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A mini excavator is a great option because of how many different attachments it can support.
Skid steer loaders are widely used in construction equipment and are known as the "Swiss Army Knife" for their versatility. By swapping out different attachments, a skid steer can easily transform into a mini backhoe, auger, snowplow or pallet truck. This versatility is driven by the industry’s ongoing efforts to standardize accessory interfaces between manufacturers.
In recent years, mini excavators have also become standardized similar to skid steer loaders, a change that brings exciting possibilities to the construction equipment world. One might even say that mini excavators have become the Swiss Army Knife of a new generation.
It’s true that mini excavators and skid steers are both highly practical pieces of construction equipment, but mini excavators may be superior to skid steers in many ways, and here are four reasons why they may be better for your fleet.
Attachment Versatility
If you're reading this, you might be seeking a small machine that can be used in multiple ways. A mini excavator is an excellent choice because of the wide range of attachments it can support. Here are some of the main attachments it can handle:
General-purpose buckets: perfect for a variety of earth moving tasks
Tilt buckets: ideal for landscaping and finishing work
Grapple buckets: great for picking up loose materials such as scrap, waste, and brush
Thumbs: perfect for picking up and placing objects like large rocks
Moil-style hammer tools: excellent for breaking up non-abrasive materials like soft rock, clay, brick, wood, drywall, etc.
Chisel-style hammer tools: perfect for hard rock excavation and breaking concrete or asphalt
Blunt hammer tools: great for breaking blasted rock in crusher applications
In addition to using these trusted attachments, mini excavators can also handle a range of additional tools such as breakers, augers, brush cutters, mulchers, pallet forks, plate compactors, and rippers.
Maximum Compatibility
Many equipment manufacturers provide attachment brackets for their excavators, but not all of them are suitable for use with attachments from other manufacturers.
One excellent option for a mixed fleet is to opt for a pin grabber-style quick coupler, as it can be used with a range of attachments and brands. Over the years, tiltrotators have revolutionized the game by making any attachment more flexible and versatile.
However, compatibility extends beyond the interface. The machine itself must be well equipped. When considering a purchase of a mini excavator, I recommend choosing a machine that has, at least, single-acting and double-acting hydraulics to ensure compatibility with a variety of attachments.
Float and angle blades are becoming more common on mini excavators, and with more intuitive controls,
Simplified Service
Mini excavators are extremely convenient to service due to the fact that everything is located in one compartment, under a wide-opening engine hood at ground level - no more lying on the ground or bending over. Filters are grouped together to simplify servicing, while some original equipment manufacturer's in-cab screens provide maintenance interval reminders to ensure uptime remains a priority.
When it comes to skid steers, accessing frequently checked items can be challenging as they only have one access point without lifting the cab. For more complex parts, lifting the cab can be a difficult task for one person, and this area can become quite dirty.
In addition to these features, some mini excavator models come with an automatic engine shutdown and/or automatic idle feature, which not only lowers fuel costs and noise but also reduces maintenance costs, protecting resale value over time.
Options to Be Creative
I have witnessed customers put mini excavators to unique uses. This is due to their extended reach, improved visibility, 360-degree swing radius, and a range of blade options.
By thinking beyond traditional tools like buckets and hammers, you can unleash significant competitive advantages on the job site. This is where tiltrotators, tilt buckets, grading buckets come into play. With the right tools, you can perform tasks like rock placement, drainage grading, and implement "creative ideas".
In conclusion: if you engage in diverse work and are open to thinking outside the box, you should consider a mini excavator as a primary machine for your job site.
