Best mini excavators
Check out the leading mini excavators of 2025. Selected by brand and model, these compact machines excel in tight spaces, construction sites, and landscaping projects, delivering reliability and high performance.
The Cat 303 CR packs compact footprint and full Tier 4 power into a 3.55 t (7,817 lb) package. It turns tight spaces into productive zones with zero-tail-swing agility and solid kit.
- Zero-tail swing, narrow chassis for tight-access sites
- 17.6 kW (23.6 hp) C1.1 Turbo, Tier 4 Final compliant
- Ground-level servicing keeps downtime low
- Auto-idle, two-speed travel, and stick-steer control
Overview
The Cat 303 CR is a compact-radius mini excavator weighing 3.55 t (7,817 lb), with a C1.1 Turbo engine producing 17.6 kW (23.6 hp). It delivers 2.95 m (9.7 ft) digging depth, 5.24 m (17.0 ft) reach, and top travel speed of 4.5 km/h (2.8 mph).
Simple tech and easy service access make it rental-friendly.
Modest power, not ideal for breakout or deep rock work.
Performance & Efficiency
Tier 4 Final emissions paired with auto-idle and efficient hydraulics lower fuel burn. Two-speed travel ensures balance between speed and traction.
In Comparison
Smaller than the 303.5 CR with less power, but more manoeuvrable. Compared to 305E2, it's lighter, better for compact jobs, and easier to move around.
Verdict
Great tool for tight sites, residential jobs, and rental yards. Pass on it if you’re handling heavy-duty digging, rock work, or large removal tasks.
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AED 129,000Starting from
AED 105,000The Cat 307 (2018–2021) combines capable Tier 4 Final power and efficient load-sensing hydraulics in a compact chassis made for tight job sites.
- Compact transport width ~2.2 m thanks to zero-tail design
- Cat C2.4 Turbo engine (~50.6 hp / 37.7 kW), Tier 4 Final compliant
- Load-sensing hydraulics with auto-idle, stick-steer travel, comfortable cab
- Ground-level service and reinforced structure for less downtime
Overview
The Cat 307 is a compact radiator excavator weighing between ~7.27 t and ~7.6 t, powered by a 37.7 kW (50.6 hp) C2.4 Turbo Tier 4 Final engine. It digs up to ~4.12 m, reaches ~6.67 m, and has a transport width of ~2.2 m.
Smart hydraulics and service layout reduce cost and downtime.
Mid-level power may limit performance in tough digging conditions.
Performance & Efficiency
Variable displacement hydraulics, auto-idle, and auto-shutdown deliver efficient performance. Stick-steer travel and AC cab improve operator comfort.
In Comparison
Compared to smaller 305 or 306 models, you get more reach and comfort with only minimal size increase. More agile and cost-effective than full-size excavators.
Verdict
Well-balanced for compact excavation and multi-use jobs. Ideal for rental and urban applications. Not the one for heavy-duty rock work or maximum hydraulic output.
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AED 158,000Starting from
AED 128,000The AGT FF13 is a ~1-ton mini excavator with a 13.5 hp Briggs & Stratton engine and a fully enclosed cab. Compact, straightforward, and surprisingly functional.
- 13.5 hp (~10 kW) Briggs & Stratton engine
- Approx. 1,896 lb (~860 kg) operating weight
- Features: enclosed glass cab, LED lights, wipers, pilot controls, 3rd aux hydraulics, toolbox, backfill blade
Overview
Classified as a 1-ton mini excavator, the FF13 offers usability upgrades—fully enclosed cab, fan, lighting, and practical accessories like toolbox and thumb control. Fuel tank ~6.6 L, travel speed ~3 km/h.
Included features simplify use—LEDs, thumb, toolbox.
Specs mostly drawn from auction listings, not official tech sheets.
Performance & Efficiency
Simple hydraulics, pilot control, and a small engine combine for functional performance with light fuel draw.
In Comparison
Think AGT QH12 with a nicer cab. Same base, smoother ride.
Verdict
Perfect for compact jobs and user comfort. Skip it for heavy excavation or when specs matter most.
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AED 48,000Starting from
AED 37,000The AGT FF12 is a lightweight mini excavator (~2,600 lb) powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine (~12–13.5 hp). Simple, agile, ideal for tight jobs.
- Gross weight ~1.18 ton (2,600 lb)
- Briggs & Stratton engine, ~12–13.5 hp
- Minor tweaks from QH12: external hydraulic filter, smaller blade, slightly wider width (~3"), and cup holders
Overview
Specs are sparse—classified ads list it at ~1.18 t, 12–13.5 hp engine. Community notes highlight subtle design changes versus QH12, like external filter and small blade updates.
Barebones simplicity—likely QH12-compatible parts.
Same limited power and function as similar 1-ton units.
Performance & Efficiency
Basic mechanics, likely fuel-efficient by weight, but overall output is modest.
In Comparison
A trimmed, comfort-updated QH12 with external filter and small blade changes.
Verdict
Great for light, tight-space tasks. Not your choice if you want deep specs, power, or heavy-duty capabilities.
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AED 48,000Starting from
AED 36,000The Cat 306 CR fits Tier 4 Final power into a narrow 7.15 t (15,766 lb) body. Zero-tail swing and upgraded hydraulics mean agile performance and fuel savings.
- Zero-tail swing, ~1.5 m width fits tight access
- 41.7 kW (55.9 hp) C2.4 Turbo engine, Tier 4 Final compliant
- Ground-level servicing and auto-idle cut maintenance time
- Stick-steer travel and optional Indicate/E-Fence assist
Overview
The Cat 306 CR is a compact-radius mini excavator weighing ~7.15 t (15,766 lb), with a 41.7 kW (55.9 hp) C2.4 Turbo engine. Max digging depth around 4.11 m (13.5 ft); transport width ~1.5 m (4.9 ft). Equipped with load-sensing hydraulics for efficient use.
Tier 4 features with ground-level service reduce downtime.
Modest power isn’t built for hard digging or heavy tools.
Performance & Efficiency
Load-sensing hydraulics plus auto-idle/auto-shutdown boost fuel savings. Stick-steer travel provides precise control in tight spots.
In Comparison
Compared to smaller models like 305 CR, it brings more power and reach without much extra width. Lighter and simpler transport than bigger mid-size units.
Verdict
Smart choice for compact, efficient digging and maneuvering. Skip it if you expect long runtimes in rocky ground or full-scale demolition.
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AED 450,000Starting from
AED 280,000The Sunward SWE18UF is a sleek 1.88 t mini-excavator with 18 hp and zero-tail design. Built to squeeze into small spaces, it packs serious digging punch and standard auxiliary versatility.
- 18 hp Yanmar 3TNV80F-SSSU engine
- Operating weight ~1.88 t (4,145 lb)
- Zero-tail with adjustable undercarriage (39″ to 52″ wide)
- Dig depth ~2.21 m, reach ~3.94 m, bucket force ~22.7 kN, arm force ~11.24 kN
- Three auxiliary hydraulic lines standard
Overview
Compact enough to get into tight spaces, yet powerful with long reach and premium hydraulic layout. Ideal for precise, efficient digging in crowded conditions.
Real digging power—bucket and arm forces punch above class.
Ready for attachments—three aux lines included.
Spec details for 2024–25 are limited outside core listings.
Performance & Efficiency
Efficient Yanmar diesel and smart hydraulic system offer strong performance with manageable fuel use—ideal for tight job cycles.
In Comparison
Compared to the older SWE18U, the SWE18UF evolves with zero-tail, stronger reach, and improved hydraulic layout.
Verdict
Strong pick if you need micro capacity that thinks big. Skip it if comfort or deep tech specs are your blockers.
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AED 55,000Starting from
AED 38,000The Cat 308 CR packs Tier 4 Final power and load-sensitive hydraulics into a zero-tail-swing package that's agile and operator-friendly.
- Zero-tail swing, ~1.585 m width includes counterweight
- 51.8 kW (69.5 hp) C3.3B engine, Tier 4 Final clean power
- Load-sensing hydraulics with variable displacement for efficiency
- Comfortable cab, stick-steer travel, ground-level service
Overview
The Cat 308 CR is a compact-radius mini excavator weighing ~8,387 kg (min) to ~9,380 kg (max with extras), powered by a 51.8 kW (69.5 hp) C3.3B Tier 4 Final engine. Dig depth tops out at 4.64 m with load-sensing hydraulics for smooth and efficient digging.
Efficient hydraulic systems with auto-idle and accessible service reduce downtimes.
Modest horsepower may slow heavy or abrasive ground operations.
Performance & Efficiency
Load-sensing hydraulics, tractive force up to ~67.5 kN, and travel speeds ~5.1 km/h. Fuel savers like auto-idle and smart pump design cut operating expenses.
In Comparison
Compared to smaller 305 CR, it gains power, reach, and cab comfort with minimal bulk increase. Easier to move and more efficient than larger excavators.
Verdict
Smart mix of power, efficiency, and maneuverability. Ideal for tight, versatile site work. Skip it if you’re often in rock trenches or deep excavation zones requiring brute force.
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AED 346,000Starting from
AED 310,000The AGT QH13R is a ~1-ton mini excavator with a RATO 13 hp engine and a fully enclosed cab. Functional, compact, and user-friendly.
- RATO R420D engine, ~13 hp (9.7 kW)
- Operating weight ~960 kg (2,115 lb)
- Features: enclosed cab with wipers, lights, emergency exit, auxiliary hydraulics, backfill blade
Overview
Built for tight jobs, the QH13R includes thoughtful comfort upgrades like a sealed cockpit, while retaining basic mini-excavator functionality—3rd valve, blade, etc.
Built-in accessories make it site-ready out of the crate.
Relying on classified listings—not the clearest spec documentation.
Performance & Efficiency
Simple hydros, gear-pump flow, and compact engine design blend for low-cost operation.
In Comparison
Like QH12 but with a cab. Same DNA, more comfort.
Verdict
Great choice for tiny jobs with dusty or rough conditions. Not the tool for heavy-duty digging or playing spec-sheet chase.
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AED 50,000Starting from
AED 38,000The AGT QK16R is a compact ~1-ton mini excavator with a 15 hp RATO engine. Comes equipped with a hydraulic thumb, aux hydraulics, blade, and a narrow 39″ track footprint.
- 420 cc RATO R420D engine, 15 hp (~11 kW)
- Machine weight ~1,043 kg (2,300 lb)
- Dig depth ~1.65 m (65″), width ~99 cm (39″), 7″ tracks
- Hydraulic thumb, backfill blade, auxiliary hydraulic lines
Overview
Built for small jobs, the QK16R includes factory-ready accessories and durable plumbing in a tight footprint that fits tight spaces and jobsites.
Affordable and compact—easy to trail and park.
Specs rely on listings rather than official documentation.
Performance & Efficiency
Gas engine and basic hydraulics mean decent digging for its size, with fuel-use kept light.
In Comparison
Like a souped-up QH12—same chassis, better accessories and engine.
Verdict
Ideal for light-duty operators needing ready-to-go attachments. Not the fit if spec clarity or heavy work matter more.
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AED 55,000Starting from
AED 40,000The VICSEC VC13 is a compact mini-excavator in the ~1.2 t class with a ~13.5 hp gas engine. Simple, no-frills—great for tight jobs and low cost.
- Approx. 1.2 t (up to 12,000 lb) operating weight
- ~420 cc gasoline engine (~13.5 hp)
- 17″ digging bucket, auxiliary hydraulics, 7″ rubber tracks, backfill blade
Overview
Classified listings place the VC13 under “Mini (up to 12,000 lb)” machines. Specs show auxiliary hydraulics, manual thumb, blade, and 7″ tracks—the usual layout for budget mini-diggers.
Likely parts-common with VC13/QH12 unit.
Nearly zero official specs—relying on marketplace info.
Performance & Efficiency
Simple hydraulics and a small engine mean low fuel use—but don't expect high output.
In Comparison
A budget-tier cousin of the VC13/QH12. Similar layout, slight tweaks—basically a frugal, lightweight digger.
Verdict
Ideal for tight-space, low-cost tasks. Not the pick for demanding trenching or precision work.
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AED 35,000Starting from
AED 22,000The AGT QH12 is a one-ton micro excavator powered by a 13.5 hp Briggs & Stratton engine. Compact and simple, it’s perfect for light landscaping, farms, parks, or rental yards.
- 13.5 hp (~10 kW) engine, ~1 t operating weight
- Dig depth ~1.65 m, reach ~3 m, bucket ~0.03 m³
- Dozer blade, manual thumb, internal hoses, rear service access
- Approx. 2.22 m L × 1 m W × 2.22 m H—easy to store and maneuver
Overview
The AGT QH12 weighs 1 ton, driven by a Briggs & Stratton engine at 13.5 hp (10 kW). It digs ~1.65 m deep, dumps at ~1.67 m, reaches ~3 m. Bucket holds ~0.03 m³.
Simple build with protected hoses and service-friendly access.
No advanced features or comfort systems—pure function.
Performance & Efficiency
Simple hydros, pilot control, and a small engine mean low fuel use and low maintenance.
In Comparison
Tiny compared to mid-size or large excavators—built for small jobs, done well.
Verdict
Compact, basic, and affordable. Great for small-scale jobs—but pass if your workload demands deeper, heavier, or more tech-driven excavation.
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AED 45,000Starting from
AED 37,000Related machinery rankings
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