Mini Excavators vs Micro Excavators
Choosing the right excavator for your job means you get maximum comfort, efficiency and performance from your machine.
What is a micro excavator?
Micro excavators are compact machines, built for precision digging and excavation in tight spaces. They typically weigh less than one tonne and have a hydraulic arm and bucket for digging, lifting and moving materials. These small diggers are known for their manoeuvrability and are perfect for navigating narrow pathways, confined areas, and indoor spaces that would be harder for large equipment to reach.
The JCB 8008 CTS weighs just 950kg and can fit through standard doorways, making it an ideal choice for indoor and rear garden working.
What is a micro excavator used for?
Small excavators can be used in urban environments, residential yards and interior spaces because of their compact size. Tricky back gardens, tight alleyways or indoor renovation work are some of the jobs where you might have limited access – and you’ll need the smallest excavator you can get. Most models can squeeze through gaps as small as 700mm wide, which is a standard doorway.
If you’re looking for a machine that doesn’t create air or noise pollution, an electric micro excavator might be the way to go. JCB’s 8008E CTS delivers zero emissions and is 9dB quieter than its diesel equivalent – while still giving you power and precision.
What is a mini excavator?
Mini excavators are slightly larger and more powerful than micro excavators, giving them enhanced capabilities and performance. They usually weigh between 1.5 and 4 tonnes, giving you a balance between compact design and digging capability. Their powerful, highly efficient engines will give you the strength to complete tasks with efficiency and ease.
If you need power on your job, the JCB 25Z-1 might be the right machine for you. Designed to bring you precision and productivity, even in the tightest of spaces, this mini excavator is a compact but powerful choice.
What is a mini excavator used for?
With their increased size and power, mini diggers are ideal for domestic building projects, driveways and drainage work. They are a popular choice for landscaping and garden work, because they can easily perform jobs like digging trenches for foundations, clearing land, grading terrain and general building work. With their bigger specifications, mini excavators can take on medium projects, while still being able to navigate tight spaces.
Electric mini diggers, like JCB’s 19C-IE, can be used indoors, underground or in sensitive-enclosed environments – without the need for restrictions or costly extraction equipment.
What is the difference between a mini excavator and micro excavator?
The job you’re working on will determine what you need from your machine. There are lots of factors to consider before making your decision.
Dig depth
Micro excavators typically have a dig depth of around 1.5 meters – perfect for smaller projects. Mini excavators offer more reach, generally digging from 1.5m to over 4m.
Width
Although it does vary depending on the model, micro excavators are ultra-compact, typically 700mm to 800mm wide. Offering more depth but less manoeuvrability in tight spaces, mini excavators are usually longer, larger width and heavier.
Cabin size
The difference in cabin size between micro and mini excavators can vary depend on the model and enclosure type but mini excavators tend to have more space as they have a cab as standard. Micro excavators are canopy machines, so they don’t have a cab - focusing on minimalism for tight access.
Weight
Because they are designed for ultra-tight spaces, micro excavators weigh 1.2 tonne or less while mini excavators range from 1.5 to 3.5 tonnes.
Max lift capacity
Mini excavators have more stability and a higher lifting capability, ranging from 500kg to over 1,500kg. Micro excavators offer light lifting capacities, often under 300-500kg.
What are the advantages of a micro excavator?
Engineered to be small but mighty, micro machines have a range of benefits that make them an ideal choice for specific jobs.
- Their compact size make micro diggers perfect for confined or tight spaces.
- Exceptional manoeuvrability means they can navigate obstacles with ease, and access hard-to-reach areas.
- Micro excavators are built for precision digging, perfect to excavate trenches, dig holes, and shape terrain.
- They cause minimal ground disturbance, reducing the risk of damage to existing landscapes, lawns, and paved surfaces.
When should I choose a mini excavator over a micro excavator?
There are a few specifications that can make micro excavators unsuitable for certain jobs – and it may make more sense to choose a mini excavator.
- Because they are the smallest digger you can get, they often have a shallow digging depth.
- They have a lower power output which may have some limitations on more difficult projects.
- Their lightweight design may offer less stability on uneven terrains.
What are the advantages of a mini excavator?
Mini excavators have lots of advantages if your job needs added power and versatility.
- They are a versatile machine, performing a wide range of tasks – and are compatible with most attachments, such as buckets, augers, breakers, and grapples.
- Mini excavators offer high power and performance, despite their compact size.
- These machines prioritise stability and comfort, with ergonomic controls, adjustable seats, and spacious cabs.
When should I choose a micro excavator over a mini excavator?
- There are a few factors to consider that might mean a mini excavator is not the right machine for the job.
- Because they are a bigger than micro excavators, they may not fit through very narrow spaces.
- You may be restricted by the amount they can lift, so you need to carefully check the specifications.
Should you purchase or hire an excavator?
Whether you decide to go for a mini or a micro excavator, you also need to decide between purchasing or hiring.
Buying a machine outright means it belongs completely to you, giving you unlimited access. This may be the best choice if you know the machine will be regularly used, for example if you own a landscaping business, as you will benefit from a lower long-term cost – as well as from a high resale value, as JCB’s machines offer great return on investment. You will also have full control of the machine, as you’ll know how to operate it, have access to the full service history, and to local dealer support.
You can find the right JCB excavator for you on our Machine Store – and get fast delivery and specialised support guaranteed.
The other option is hiring an excavator. This is a great choice if you need more flexibility or you only need the machine on a temporary basis. It can also be more cost effective, as the supplier will cover any breakdowns and you can get access to the newest machinery on the market.
Conclusion - Why JCB?
JCB is trusted for our industry-leading reliability, innovation and versatility. From micro to mini excavators, you can rely on us for guaranteed quality and innovative technology that pushes our machines to the next level.
And we know how important equipment is in your day-to-day operations. That’s why we offer JCB services to support you, from machine maintenance, machine repair or just general JCB help.
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