Mini Excavator or Mini Skid Steer: Which One Should You Buy?

Buy a mini excavator if most of your work is digging; buy a mini skid steer if most of it is moving material, grading and loading. The two machines are not really rivals. They do different work, so pick by the job you do most.

Chupp Industrial, in Chouteau, Oklahoma, sells mini excavators, mini skid steers and attachments for both and ships nationwide, so we get this question a lot.

What is a mini excavator best at?

Digging. A mini excavator works below grade, reaches out and down, and swings around without moving its tracks. It is the right machine for:

• Trenches for pipe, wire and drainage
• Footings and small foundations
• Septic and utility work
• Digging in tight backyards and along buildings

What is a mini skid steer best at?

Moving material. A mini skid steer is quick at moving, lifting, carrying and grading, and it works with a wide range of attachments. It shines at:

• Moving material around the site
• Grading and leveling
• Loading and hauling
• Landscape work with a bucket, forks or a rake

What size mini machine will fit through my gate?

Buy the machine that fits the narrowest gate, door or path it has to pass through, so measure that first. People often chase the biggest machine and then cannot get it into the yard. Check the machine's weight too, because a bigger machine also needs a bigger trailer to haul it.

Do skid steer attachments fit a mini skid steer?

Not always. An attachment sized for a full-size skid steer may not fit a mini. For example, a 72-inch 4-in-1 bucket built for full-size skid steers does not fit a mini skid steer. A machine is a carrier; the attachments make the money, so ask what is available for the machine you like and check fit before buying anything.

Should I buy both?

Only if your work is a real mix of digging and moving. Plenty of contractors end up with both: the excavator digs the trench, and the skid steer backfills and grades. If the budget only allows one, choose the machine that handles your most common job, and rent or borrow for the rest.

Is a mini skid steer better on tires or tracks?

Neither tires nor tracks are better for every job; it comes down to use and preference. Tracks are smoother and typically more stable than tires. Tires tend to leave more of a rut when working. Either way, keep the load balanced front-to-back so the machine does not become unstable.

How much power does a mini skid steer need for farm work?

For moving manure, hay and dirt, not heavy landscaping or boulders, a 13.5 horsepower gas-powered mini skid steer should be enough.

How will I haul it?

Check the machine's weight against your trailer's capacity before you load it. Small machines can go on a tag trailer with the right tow vehicle. We also ship nationwide; ask about freight and unloading before you commit.

What should I check before buying, new or used?

Check for leaks, worn pins and cracked welds, and run the controls. Used machines can save money, but they put more weight on the inspection:

• Look at the hour meter, track or tire wear, and pin and bushing slop.
• Look for fresh paint over leaks.
• Ask for a warm start and a full range-of-motion test.

A machine that runs well and shows its wear honestly is a better buy than one that has been dressed up.

What does it cost to keep a mini machine running?

Plan on fuel and daily greasing, plus wear parts such as tracks or tires and hydraulic hoses. Ask what those parts cost and how easy they are to get. A cheap machine without parts is an expensive machine.

Does operator comfort matter?

Yes. A machine you enjoy running gets used more. Sit in it if you can, and check the visibility, the controls and how easy it is to climb on and off. New operators should learn on open ground before working next to a house or a trench wall. Slow and steady is faster than a repair.

Mini excavator or mini skid steer: how do I decide?

1. Mostly digging? A mini excavator.
2. Mostly moving and grading? A mini skid steer.
3. Tight access? Choose the narrower machine.
4. Many attachment jobs? Check the attachment selection first.

Tell us what you dig, move and grade, and we will help you sort it out.