When planning a construction, landscaping, or agricultural project, selecting the right equipment is paramount. Among the most versatile pieces of machinery is the mini excavator. But with so many options on the market, a common question arises: What are the most common mini excavator sizes? Understanding the size and capacity of these machines is crucial for matching the right equipment to your job site’s specific demands and constraints.

This guide will walk you through the standard size categories and dive deep into the specifications of LongTrust Machinery‘s renowned China micro mini excavator lineup, helping you make an informed decision.

Understanding Mini Excavator Size Categories

First, we need to understand what qualifies as a mini excavator. Mini excavators typically range from 1 to 3 tons in weight, with dimensions varying by model and functional design. Below are the core size parameters for common mini excavators:

1. Body length: 2.5–4 meters (may increase by 0.3–0.5 meters when equipped with a dozer blade).

2. Body width: 0.8–1.5 meters (narrow body design facilitates operation in confined spaces).

3. Body height: 2.2–2.8 meters (clearance must be considered during transport, e.g., through tunnels or height-restricted roads).

4. Digging depth: 2–4 meters (directly related to boom length; some extended-boom models reach 5 meters).

For example, a typical 3-ton mini excavator measures 3.2 meters long, 1.1 meters wide, and 2.5 meters high, while a 1-ton ultra-compact model may measure only 2.5 meters long and 0.9 meters wide.

Key Factors Affecting Compact Excavator Dimensions

1. Tonnage Differences: Smaller tonnage models feature more compact dimensions. 1-2 ton models suit indoor renovation or orchard work, while 5-6 ton models are commonly used in municipal projects.

2. Structural Design:

– Zero-tail swing models offer narrower widths, ideal for confined alleys.

– Foldable boom designs reduce transport height.

3. Attachments: Adding hydraulic hammers or quick couplers may increase overall length by 10-20 cm.

LongTrust Machinery Mini Excavator Models: A Weight & Spec Analysis

Let’s examine a few of our popular models to see how their weight class translates into real-world performance.

A Deep Dive into LongTrust Machinery Micro Mini Excavator Sizes

As a leading manufacturer of high-quality mini excavator models, LongTrust Machinery offers a comprehensive range to suit any project need. Here’s a detailed look at our popular models, from the most compact to larger, more powerful units.

Ultra-Compact Models (Under 1 Ton)

Ideal for interior demolition, landscaping in tight backyards, and jobs requiring entry through standard doorways.

LT-80 (750 kg)

• Maximum digging depth: 1200mm
• Maximum digging height: 2500mm
• Transport Width (approx.): Often under 900mm
• Bucket digging power: 11KN
• Ideal For: The tightest spaces where maneuverability is the top priority.

LT-90 (750 kg)

• Maximum digging depth: 1200mm
• Maximum digging height: 2500mm
• Maximum tipping height: 1780mm
• Bucket digging power: 11KN
• Ideal For: Similar to the LT-80 but with a slightly higher dump height for loading tasks.

LT-100 (800 kg)

• Maximum digging depth: 1650mm
• Maximum digging height: 2550mm
• Bucket digging power: 11KN
• Ideal For: Projects that need a bit more digging depth without a significant increase in machine weight.

The Sweet Spot: 1-Ton Class Models

This weight class offers an exceptional balance of power, stability, and accessibility. These models are often the best-selling China-made mini excavators globally.

LT-110 (1100 kg)

• Maximum digging depth: 1740mm
• Maximum digging height: 2550mm
• Bucket digging power: 11KN
• Ideal For: A wide array of general contracting and landscaping tasks.

LT-120 1.5-Ton Mini Digger Excavator Made In China – OUR BEST-SELLER!

This model is our flagship China micro mini excavator for a reason. It packs incredible performance into a highly accessible frame.

• Maximum digging depth: 1650mm
• Maximum digging height: 2550mm
• Bucket digging power: 11KN
• Key Feature: Optional Kubota engine for legendary reliability. With over forty different attachments available (including breakers, augers, and grapples), it’s a truly multi-functional tool.

LT-130 1 Ton small Mini Excavator

• Maximum digging depth: 1740mm
• Maximum digging height: 2550mm
• Bucket digging power: 11KN
• Ideal For: A solid step up in capability while remaining easy to transport and operate in confined areas.

Heavy-Duty Compact Models (1.5 Ton & Above)

For projects that demand more power, deeper digging, and greater lifting capacity without moving up to a full-size machine.

LT-140 1.5 Ton Mini Excavator with Diesel Engine

• Maximum digging depth: 2000mm
• Maximum digging height: 2700mm
• Bucket digging power: 15KN
• Ideal For: Digging deeper foundations, more demanding trenching work, and handling heavier materials.

LT-250 2.5 Ton Mini Excavator with Kubota engine

• Maximum digging depth: 2300mm
• Maximum digging height: 3200mm
• Bucket digging power: 16KN
• Ideal For: Serious construction and agricultural projects where increased power and depth are non-negotiable.

LT-300 3 Ton Mini Excavator

Our largest model in this range is designed for maximum productivity.

• Transport Dimensions: 3500mm (L) x 1400mm (W) x 2380mm (H)
• Maximum digging depth: 2450mm
• Maximum digging height: 3580mm
• Bucket capacity: 0.08 m³
• Ideal for: The most challenging job sites, acting as a near-full-size excavator but with enhanced transportability.

How to Choose the Right Size Mini Excavator

Selecting the perfect China micro mini excavator is about finding the right balance for your specific environment and tasks. Here are the key principles to guide your decision:

1. Consider Weight and Width for Access: This is the most critical factor. Always measure your access points—gate widths, doorway openings, and the paths to the work area. Lighter machines have better maneuverability and lower ground pressure, allowing them to work on delicate surfaces like lawns without causing damage. A heavier machine may offer more power but could be impossible to get to the job.
2. Match Digging Depth to Your Project Requirements: Review the specifications of each model. There’s no need to choose a machine with a 2.4-meter dig depth if your utility trenches only need to be 1 meter deep. Choosing a appropriately sized machine for the task is more efficient and cost-effective.
3. Evaluate Attachment Compatibility: The true power of a mini excavator lies in its versatility. Ensure the model you choose supports the attachments you need (e.g., hydraulic thumbs, augers, breakers). Our best-selling LT-120 is a prime example of a machine whose value is multiplied by its vast attachment ecosystem.
4. Balance Power with Practicality: While a larger engine and more hydraulic power (measured in KN) are desirable for tougher tasks, they must be weighed against the machine’s size and your ability to transport it to and from the site.

Is it worth buying a mini excavator?（Buy or rent?）

A common question for contractors and landowners is whether to buy or rent equipment. Globally, the price of a new mini excavator often starts over $10,000 USD, and daily rental rates can easily exceed $500 per day. At those rates, calculating the ROI of purchasing versus renting is a complex decision. However, the equation changes completely when you source your equipment directly from a manufacturer like LongTrust Machinery.

As a leading source manufacturer in China, we eliminate middleman markups, allowing us to offer our high-quality, dependable china micro mini excavators at an unprecedented value. With our entry-level models starting at well under $2,000 USD, the financial logic becomes clear: the cost of buying a new machine outright from us is less than the cost of renting a comparable unit for just one week elsewhere.

This dramatically low entry price means that for most users, renting is no longer a cost-effective option. Why deal with the recurring fees, limited availability, and wear-and-tear of a rental machine when you can own a brand-new, warranty-backed micro excavator for such a minimal investment? Owning your equipment provides unmatched convenience, immediate availability for any job, and long-term value, making it the undeniable smart choice for anyone serious about their work.

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Size with LongTrust Machinery

The most common mini excavator sizes range from ultra-compact 0.75-ton models to powerful 3-ton machines. The “best” size is entirely dependent on your project’s unique requirements for access, depth, and power.

LongTrust Machinery provides a comprehensive range of reliable and affordable China micro mini excavator models across this entire spectrum. From the ultra-nimble LT-80 to the powerhouse LT-300, we have a machine engineered to maximize your productivity and return on investment.

Unsure which size is right for you? Our experts at LongTrust Machinery are here to help. Contact us today with your project details and access limitations, and we’ll recommend the perfect mini excavator for your needs.