Mini Excavator Size Calculator
What size mini excavator do you need? Pick the job, how deep you dig, the narrowest way in and what will tow it. You get the right size class and the machines on our lot that fit.
- ✓Digs 3 ft - this size reaches about 7.5 ft
- ✓Fits a 48 in opening - about 39 in wide
- ✓½-ton pickup can tow it - about 3,500 lb with the trailer
7 of our 12 fit this job
All mini excavators →We sell the 1-ton class - light enough for a half-ton pickup and narrow enough for most gates. Dimmed machines will not do this job; the tag says why.
CFG Industrial MX20R Mini Excavator
QK16R 1 Ton Mini Excavator
AGT H15 1.5 Ton Mini Excavator
AGT H12R 1 Ton Mini Excavator with a Hydraulic Thumb
CFG KV16R 1 Ton Mini Excavator
CFG Industrial XZ20R Mini Excavator
ATS-ME18 1.4 Ton Mini Excavator
CFG H16R Mini Excavator
CFG Industrial KT13R Mini Excavator
CFG QK18R Mini Excavator
Mini excavator sizes
| Size | Weight | Digs | Width | Tow with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-ton (micro) | 1,800–2,800 lb | 5½–7½ ft | 36–42 in | ½-ton pickup |
| 2–3 ton | 4,000–7,000 lb | 7½–9 ft | 4–5 ft | ¾-ton pickup |
| 3.5–5 ton | 8,000–11,000 lb | 9½–11½ ft | 5½–6½ ft | 1-ton pickup |
| 6–8 ton | 13,000–18,000 lb | 12–14 ft | 7 ft + | Gooseneck |
Typical ranges across common makes - check each machine's own spec sheet.
Mini excavator questions
What size mini excavator do I need for a pond?
A small farm or backyard pond 6–8 ft deep is a 2–3 ton machine's job; a 1-ton digs it too, just slower and in more passes. Bigger ponds go faster with a 3.5–5 ton machine, which needs a 1-ton pickup or delivery.
Can a 1-ton mini excavator dig a trench for water or electric lines?
Yes - irrigation, electrical and water lines are usually 18 in to 4 ft deep, and 1-ton machines dig about 5½ to 7½ ft. They are also narrow enough (about 39 in) to get through a backyard gate.
What truck do I need to tow a mini excavator?
A 1-ton (2,000–2,800 lb) machine plus a light trailer is in reach of a half-ton pickup. 2–3 ton machines want a ¾-ton truck, 3.5–5 ton a 1-ton truck, and 6–8 ton machines usually ride on a gooseneck. Always check your truck's tow rating and the trailer weight.
Will a mini excavator fit through a gate?
Most 1-ton mini excavators are about 36–42 in wide, so they fit a standard 4 ft gate and some 36 in gates. 2–3 ton machines run about 4–5 ft wide; 3.5–5 ton machines about 5½–6½ ft.
Are these numbers exact?
The size classes are typical ranges across common makes. Every machine on our lot shows its own dig depth, width and weight on its page - check that before you buy.
Not sure? Call (918) 359-1089 and tell us the job. Shipping one? See the freight cost calculator.