This guide has everything you need to know before you rent mini excavators.

Often known as the “swiss-army knife” of the industry, they are the perfect solution if you have tight deadlines, or are just wanting to get a job done easier with extra maneuverability.

What is a mini excavator?

Mini excavators, or compact excavators, are incredibly versatile tools that can be used for any kind of project. They’re smaller and lighter than their standard counterparts, making them perfect when you need a little help on your next job or home project. It will be made up of multiple different parts;

Cab: Where you can sit to operate the mini excavator

Engine: The engine powering the mini excavator allows for smooth operation and easy control.

House: The house of a mini excavator holds the cab, engine, and hydraulic cylinders. It can rotate 360 degrees on its hinges to get you in the perfect position.

Undercarriage: The undercarriage of the mini excavator is what keeps it standing. It supports weight and houses all sorts of motor, gears & track rollers that allow for movement.

Stick, Boom, and Attachment: The boom of an excavator is connected by a stick, which is often seen as the third part of the machine. They all rely on each other as the arm of the excavator and can accomplish different tasks depending on what attachment you have.

What are some tips for operating mini excavators?

When you rent mini excavators, it is good to know a few tips before starting your project;

1. Read the instruction manual

When you rent mini excavators and before you start the machine it is beneficial to read its instructions manual carefully. It will often contain valuable information on how to use the mini excavator. You don’t need to read every word, but it is helpful to understand the basics.

2. Inspect the machine before you start using it

You should always keep an eye out for loose hoses or fluid leaks when operating your mini excavator. Check the oil, lubricant, and coolant levels as well as inspect all parts of tracks to make sure they are not damaged in any way before it causes further complications with performance.

3. Test the mini excavator

When you first get your hands on a mini excavator, it’s important to test out all of its features and become familiar with how each part operates. The layout can vary from model to model so make sure that yours works before going into the field! A good place for testing would be in an open area where there isn’t much vegetation nearby or anything too fragile nearby. Get comfortable with the controls, and practice making adjustments to your position. The mini excavator is much more manageable when you know how it responds. This will make your work more precise, efficient, and safer.

4. Practice driving with the tracks

To make sure you’re comfortable with your new mini excavator, practice driving it before you start any project. Excavators usually come with tracks, which handle a lot differently than wheeled axels. The right and left tracks can even move separately to improve turning, but it’s important for newcomers to start out slow until they get used to how the excavator feels and maneuvers.

5. Make sure you have the right balance

The mini excavator was specially designed to be lightweight, but if you don’t balance it correctly then this can lead your machine to tip. Make sure to balance your mini excavator by extending or retracting the stick.

What can you rent mini excavators for?

Digging: You can rent mini excavators as an efficient and effective way to dig, because of their ability to move into hard-to-reach places as well as the variety of attachment options. Digging with this machine can be a lot quicker than using a shovel, which could dramatically increase a project’s completion time.

Landscaping: Mini excavators provide a lightweight solution to dig ditches and lay down lightly compacted soil for landscaping projects. They can also be used in tight spaces where larger models would otherwise struggle.

Demolishing Structures: Mini excavators are a great tool for construction projects that require taking down smaller structures, like sheds and outbuildings. If you do want to demolish a structure, it is important to take the utmost safety precautions before you start working on your project.

Installing Outdoor Structures: Have you always wanted an in-ground pool or hot tub? You can rent mini excavators for easy excavation! Mini excavators make it easier to dig up areas that are too cramped for larger excavators. You won’t have to put in a lot of manual labor like when you use a shovel, and it won’t tear up the surrounding area. 

Repairing Sewer Lines: Mini excavators are a great tool for sewer line repairs and can be used near structures. They’re small enough to get into tight spots but powerful enough to get a job done quickly. Once you have completed a project, you can use a dozer blade attachment to level the yard.

Tree Installation/ Removal: Mini excavators are great for making simple work of digging holes for tree transplants and backfilling with ease. The right attachments, like a thumb grapple attachment, allow you to remove even larger trees.

How deep can mini excavators dig?

When it comes to digging, a 3k-4999 pound mini excavator can dig up 7.8 feet of dirt. If you are interested in something bigger, an excavator that is 7000+ pounds can dig up to 10 feet.

Are mini excavators hard to use?

Mini excavators provide the best solution when you need a lightweight, maneuverable machine that can fit through gates, travel over rough ground, and be able to turn without worrying about hitting anything around it. With their lighter weight, mini excavators also do less damage to soil and leave fewer track marks when you compare them to larger excavators. Before you rent mini excavators, it is beneficial to read the user manual before you start operating machinery.

How long can I rent mini excavators?

Lakeshore Equipment Company Inc. offers multiple options to rent for any job. You are able to rent mini excavators for one day (8 hours), one week (40 hours), or you would even be able to rent excavators monthly (160 hours/ 4 weeks).

Mini Excavators are innovative machines that can help with any job. If you are wondering if you should rent mini excavators for your next project, contact Lakeshore Equipment Rentals today!