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Is a Mini Excavator Right for You?

When choosing construction equipment, deciding what size excavator you need depends on how you plan to use it. Before you shop, it's critical to consider expected uses, the environment you'll work in, and the nature of your business. Another consideration is whether to purchase or rent equipment. Think about which size you would use more. Suppose you need heavy-duty work in rugged areas on a regular basis and lighter work less frequently. In that case, you might consider purchasing a larger excavator and renting a smaller excavator when needed. On the other hand, if you mainly do lighter work, a mini excavator could cover the bulk of your tasks, and when you need heavier work, you can rent a larger piece of equipment. In the case of equal use and enough work, keeping each size in your equipment inventory might be beneficial.

What Does Each Excavator Size Do Best?

When considering excavating equipment, size counts. If you purchase equipment that is too large for most of your uses, you waste money not only on the purchase price but alsoon transportation costs, fuel, and storage space. On the other hand, if you choose an excavator that's too small for most of your uses, you could damage equipment by trying to do too much with an underpowered piece of equipment and take too much time doing it. You could also spend a lot of money on rental charges if you regularly need a bigger excavator.

Mini Excavators

The smallest excavators are flexible, versatile, and capable of managing many construction, landscaping, and utility tasks. Because they're smaller, you can typically transport them in Class 1 or 2 trucks without a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). With their smaller size, these handy machines squeeze in easily around buildings, existing landscaping, and concrete work. Depending on the brand you buy, tail swing is typically less or non-existent, enabling the equipment to work in close quarters without damage to structures, landscaping features, and equipment. Mini excavators usually run on tracks similarly to larger excavators, but they are ideal where the ground is softer since they are lighter. Mini excavators typically weigh less than 13,000 lbs. and usually cost $80,000-$150,000.

Midi Excavators

You might consider a midi excavator when you need a bit more power and reach but still need to work in small areas. They're highly maneuverable and can address tight spaces, but they can handle some larger projects on a construction site. Mid-size excavators typically run on tracks and weigh between 13,000 and 22,000 lbs. They usually cost $100,000-$200,000.

Standard or Full-Size Excavators

The largest excavators have the most power for heavy construction projects and the greatest digging depth of any size excavator. Since these are the largest and heaviest excavators, they are the hardest to transport, requiring large trucks and operators with a CDL. They also take up the most storage space when not in use. These are the most difficult excavators to cost-justify because they are the most expensive of the three sizes and require the most use to realize an adequate return on investment. Standard or large-size excavators weigh from 22,000 to 200,000 lbs. or more and can cost up to $500,000.

Buying a Mini Excavator

If you've determined that a mini excavator fits your budget, project scope, and transportation capabilities, look at Yanmar mini excavators. They are top-of-the-line with optimal energy use through technology advancements and have manyadditional features. Yanmar excavators have several advantages over other brands:

  • Strength

  • Efficiency

  • Dependability

  • Ruggedness

  • Attractive pricing

  • Simple maintenance

Yanmar Mini Excavators are Built Smart

The features built into these powerful mini excavators give you a piece of equipment that comfortably, economically, and effectively does the job you need. These mini excavators are an excellent alternative for projects that don't require a full-size excavator.

  • Comfort

  • Intuitive Controls

  • Simple Monitoring

  • Easy Maintenance

  • Standard Eco Mode

  • SmartAssist Telematics

  • Easy Attachment Swap

  • True Zero Tail Swing

  • Excellent Warranty


Hardline Carries Two Yanmar Excavator Sizes


Yanmar ViO55-6A Excavator

With the Yanmar ViO55-6A 5.5t mini excavator, earthmoving has never been so easy. It is optimal for construction and farming, but you can use this multi-purpose excavator for a variety of tasks, including digging, demolition, installing irrigation systems, and laying foundations.


The cabin is air-conditioned, allowing you to work long hours without feeling fatigued, and Yanmar's 4TNV-Turbo Direct Injection diesel engine is powerful yet energy efficient.

  • Weight –12,247 lbs.

  • Horsepower – 47.6

  • Max dig depth – 13'6"

  • Engine – water-cooled 4-cylinder diesel

  • Blade dimensions – 6’6” x 1’4”

  • Fuel tank – 17.4-gallon capacity


Yanmar ViO35-6A Excavator

The Yanmar ViO35-6A 3.5t mini excavatoris the most popular in the ViO line and is ideal for variousjobs. This model is available with an air-conditioned cabin or a canopy. It is perfect for work that requires flexibility in areas inaccessible to larger excavators, such as foundation work, demolition, site preparation, plumbing systems, and garden irrigation systems.

  • Weight –8,214 lbs.

  • Horsepower – 24.4

  • Max dig depth – 11'3"

  • Engine – water-cooled 4-cylinder diesel

  • Blade width – 5'8"

  • Fuel tank – 10.8-gallon capacity


Hardline Equipment Is Your Source for Yanmar Excavators

When you're looking for performance excavating equipment in the Denver area, look no further than Hardline Equipment. Our knowledgeable customer service representatives can quickly get you a quote and answer your questions.

Contact us online today, or call 720-744-3526.



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