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A cheap small mini excavator has a compact design and can be maneuvered in tight spaces. It can perform various functions, such as lifting, digging, and loading, depending on the attachments fitted to the excavator. Here are some types:
Standard Excavator:
A standard excavator has tracks that provide stability when moving over uneven terrain. The excavator's bucket is the primary attachment, and the sizes vary depending on the tasks to be carried out. Some models may also include other attachments like breakers and grapples.
Wheeled Mini Excavator:
The excavator has wheels instead of tracks, which enables it to move quickly over long distances. The excavator is suited for urban development, road construction, and pipeline work.
Ripper Excavator:
In hard and compact terrains, a ripper excavator is used to carry out excavation tasks. This excavator is fitted with a ripper tooth as an attachment. It can break and rip the hard material, making it suitable for mining quarries and road construction.
Zero Tail Excavator:
A zero tail excavator has its chassis that doesn't stick out beyond the width of the tracks. This type of mini excavator operates in confined spaces where the machine can swing safely without worrying about hitting surrounding objects.
Some key specifications to consider when buying cheap small excavators are to match the intended applications.
Key specifications
Stick and boom length: Longer sticks and booms enhance the excavator's reach and digging capability. However, they may also increase the machine's overall size and weight, affecting stability and maneuverability.
Bucket size: A smaller bucket will have to make more passes to move the same amount of material, while a larger bucket may put more strain on the excavator's arm and hydraulics.
Overall dimensions: Consider the width, height, and length of the excavator. In particular, the overall width and ground clearance affects the ability to navigate through mud and sand and work in confined spaces.
Weight: Operating stability and ground pressure are affected by the excavator's weight. A lightweight excavator may have good maneuverability but poor stability. An excavator with high weight will have greater ground pressure, which makes it more suitable for digging in hard terrain.
Typical working hours
A mini excavator requires regular maintenance. Although the actual number of working hours can vary depending on the usage and application. Here are some typical excavator maintenance tasks and their estimated intervals based on working hours.
Hydraulic system checks: Weekly or every 20-30 working hours, perform a visual inspection of the hydraulic system. Look for any signs of damage, leakage, or wear and promptly address any issues to avoid costly repairs and minimize machine downtime.
Oil and filter changes: After 50-80 working hours, change the engine oil and oil filter. This is crucial to maintaining the excavator's engine performance and longevity.
Air filter cleaning or replacement: Check the air filter after 100-150 working hours. Depending on the level of dirt and debris exposure, clean or replace the air filter to ensure proper engine airflow and prevent premature deterioration.
Track tension adjustment: For tracked mini excavators, adjust the track tension after 200-250 working hours. Proper track tension ensures optimal power transmission, traction, and undercarriage component life.
Bucket and attachment inspection and cleaning: Inspect and clean the bucket and any other attachments used after every 300 working hours. Check for wear, damage, or buildup of material, and address any issues immediately to maintain proper functioning and extend the equipment's life.
Some China excavator suppliers on Alibaba offer replacement parts to help customers repair their excavators.
A cheap mini excavator is a versatile machine that can perform many tasks in the construction, landscaping, and other industries. Here are some common usage scenarios for mini excavators:
Site Preparation and Grading
Mini excavators can be used when leveling and grading the soil to prepare the site for construction. Using the grading bucket, they can remove excess soil, fill depressions, and create an even base for foundations, parking lots, and landscaping.
Ditches and Trenches Digging
Mini excavators are ideal for digging ditches and trenches for drainage pipes, utility lines, and irrigation systems. Their precise control allows operators to dig narrow and deep trenches without disturbing surrounding areas.
Foundation Excavation
For building structures, mini excavators can excavate soil for foundations. They can dig holes and remove soil quickly and efficiently, even in tight spaces where larger machines cannot access.
Landscaping and Grading
A mini excavator can be a helpful machine when landscaping projects. It can be used for tasks such as creating garden beds, removing rocks and debris, and installing retaining walls. They are also great for sloping and contouring land to create drainage or other desired features.
Demolition
In light demolition projects, mini excavators can be used to demolish small structures, concrete slabs, or walls. Equipped with a breaker or crusher attachment, they can also break up pavements and rock formations.
Material Handling
Mini excavators can be used to move and stack materials such as pipes, bricks, and lumber. With the right attachment, they can also be used for loading tasks, such as loading excavated material onto trucks.
Business buyers should consider some essential factors when choosing a new mini excavator for their worksite or rental fleet.
Job Site:
The condition and type of the work area will impact the kind of excavator one needs to buy. Check the size, surface, and access of the worksite. A compact excavator is suitable for a confined space, while a dozer or tracked mini excavator can work on rough terrain. For a poor surface or an incline, a digger with rubber tracks will provide stability and traction.
Types of Excavators:
Understand the functions of different mini excavators and select one that can do all the jobs required. A standard model can only dig, while others have attachments for different types of work. A mini excavator with a thumb attachment can also pick and hold items. If the equipment will be used to break concrete, choose a mini excavator with a breaker attachment or select an excavator that has a high dig force.
Excavator Size:
Consider the size of the excavator that will suit the job. A smaller mini or compact excavator is suitable for working in tight spaces. However, the digging depth and reach of small models are limited. Consider using a standard model if there are open areas on the worksite. Larger models have better reach and can cover more area.
New or Used:
A used mini excavator will cost less than a new model. While old excavators cost less, they need more maintenance. Check how often the equipment will be used and choose a new or used model within budget.
Operator Cab:
Consider the operator’s comfort and safety when selecting an excavator. Choose models with good visibility, climate control, and intuitive controls. An excavator with a well-designed cab will reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity.
Q1: How to find the right cheap small excavator for sale for a project?
A1: Identify the work requirements. Consider the equipment's size and weight capacity, whether it can handle the workload, and the reach and dig depth needed. Next, set a budget. Explore different buying options. Examine the excavator in detail or ask for detailed pictures of the excavator if buying it remotely. Negotiate for a good deal that meets the budget and project needs.
Q2: What are some tips for buying cheap small excavators?
A2: Buying in bulk is one way to get a better price. Explore different buying options, such as auctions, trade shows, and repossession sales. Look for discounts on add-ons or free service contracts. Check for government excavator grants for companies that take on certain types of projects. Look for low-interest financing options if the excavator is purchased on credit.
Q3: What are some ways to boost the resale value of a used small excavator?
A3: Routine maintenance can preserve the resale value. Keep a documented maintenance history to show the buyer. Invest in cosmetic repairs like repainting the excavator and fixing minor damages. Perform any required excavator certifications to prove the equipment is in good working condition.
Q4: What are some ways to reduce the purchase cost of a small excavator?
A4: Consider buying a used or refurbished excavator to lower upfront costs. Negotiate for a better price with suppliers. Calculate the long-term cost. A small excavator with a slightly higher purchase price may be more cost-effective in the long run if it has a great fuel economy.
Q5: What types of add-on tools does a mini excavator take?
A5: Mini excavators have add-on tools to boost their versatility. They include hydraulic thumbs, trenchers, buckets, shears, and snow plows. The type of tool added to the excavator will depend on the project's needs.
