Best mini excavators for tight space

The 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

The 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

The 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

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

The 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

The 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

The 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

The 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

The 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

The 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