) excavator will lift up to 10 - 90 metric tons (or 22,046 - 198,416 pounds)

• Storage availability – If you're purchasing an excavator, you may need an indoor storage facility to house the excavator during frigid, stormy, or excessively rainy weather.
• Weight – You'll want to know the excavator's maximum operating weight. The last thing you want is an excavator that's too heavy, as this could damage your site.
• Bucket capacity, digging depth, and reach – Different buckets can handle different weights. You'll want to make sure the excavator you choose can handle the size of bucket your job requires. Your digging depth and length requirements will help determine excavator size and attachment type.

To purchase an excavator, you'll either need a sizeable amount of cash or decent credit. While a purchase requires a larger upfront cost, it could save you money over time, especially if you plan on using the machine frequently. Use this general rule of thumb: if you use the machine more than 65% of the year, a purchase makes sense.  If you use it less than 65% (or less than eight months in a year), then you should rent. There are also possible tax advantages of buying as well as the potential return on investment, ask your accountant what makes sense for you.