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Compact (Mini) Excavator Buyer's Guide

How to Buy a Compact (Mini) Excavator

The right compact excavator can be a game changer. Bobcat can help you make the best choice.

Start Your Excavator Buying Journey.

Ultimate Guide for First-Time Buyers

We offer many Bobcat® excavator models to provide the best possible match for your job. The size, machine weight, reach, dig depth and attachment capabilities all factor in. Your machine is out there, and Bobcat can guide you through all the considerations.

Introduction to Compact (Mini) Excavators

A compact (mini) excavator is a versatile and powerful piece of construction equipment designed to perform a variety of tasks in confined spaces. With numerous benefits and a myriad of models to choose from, compact excavators can be a great choice for your operation – but it’s crucial that you select the right compact excavator for your specific needs. 

This guide offers detailed insights into compact excavators, including their advantages, applications, features and factors to consider when purchasing. We'll even cover some manufacturers and models to help you choose the right compact excavator for your specific needs and budget. It’s an in-depth exploration of the world of compact excavators, preparing you to make a well-informed investment in your next piece of construction equipment. 

Learn About Compact (Mini) Excavators

What Are Compact Excavators & Their Uses
E60 Excavator Rips Down a Dilapidated Building

What Are Compact Excavators & Their Uses

Learn the basics about compact excavators, including their advantages and uses across various industries.

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Exploring Excavator Sizes and Specifications
E32 and E35 Compact Excavators Parked on a Sandy Jobsite

Exploring Excavator Sizes and Specifications

Understand the different compact excavator sizes, available models, and specifications to narrow down your search for the right machine.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Compact Excavator
A Bobcat E20 Compact Excavator Maneuvers Between a Fence and Aluminum Bleachers While Digging Dirt 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Compact Excavator

From size to digging depth and lift capacity, get a good understanding of what to look for when you want to buy the best excavator.

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Features and Optional Upgrades of Compact Excavators
Close Up of a Touch Screen Inside the Cab of a Bobcat Compact Excavator

Features and Optional Upgrades of Compact Excavators

Certain features are must-haves for some jobs, and the right upgrades are key indicators for the capabilities of your compact excavator. Dive into the features and upgrades that deliver stand-out performance and improved results.

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Attachments of Compact Excavators
E48 Platinum Uses Nitrogen Breaker to Demolish Concrete on an Urban Jobsite 

Attachments of Compact Excavators

An excavator should be able to do more than just dig. Look into the attachment possibilities and features that can make you more efficient when using them.

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Service and Maintenance of Compact Excavators
Operator Checks the Air Filter on a Bobcat E55 Compact Excavator

Service and Maintenance of Compact Excavators

Proper maintenance is essential for protecting your compact excavator’s performance. Look through the typical maintenance requirements and explore how certain features can make it easier.

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Latest Articles

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37 Results
Excavator Attachment Systems & Couplers
Front right quarter view of a Bobcat E88 Compact Excavator

Excavator Attachment Systems & Couplers

Section 179 Tax Deduction for Compact Equipment
T76 compact track loader on a white background

Section 179 Tax Deduction for Compact Equipment

How to Choose the Right Compact Excavator Arm
Bobcat E35 compact excavator

How to Choose the Right Compact Excavator Arm

How to Choose the Right Compact Excavator Size
Bobcat E35 compact excavator studio image

How to Choose the Right Compact Excavator Size

Timesaving Forestry Attachments for Your Next Project
Compact Track Loader Cuts Down Trees With Forestry Cutter Attachment

Timesaving Forestry Attachments for Your Next Project

Product Q&A: Bobcat Machine IQ Wireless Communications
Bobcat Excavator and Bobcat Compact Track Loader Working Together On A Jobsite

Product Q&A: Bobcat Machine IQ Wireless Communications

5 Ways Bobcat Equipment Can Increase Your Productivity
Operator Digs A Hole With A Bobcat E35 Mini Excavator And The Depth Check System

5 Ways Bobcat Equipment Can Increase Your Productivity

R2-Series: The Mini Excavator That Will Revolutionize Your Work
Operator Digs With Bucket Attachment On Bobcat R2 Series Mini Excavator

R2-Series: The Mini Excavator That Will Revolutionize Your Work

Bobcat E35 vs. Cat 303.5E2-CR Mini Excavator
Illustrated Bobcat E35 Mini Excavator vs. Cat 303.5E2-CR Mini Excavator Dig Depth

Bobcat E35 vs. Cat 303.5E2-CR Mini Excavator

Bobcat E50 vs. John Deere 50G Mini Excavator
Bobcat E50 Vs. John Deere 50G Cab Visibility

Bobcat E50 vs. John Deere 50G Mini Excavator

5 Benefits of a Large Excavator Rental
Operator Moves Dirt With Bobcat Large Excavator

5 Benefits of a Large Excavator Rental

The Future Is Bright: Electric Compact Equipment
Blue Illustration Of A Compact Excavator

The Future Is Bright: Electric Compact Equipment

Bobcat E42 vs. Kubota KX040-4 Mini Excavator
Bobcat E42 Mini Excavator Tail Swing Compared to Kubota KX040-4

Bobcat E42 vs. Kubota KX040-4 Mini Excavator

Large Excavators: Are They Right for You?
Bobcat E165 being transported on a trailer.

Large Excavators: Are They Right for You?

What Makes the E42 and E50 Mini Excavators Different?
Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator Backfilling

What Makes the E42 and E50 Mini Excavators Different?

What You Need to Know About the Redesigned R-Series Loaders
Closeup Image of Bobcat T76 Compact Track Loader

What You Need to Know About the Redesigned R-Series Loaders

6 Compact Excavator Maintenance Tips to Boost Machine Performance
Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator Moving Pipe On Construction Jobsite

6 Compact Excavator Maintenance Tips to Boost Machine Performance

Challenge Accepted. Bobcat Dealers Step Up.
Closeup Image of Bobcat Logo

Challenge Accepted. Bobcat Dealers Step Up.

Backhoe vs. Excavator: Which Is Your Loader’s Perfect Match?
A Bobcat Compact Track Loader And Compact Excavator Working Together On A Jobsite

Backhoe vs. Excavator: Which Is Your Loader’s Perfect Match?

How Easy Access Means Easy Maintenance
Bobcat Compact Excavator Service Access

How Easy Access Means Easy Maintenance

Improve Mini Excavator Accuracy With Bobcat Depth Check System
Bobcat E35 achieving an accurate grade with the Bobcat depth check system

Improve Mini Excavator Accuracy With Bobcat Depth Check System

Know the Basics: Compact Excavator 101
Infographic detailing the different sections of a mini excavator.

Know the Basics: Compact Excavator 101

4 Jobs the Bobcat Pro Clamp System™ Does Better
As an alternative to a compact excavator clamp attachment, the Pro Clamp System consists of a base component, standard pin-on work tool and optional grading tool.

4 Jobs the Bobcat Pro Clamp System™ Does Better

Ten Tips for Boosting Compact Excavator Uptime
Bobcat E35 Compact Excavator On The Job

Ten Tips for Boosting Compact Excavator Uptime

Ready to customize your excavator?

Your next machine might be closer to your jobsite than you think. Build & Quote helps you configure an excavator exactly the way you want it. Select your machine, customize with options and submit to your local dealer for a price quote.
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