{"id":8527,"date":"2026-10-02T17:54:13","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T17:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/?p=8527"},"modified":"2026-10-02T18:00:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T18:00:33","slug":"mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/","title":{"rendered":"Mini vs Full-Size Excavator: Which One Do You Need?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Picking between a <a href=\"https:\/\/readydig.com\/excavator-vs-mini-excavator-selection-guide\/\">mini excavator vs full size excavator<\/a> isn&#8217;t about which one is &#8220;better.&#8221; It&#8217;s about which one fits your job site. Get the size wrong and you either pay for power you don&#8217;t need, or you dig at a pace that costs you the week. Here&#8217;s how to get it right, without the guesswork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #848484;color:#848484\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #848484;color:#848484\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Mini_Excavator_vs_Full-Size_Excavator_Whats_the_Difference\" >Mini Excavator vs Full-Size Excavator: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Excavator_Operating_Weight_The_Spec_That_Decides_Everything\" >Excavator Operating Weight: The Spec That Decides Everything<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Mini_Excavator_Sizes_From_Micro_to_Compact\" >Mini Excavator Sizes: From Micro to Compact<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Full-Size_Excavator_When_the_Job_Needs_More_Machine\" >Full-Size Excavator: When the Job Needs More Machine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Which_Size_Fits_Which_Job\" >Which Size Fits Which Job<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Residential_and_Landscaping_Work\" >Residential and Landscaping Work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Utility_Work_and_Site_Prep\" >Utility Work and Site Prep<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Road_Construction_and_Heavy_Excavation\" >Road Construction and Heavy Excavation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Demolition\" >Demolition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Who_Buys_Each_Machine\" >Who Buys Each Machine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Excavator_Lifting_Capacity_Compared\" >Excavator Lifting Capacity Compared<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Used_Excavators_for_Sale_New_vs_Used_Pricing\" >Used Excavators for Sale: New vs Used Pricing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Why_Buyers_Choose_Used_Over_New\" >Why Buyers Choose Used Over New<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Used_Mini_Excavators_for_Sale_What_to_Check_First\" >Used Mini Excavators for Sale: What to Check First<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Select_the_machine_according_to_the_job_Not_the_other_way_round\" >Select the machine according to the job, Not the other way round.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_mini_vs_full-size_excavator\" >What is the difference between a mini vs. full-size excavator?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Which_size_mini_excavator_should_I_use_for_my_home_landscaping\" >Which size mini excavator should I use for my home landscaping?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Is_a_used_excavator_a_good_buy_instead_of_new\" >Is a used excavator a good buy instead of new?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/#Do_you_inspect_used_excavators_before_selling_them\" >Do you inspect used excavators before selling them?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mini_Excavator_vs_Full-Size_Excavator_Whats_the_Difference\"><\/span><strong>Mini Excavator vs Full-Size Excavator: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The line between mini excavator vs full\u2011size excavator comes down to weight not looks. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/listings\/for-sale\/track-excavators\">mini excavator<\/a> usually stays under tons. A full\u2011size excavator starts at about 10 tons. Can go past 45 tons. That weight difference changes dig depth, ground pressure, transport rules and how much material the machine can move in a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mini-vs-Full-Size-Excavator-working-on-construction-sites-1024x559.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mini-vs-Full-Size-Excavator-working-on-construction-sites-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mini-vs-Full-Size-Excavator-working-on-construction-sites-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mini-vs-Full-Size-Excavator-working-on-construction-sites-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Mini-vs-Full-Size-Excavator-working-on-construction-sites.jpg 1408w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Excavator_Operating_Weight_The_Spec_That_Decides_Everything\"><\/span>Excavator Operating Weight: The Spec That Decides Everything<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The excavator operating weight includes the machine, tracks, fuel, cab and a standard bucket. Contractors check this number first because it tells them dig depth, ground pressure and whether hauling the machine needs a permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Micro class: under 2 tons, 6\u20118 ft dig depth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utility mini: 3\u20115 tons, 8\u201112 ft dig depth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compact mini: tons, 12\u201116 ft dig depth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full\u2011size: 10\u201145+ tons, 16\u201130+ ft dig depth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most machines that weigh less than 6 tons tow on a standard trailer and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.totallandscapecare.com\/business\/article\/15042089\/diving-in-the-importance-of-cdls-gvw-and-loading-penalties\">no CDL is needed<\/a>. Full\u2011size units always need a dedicated trailer and permits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mini_Excavator_Sizes_From_Micro_to_Compact\"><\/span><strong>Mini Excavator Sizes: From Micro to Compact<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every mini excavator is the same machine. Here is how the mini excavator sizes break down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Class<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Operating Weight<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best Fit<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Micro<\/td><td>Under 4,000 lbs<\/td><td>Tight-access lots, indoor demo<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Utility<\/td><td>4,000-11,000 lbs<\/td><td>Trenching, septic, pool digs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Compact<\/td><td>11,000-22,000 lbs<\/td><td>Site prep, heavier trenching<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some micro models measure as slim as 36 inches wide, narrow enough for a standard backyard gate. That&#8217;s the whole point of a mini excavator \u2014 get in, do the work, leave the yard intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Full-Size_Excavator_When_the_Job_Needs_More_Machine\"><\/span>Full-Size Excavator: When the Job Needs More Machine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/listings\/for-sale\/track-excavators\">full size excavator<\/a> earns its place on jobs where depth, reach, and speed matter more than tight access. Cross into 10+ tons and you get more boom force, a bigger bucket, and a machine built to move volume all shift, not just for an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Full-size units span the 10-14 ton &#8220;small&#8221; class, the 20-30 ton mid-size range used on most commercial sites, and 45-ton-plus machines used in mining and quarrying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"2017 CAT 323FL Excavator | 2,211 Original Hours | 3D Grade Control | Inspection Video\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Lq4orMBtoYs?start=37&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Size_Fits_Which_Job\"><\/span>Which Size Fits Which Job<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Residential_and_Landscaping_Work\"><\/span><strong>Residential and Landscaping Work<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Backyard grading, pool digs, drainage lines, small retaining walls \u2014 this is mini excavator work. Low ground pressure protects lawns and pavers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Utility_Work_and_Site_Prep\"><\/span><strong>Utility Work and Site Prep<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the edge with them are utility trenches and small commercial site preparation. A 5-8 ton mini will do most of the work, and for larger-volume site prep, a small full-size machine will be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Road_Construction_and_Heavy_Excavation\"><\/span><strong>Road Construction and Heavy Excavation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A full size excavator is required on roads, a large excavation site, and commercial foundation digging. It&#8217;s too massive to be able to match the dig depth and cycle speed of mini excavators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Demolition\"><\/span><strong>Demolition<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If an appropriate attachment is in place, the mini excavator is suitable for light residential or indoor demolition work. For a large-scale demolition project or structural demolition project in a commercial building, you will require a full size machine with a demolition rated boom. The larger equipment would be used for a more difficult job. Rides higher up on the water and moves more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Buys_Each_Machine\"><\/span><strong>Who Buys Each Machine<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most landscapers, utility companies, septic and pool installers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/equipment-rentals\">rental companies<\/a> and property owners who work on-site purchase mini excavators. This equipment comes with a range of benefits and is great for tasks and confined areas. The large excavators are used by contractors, road construction, demolition and mining and quarry operators. These buyers are servicing jobs where a machine is needed to process an excessive amount of material within a brief time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Excavator_Lifting_Capacity_Compared\"><\/span><strong>Excavator Lifting Capacity Compared<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The capacity of the excavator to lift varies with the type of weight it can carry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/listings\/for-sale\/track-excavators\/caterpillar-304E-CR\/134\">mini excavators<\/a> can lift 1,500 to a hundred pounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full-size excavators or the largest excavators can carry thousands of pounds, with the largest ones being capable of handling tens of thousands of pounds.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mini excavators with zero tail swing have less lift capacity, but this is fine near walls, curbs, and traffic.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is beneficial when you&#8217;re working in a small space. When comparing machines, be sure to look at their specs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Used_Excavators_for_Sale_New_vs_Used_Pricing\"><\/span><strong>Used Excavators for Sale: New vs Used Pricing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/listings\/for-sale\/track-excavators\"><strong>used excavators for sale<\/strong><\/a> will differ as per the size. The general range is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mini (1-6 ton)<\/strong>: New 30,000 to 110,000 \u00b7 Used 12,000 to 85,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Midi (7-10 ton): <\/strong>New 60,000 to 150,000 \u00b7 Used 30,000 to 100,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Standard (11-30 ton): <\/strong>New 100,000 to 300,000 \u00b7 Used 50,000 to 200,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Buyers_Choose_Used_Over_New\"><\/span><strong>Why Buyers Choose Used Over New<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As per regulations, used excavators are typically 60% to 30% less expensive than new excavators. A moderately used, well-maintained machine can perform the same work as a new machine, but for quite a bit less. This freed up money that could be redirected instead of being sunk into depreciation for the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Used_Mini_Excavators_for_Sale_What_to_Check_First\"><\/span><strong>Used Mini Excavators for Sale: What to Check First<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When purchasing a used mini excavator sale, carefully verify when it was last repaired, the hours on the meter, mechanics under the equipment, hydraulic top-up or drain record, and whether it is suitable for the attachment. For machines, the maintenance history and treatment of the machine are more important than the brand name on the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Select_the_machine_according_to_the_job_Not_the_other_way_round\"><\/span><strong>Select the machine according to the job, Not the other way round.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A mini excavator is a big star when you require accessibility, ground protection and lower cost. It wins over a <strong>full-size excavator <\/strong>when the job calls for power and speed, at scale. Understand your site before starting your work. The appropriate machine or equipment will be apparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_mini_vs_full-size_excavator\"><\/span>What is the difference between a mini vs. full-size excavator?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Weight or depth of digging. Mini excavators consist of a machine that weighs less than 6-10 tons and has a digging capacity of 6-16 ft. Full-size units begin at 10 tons with 16-30+ ft. of digging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_size_mini_excavator_should_I_use_for_my_home_landscaping\"><\/span>Which size mini excavator should I use for my home landscaping?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A 2-5 ton mini-excavator can be used for the majority of backyard work, grading, drainage and small digs. Before ordering a gate, check the width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_used_excavator_a_good_buy_instead_of_new\"><\/span>Is a used excavator a good buy instead of new?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, for most contractors. Used units cost 30-60% less and still deliver most of their working life, especially in the 2-8 ton mini range and 10-20 ton full-size range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_inspect_used_excavators_before_selling_them\"><\/span>Do you inspect used excavators before selling them?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mico sells used machines in the condition they arrive. Mico does not provide its own inspection certification unless one comes with the machine. If a buyer requires an inspection, Mico can arrange an inspection service upon request.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Picking between a mini excavator vs full size excavator isn&#8217;t about which one is &#8220;better.&#8221; It&#8217;s about which one fits your job site. Get the size wrong and you either pay for power you don&#8217;t need, or you dig at a pace that costs you the week. Here&#8217;s how to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8528,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1990,586],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-crawler-excavators","category-track-excavator"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Mini vs Full-Size Excavator: Which One Do You Need? - Used Equipment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"adminX\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"adminX\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/517389fb9c9115b14c41fe037e7db48e\"},\"headline\":\"Mini vs Full-Size Excavator: Which One Do You Need?\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-02T17:54:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-02T18:00:33+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1137,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/Mini-Excavator-vs-Full-Size-Excavator-thumb-image.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Crawler Excavators\",\"Track Excavator\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/mini-vs-full-size-excavator-which-one-do-you-need\\\/\",\"name\":\"Mini vs Full-Size Excavator: Which One Do You Need? 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