If you are a contractor or equipment operator, you must know the specifications of heavy equipment to work safely. Mini excavators are among the most commonly used machines on construction sites.
Today, you will explore the exact weight of different types of mini excavators and how it affects performance. I have also explained how much load each excavator type can handle.
Mini Excavator Weight in Kg
A mini excavator generally weighs in the range of 900 and 5500 kilograms or more. But, the average weight for most standard models of mini excavators is around 4000 kg.
This weight can change little according to different excavator brands, models and attachments. Due to their compact size, you can operate mini excavators where large machines are not easy to work with.
Example: 3-ton mini excavator weighs around 2700 kg, which gives you a good mix of power and easy movement.
Mini Excavator Weight Chart
Below weight chart shows the average weights of different models and types of mini excavators. So, you can easily compare options and choose the right size for your project.
| Mini Excavator Types | Weight in kg | Weight in Pounds | Lifting Capacity (kg) |
| Micro Excavator | Micro excavator weight around 700-1800 | 1543 to 3968 lbs | 300 – 500 |
| Standard Mini Excavator | 907 to 5500 | 1999-12125 | Few hundreds to 1800+ |
| Larger Mini Excavator | 5500-10000 | 12125 to 22046 | 300 to 1800 |
| Reduced Tail Swing | 900 kg for mini model, 36000 kg for large model | 1984 to 79366 | No fixed capacity, it varies model by model |
| Long Reach Mini Excavator | 3500 to 24000 | 7716-52910 | 150 to 3000 |
| Mini Hydraulic Excavator | 800-5000 | 1763 to 11023 | 300 to 2500+ |
| Compact Wheeled Excavator | 1600 to 10000+ | 3527 to over 22046 lbs | 400 to more than 6000 |
| Electric Mini Excavator | 1200-1900+ | 2645 to 4188+ | 230 & 1200 or more |
Weight of Mini Excavator Attachments
The additional equipment which is attached to the mini excavator also adds extra weight to the machine. This can affect how you can move an excavator. However, the base weight of the excavator stays fixed.
- Buckets: These are the most common tools you can use with excavators. With it, you can dig and move soil or debris. The weight of a mini excavator bucket is around 50 to 500 pounds. But, its size and design can change its weight.
- Hammer/Breakers: You can use these attachments to break hard materials such as concrete or asphalt. Due to their strong build, they add a lot of weight to the excavator. Generally, a hammer & breaker can weigh between 100 and 880 pounds.
- Augers: You can use an auger with an excavator for drilling holes in the ground. Their weight can vary based on the diameter and length of the drill. Most mini excavator augers weigh approx. 100 to 200+ lbs (including drill weight).
- Compactor: After you dig the surface, compactors are used to press and level soil. They make the surface stable for construction or paving. Their weight is mostly in the range of 350-100 pounds and or more.
- Grapples: They are tools which you can use to grab and lift materials like scrap or rocks. Grapples designed with strong jaws and claws to handle bulky items. The weight of grapples can be around 100 to 400 lbs.
Mini Excavator Counterweight
At your worksite, you can attach a heavy object with a mini excavator. That large object is called counterweight. It keeps your machine stable when you are lifting or moving materials with it. Its weight varies depending on different counterweight sizes and types.
But, we can provide you with an approximate range which is one-tenth to one-fifth of the excavator’s total weight. For instance, if a mini excavator weighs 5000 kg, the counterweight may be around 500 to 1000 kg.
Mini Excavator Weight With Trailer
When you need to move a mini excavator, you have to include the trailer’s weight. A standard trailer used for transporting mini excavators usually weighs about 3500 to 4500 kg. This is the combined weight of trailer and mini excavator.
That means, if your mini excavator weighs around 1,500 kg, the total weight with the trailer can be about 3500-4500 kg.
Mini Excavator Lifting Capacity
The lifting capacity of a mini excavator means how much weight you can safely lift with its arm. Basically, it depends on the machine’s size, weight as well as its hydraulic power.
On average, a mini excavator can lift between 150 and 1800 kg. You should remember that smaller models lift lighter loads, while with larger ones, you can handle heavier materials. So, you should check the operator’s manual for the exact lifting limit to make sure it is safe to operate.
Chinese Mini Excavator Weight
You will find Chinese mini excavators in all sizes and weights we mentioned above. JACKWIN is a Chinese company. Our team manufactures and exports construction machinery in more than 70 countries. Plus, we offer best quality mini excavators for you at highly affordable rates compared to other global suppliers.
In our warehouse, there is a large stock of different mini excavator weights. So, you can choose the size which fits your work needs. You can also get custom machines according to your requirement.
Cost of Mini Excavator If You Buy From China
Price of a mini excavator generally depends on its features, types, size and brand. Well, the average price range is mostly between $1400 to $20000+. Small excavator will cost you less. On the other hand, larger or heavier machines are more expensive and can cost you $26000 or more.
How To Measure Weight of a Mini Excavator?
- You can check the manufacturer’s plate or label on the machine. It will show you the exact operating weight of mini excavator
- Also, you can read the user manual. The other option is to visit the machine manufacturer’s website, if you want to know official weight details.
- You must use a truck or vehicle scale to check the total weight if you also added any extra tools or parts.
- Further, you can compare excavator weight with similar models online to get an estimate, if you find a missing label or manual.
- You can also use a certified weighing station to get the most accurate weight of your mini excavator. This way will provide you safe, legal, precise and proper transport.
Mini Excavator Operating Weight Vs Gross Weight
The operating weight of a mini excavator means the total weight of the machine with all standard parts and fuel. It shows you the total weight the excavator weighs when it’s ready to work. For example, if your mini excavator weighs 4000 kg with fuel and a bucket attached, this is called its operating weight.
Gross weight is the total weight the machine can carry. It includes its own operating weight plus any extra equipment or cargo you add. In short, it is the overall weight when the excavator is fully loaded. Suppose, if you add a tool or carry extra material, the total gross weight may reach around 4500 kg.
What is Tipping Weight of Mini Excavator
The tipping weight of a mini excavator is the load at which the machine can start to tip over (loses balance) while lifting. This weight limit can change depending on the size of the excavator, the height of the arm, load position and the ground it’s on. Mostly, it’s about 75% of the maximum tipping load, but for safety, you should lift only 50% or less of that weight.
How To Choose the Right Size Mini Excavator?
- Project Requirements: First of all, you need to consider your project size and needs. You can select 1 to 3 tons of mini excavators for small jobs. But for full scale projects, you will require medium to large machines.
- Depth of Digging & Reach Level: You must check the machine’s specifications to make sure it can handle the digging depth and reach required for your task.
- Lifting and Tipping Capacity: You always need to see these limits to buy any model of mini excavator. So, you can work safely and avoid accidents on the job site.
- Operating Weight: You should consider the weight to make sure it fits your transport and job site limits.
- Evaluate Maneuverability: It’s important for you to carefully examine how easily machines can move in tight spaces. You should pick a machine that can turn and operate smoothly.
- Attachments: You have to choose additional tools to attach with an excavator. Select equipment which can fulfill your work needs.
- Terrain Type: The surface of ground also matters. You can pick a lighter excavator if the ground is unstable or soft. While robust models work well on uneven rocky surfaces.
To Conclude
Finally, all the details you have learned about mini excavator weights is useful for you to make a smart choice for your work. We can say, with correct weight, capacity, model and size, you handle every task safely and avoid possible danger.
Helpful Note By JACKWIN: If you achieve a right balance of size and weight for mini excavator, your work speed will increase and there will be low fuel costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Major Uses of Mini Excavators?
Construction: Mainly use for digging, trenching for foundations & drainage systems.
Landscaping: plantation of trees and garden features creation.
Utilities: Installation plus repairing of pipelines and underground utilities work.
Demolition: For breaking down small structures and concrete surfaces.
Is a Heavier Excavator Always Better For Digging Power?
A heavier excavator is not always better for digging. But, more weight can improve stability and digging power. Instead of weight, the power of digging also depends on the arm, hydraulics, engine and bucket of the excavator.
How Much Work Can a Mini Excavator Do?
Mini excavators can dig about 2 to 3.5 meters deep, but it depends on the model. You can also use attachments to break concrete, drill holes or move materials. It can generally handle 50-100 cubic meters of soil in a day.
You can also see: Backhoe vs Excavator: 9 Differences & Which One to Choose?
