When choosing a mini excavator (Mini Digger), have you ever encountered these questions:

• Can the equipment enter the construction site?
• Is it easy to transport? Is it super high or super wide?
• Is the working space sufficient? Are there frequent collisions?
• Is the equipment stable, safe and durable?

The answers to the above questions are almost all related to a core indicator: mini digger dimensions. In today’s compact space, refined construction and higher requirements for efficiency and safety, the mini digger size is not only related to whether it can be used, but also directly affects the project cost, construction progress and operating experience.

This guide will systematically analyze the core elements of the mini digger size structure, compare mainstream brand models by tonnage and provide selection suggestions based on real working conditions to help you achieve accurate, efficient and safe construction under the premise of controllable budget.

1. Overview of Mini Digger Dimensional Parameters

Although the mini excavator size is small, the scientific configuration of its dimensional parameters is crucial, which determines its adaptability, passability and operability in different construction scenarios. The following are common key parameter explanations and practical significance:

Parameter name	Meaning and practical significance
Total length of the machine body	The length from the tip of the bucket to the farthest point of the rear of the vehicle, which affects the trailer size during transportation and the operating radius of the work site.
Total width of the machine body	The width of the whole machine including the tracks determines whether the equipment can pass through physical obstacles such as side doors, lanes, fences, scaffolding, etc.
Total height of the machine body	The height of the equipment from the ground to the top of the cab/cab determines whether it can enter and exit low places such as underground garages or tunnels.
Track width	The width of the single-sided crawler itself. The wider it is, the better the stability and the stronger its adaptability to soft ground.
Track spacing (track gauge)	The center distance between the crawlers affects the lateral stability and turning flexibility of the equipment.
Minimum turning radius	The minimum space required for the machine body to rotate from static to one circle. Zero-tail turning equipment can rotate and operate in extremely narrow spaces.
Maximum digging depth	The deepest point that can be reached when the working arm is fully extended downward determines whether the target pipeline or foundation pit can be dug out.
Maximum digging radius	The farthest horizontal distance that the bucket can reach when the digging arm is extended, affecting the working range and efficiency.
Operating weight	The actual operating weight including oil, water, and the driver, which is related to the choice of transportation tools, ground bearing capacity, and the risk of subsidence.

2. Mini Digger size comparison by tonnage

Mini Digger size is classified by operating weight (tonnage), which is an important basis for judging its construction capacity and applicable environment. Equipment of different tonnage has significant differences in size, operating depth and maneuverability:

Model	weight	width（mm）	height（mm）	Dig deepth（mm）	Turning Radius（mm）	Features
Kubota K008-3	0.8T	700	2230	1720	1300	Ultra-mini model, suitable for interior decoration and garden pipeline construction
Komatsu PC18MR-3	1.8T	980~1300	2350	2200	1500	Adjustable crawler to adapt to various channel widths
CAT 301.7 CR	1.7T	990	2340	2380	1350	Zero tail swing, suitable for operation in municipal and community-dense areas
Kubota U25-3	2.5T	1500	2420	2800	1600	Excellent stability, suitable for small and medium-sized engineering operations
Komatsu PC35MR-5	3.5T	1740	2500	3100	1750	Strong comprehensive capabilities, with “flagship-level” performance among small excavators

Extended suggestion: It is recommended to select tonnage based on actual needs from four aspects: “spatial accessibility, operating depth, stability and transportation restrictions”.

3. How to choose the right Mini Digger size for your project?

Choosing the wrong mini digger size = decreased efficiency + increased cost + project delay. The following four aspects are the key points you must consider:

1. Site access conditions

Is the construction entrance width sufficient for the equipment to pass? Side doors, lanes and courtyard walls are the most common physical obstacles;

Vertical height restrictions such as floor passages, garage entrances and factory shutter doors must ensure that the total height of the equipment is less than the actual net height;

Is the construction area open? If there are cement piers, parking spaces, and fences around, it is recommended to use a zero-tail rotary model.

2. Construction task requirements

Shallow operations (planting trenches, optical cable burial): select 1.0~1.5 tons;

Mid-level operations (drainage, agricultural foundation pits): select 2.0~2.8 tons;

Deep operations (foundation, caisson construction): select more than 3 tons, and the excavation depth must be ≥3 meters.

3. Convenience of transportation and transfer

Ordinary trailers can be used for transportation of less than 1.5 tons;

Medium-sized trucks or flatbed trucks are required for transportation of more than 2 tons;

Note whether the cab/bulldozer needs to be dismantled to lower the height to meet road regulations.

4. Ground bearing capacity and operation frequency

• Soft mud/sand: It is recommended that the track width is ≥230mm and the ground contact pressure is smaller;
• Frequent use/heavy operation: It is recommended to use models with large engine power and reinforced structure, such as Kubota U35, Bobcat E35, etc.;
• Complex operation: Give priority to quick-change system and multi-way hydraulic interface configuration.

4. The relationship between the mini digger dimensions and working capacity

Don’t be misled by “small”. Although mini digger size is small, it still has high-intensity construction capacity if the structure design is reasonable and the power configuration is sufficient. The following is the real logical relationship between size and capacity:

1. Size ≠ low performance

The new generation of Mini Digger generally uses a three-stage hydraulic system, a high-pressure pump combination and an electronic control valve to achieve precise control;

For example, CAT 301.7 CR, although only 990mm wide, can be equipped with a variety of devices such as hydraulic quick change, hydraulic hammer, auger, grab etc.

2. Small size brings great flexibility

Zero tail rotation + retractable crawler = a must-have combination for high-density urban construction;

The working arm angle can be adjusted flexibly, and it can bypass electric poles, water pipes, and tree roots for fixed-point excavation.

3. Work efficiency is affected by hydraulic pressure and stability

If the small machine has a strong structure and unobstructed oil circuit, its operating efficiency can even be comparable to that of medium-sized equipment;

Whether the equipment is equipped with a widened bulldozer, enhanced counterweight, and undercarriage guard determines whether it can stably complete long-term construction tasks.

4. Versatility is determined by the attachment system

One Mini Digger = multiple equipment functions;

High-specification configuration can be connected to hydraulic shears, compactors, and screening buckets, expanding its functional range and improving construction value.

5. Recommend several popular Mini Digger models with reasonable sizes

After understanding the mini digger size parameters, classification standards and selection logic, we will select several popular small excavator models that are widely recognized in the market. These models not only have reasonable size configuration and strong pass-ability, but also perform well in actual construction site applications. They have both power, stability, flexibility and economy, and are suitable for a variety of construction scenarios.

Whether you are a landscaping contractor, infrastructure construction company or self-built house construction user, the following recommended mini digger models can provide efficient and reliable solutions for your project.

Mini Digger Brand and model	Operation weight	Width(mm)	Height(mm)	Max Dig deepth (mm)	Turning radius	Appliance
Kubota U17-3	1.7T	990	2340	2310	1350	Urban greening, home renovation, light engineering;
CAT 301.7 CR	1.7T	990	2340	2380	1300	community renovation, municipal maintenance;
Komatsu PC35MR-5	3.5T	1740	2500	3100	1750	foundation excavation, small civil engineering;
Bobcat E20	2.0T	980	2300	2380	1400	orchard operations, rural projects;
Yanmar ViO17	1.7T	950	2300	2290	1320	agriculture, low-slung space operations

Conclusion: Choose the right mini digger size to make truly “small and powerful”

The mini digger size not only determines whether it can enter the site, but also whether it can be safely constructed, continuously operated, transferred across regions and reduce operating costs. By fully understanding the technical meaning behind the mini digger size then you can choose the right mini excavator model that best suits your working conditions. If you need to obtain detailed product manuals, drawings, quotations or hope to recommend equipment models based on the project, please feel free to contact our professional consultants.