Most contractors can attest that the best mini excavator brands are worth every penny, but how much does a mini excavator cost? Which one is the cheapest?  While searching for a mini excavator for sale, you must have noticed that these units are available at different price points, whether new or used. A considerable number of contractors and construction firms are finding new cheapest mini excavators prices are too high.

Based on our research, we found the SUNWARD SWE18UF to be the cheapest new mini excavator with a price tag of $29,950. However, if you are ok with purchasing a used model, the cheapest mini excavator is about $15,000. Depending on the amount of use (working hours), it may be worth purchasing a used model to save 50% on the cost of a mini excavator.

Needless to say, most of those cheap excavators do not have all the features. Instead, those are entry-level models. In this detailed buyer’s guide, we will go into what affects the affordability of such units and if you should get a cheap mini excavator.

Cost By Mini Excavators Brands and Models

Top Cheapest Mini Excavators Brands	Models	Cost
Bobcat	E32	$38,950 – $44,000
Komatsu	PC360 LC-10	$60,000 – $90,000
Caterpillar	336EL	$85,500 – $95,500
Kubota	KX033-4	$55,000 – $70,000
Deere	30G	$54,000 – $62,000
Yanmar	SV100-2A	$69,800 – $74,000

What Affects the Affordability of Mini Excavators?

Just as is the case with other construction equipment, the mini-excavator cost varies from one unit to another. With used excavators for sale, you may get different quotes for the same excavator model. To understand mini excavator pricing, you should know the factors influencing their cost.

Here are some key factors that affect the pricing of used and new mini excavators today.

Mini Excavator Size

They are referred to as mini excavators because of their small size and compact design, but how small do you want to go with your mini excavator purchase? The pricing of these machines is primarily based on their size and power rating.

Basically, the price of these units increases with an increase in their size and the ability to move debris. There are used mini excavators for sale that are priced below $30,000. However, these are rather basic, only capable of digging up to 6’ deep and unload at almost the same height.

If you are looking for an affordable mini excavator that can do much more than that, there are still cheap used escalators that can dig up to 12’ and unload at higher points. All in all, the used and new excavator cost depends on its size and what it can do.

Mini Excavator Features

Whether new or used, the purchase cost of your preferred mini excavator will also depend on its features. Most of the affordable used mini excavators in the market only have standard features. If you would like to get additional features on yours, you should expect to spend more on the purchase.

Normally, this is offered as extra buckets or specialty attachments that may be sold with the unit. Such additions are solely meant to boost the versatility of your equipment but will inflate escalator costs significantly. In this regard, additional bucket attachments are some of the most expensive mini excavator attachments.

Upgrading the bucket to a wider alternative for enhanced precision will increase the small excavator cost by about $4,000, give or take. Under normal circumstances, each additional attachment will be sold separately. Getting more mini excavator accessories, such as a post-hole-auger, will increase its overall cost.

Other additional attachments that could impact the mini excavator’s affordability include the following:

Grading Blade

This attachment is essentially designed to smooth the surface of almost any work area. Grading blades may be used to slope, grade, and contour an extensive variety of terrain. However, the attachment will add the mini excavator cost by $3,400 to $14,100.

Trencher

This one allows you to plow through rocky soil as easily as sand, digging from two to three feet deep and 4 to 12 inches wide. Some models will also feature a side-shift operation that allows trenching close to buildings or other immovable obstacles. 

Trenchers will add the mini excavator buying price by $4,700 to $9,000.

Auger

It Simplifies digging holes in the range of six to 48 inches with plumb-line accuracy into any soil. Options include direct drive augers that balance torque and the gear-driven planetary auger for heavy-duty applications that demand maximum torque. 

On average, additional augers are priced between $1,700 and $3,000.

Clamp

Commonly referred to as the hydraulic thumb, a clamp attachment enhances your standard bucket by allowing you to haul loose objects safely, branches, refuse, and similar debris.

While clamping down on the load, the attachment works with a trenching bucket or three-line grappler to prevent spills and movement.

You may also adjust it to suit various work conditions and materials. The price for this one ranges between $750 and $900.

Cheapest Mini Excavator Option – Used Excavators

If you are looking for a cheap mini excavator, you should consider getting the best used mini excavator units in the market. Although most of them are still priced at four figures, most used mini excavators come at discounted rates.

As you already know, even the best mini excavators depreciate in value with continued use. As such, used units are cheaper than new ones. So, how much are you looking forward to investing in the purchase?

Depending on the age and condition of the excavator at the time of purchase, a used compact excavator will cost 25 to 50 percent lower than a new one.

How Affordable Are Used Mini Excavators?

Regardless of your budget, you should look for the best excavator for the money. On average, you can get a used unit in good working condition at $50,000 to $300,000. The buying cost will also depend on the size and power rating of the excavator.

If you are buying the cheapest mini excavator, you need o exercise due diligence, especially when dealing with private sellers. It is advisable for you to source yours from a reputable seller to avoid any disappointments.

New Mini Excavator Cost

Buying new equipment is always the best option if you can afford it. So, how much does a new mini excavator cost? On average, a new small excavator can cost between $100,000 and $600,000. The actual price will mainly depend on its brand, size, power, and accessories you choose to add on.

For a smaller excavator weighing 10 to 15 tons, you should expect to spend between $80,000 and $150,000. New units weighing 15 to 20 tons are in the medium size range and are priced between $100,000 and $200,000. The largest mini excavators weigh between 30 and 40 tons and cost $200,000 to $500,000.

FAQ on Cheapest Mini Excavators

How Much is a Household Mini Excavator?

The price of a household mini excavator can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and features. On average, you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $30,000 for a new household mini excavator. However, prices can range from as low as $10,000 to as high as $50,000 or more for more advanced models with more features.

How Long Do Mini Excavators Last?

The lifespan of a mini excavator can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and storage. On average, a well-maintained mini excavator can last for around 10,000 to 15,000 hours of use. However, some mini excavators can last for as long as 20,000 hours or more with proper care.

How Deep Can a 1-ton Mini Excavator Dig?

The digging depth of a 1-ton mini excavator can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Generally, a 1-ton mini excavator can dig to a depth of around 4 to 6 feet. However, some models may be able to dig deeper, up to around 8 or 9 feet.

Is Mini Excavator Better than Backhoe?

A mini excavator is typically smaller and more maneuverable than a backhoe, making it useful for tight spaces and precision work. On the other hand, a backhoe has a larger digging capacity and is better suited for heavy digging and excavation work.

Is Buying a Mini Excavator Worth it?

It depends on your specific needs and the cost of the mini excavator. If you have a lot of digging or excavation projects that need to be done, and the cost of renting equipment or hiring a contractor would be more expensive than buying a mini excavator, then it could be worth it.

Ready to Buy a Mini Excavator?

Mini excavators are regularly used for various tasks within various industries. Used excavators will come in handy if you are looking for the best mini excavators within the affordable range.

In such a case, getting the cheapest mini excavator models by Bobcat, John Deere, Hitachi, Terex, Case, CAT, or any other tier-4 certified brand is advisable.

In addition to affordability, you should get one that offers the best return on investment. If you do not use the excavator often, you may be better off renting one. Check out our rental guide if you prefer renting an excavator.