If you’re new to construction equipment, compact excavators may already be on your radar as an essential tool for the job site.
These versatile machines, often called mini excavators, are designed to handle various tasks in tight spaces where larger equipment just won’t fit. Compact excavators are popular for their power, maneuverability, and efficiency, making them a go-to choice for construction, landscaping, utility work, and more.
Whether you’re exploring options for purchase or rental, understanding what compact excavators can do and the features that set them apart will help you make the best decision for your projects. In this article, we’ll break down what compact excavators are, their key features, and why brands like CASE, Takeuchi, and Torolead the way in this category.
You guys have been top notch for me every time. I’ve been the maintenance director at 2 different facilities where I have used your services on our generators. This time a tech came out for again another generator. The techs name was Eric, he did an awesome job and was great to talk with. I will absolutely request him for service from now on. The personal factor is huge for me while doing business since my industry is long term care. Thanks for great service as always!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review! I’ll let Eric know.
Excellent resource to service all CASE and Takeuchi machines in the metro area. They can get anything. The staff is always helpful and very knowledgeable.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the 4 star review. We would love to hear how we can improve to a 5 star! If there is anything that you need please feel free to reach out to one of our six construction locations. Thank you again for taking the time to give us a rating.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the 5 star review! Roger focuses each and every day to give a world class customer experience. We hope to see you soon. Thank you again for taking the time to give us a review.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the 5 star review. We strive to deliver a world class customer experience every time we see you. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Response from the owner:Pam, thank you! We are grateful for your 5 star review. Jenny does an excellent job and is very focused at providing a world class customer experience. Thank you again and we look forward to working with you in the future.
My experience was great.. I spoke with Jenny and she was more than a huge help. Very professional, friendly and knowledgeable.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Syretha! We are very grateful for your 5 star review. Jenny does an excellent job and is very focused at providing a world class customer experience. Thank you again and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the 5 star review. We appreciate your business and strive to deliver the best equipment and service in the industry. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the 5 star rating. We strive to deliver a world class customer experience each and every day. Thank you again and we hope to see you soon.
My husband rented equipment and worked with Josh. He was very respectful and new what he was talking about to help with all my husband's needs and questions. Very pleased and will be using Luby again in the future!
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your review and rating. We appreciate your business Jenn and we look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you again and we hope you have a great day!
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your review and rating. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you again and we hope you have a great day!
This is a great piece of equipment. Kevin Peeler is very knowledgeable and made the process easy. We actually didn’t meet until he drove on the job site with my Takeuchi TL6. He earned my confidence over the phone.
Mnnnmm
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your review and rating. Luby Equipment and Kevin are focused on delivering a seamless customer experience on every sale. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Jenny was the best, answered questions on several calls that other dealers could not. I live in KC and shopped auctions, dealers nationwide, Facebook market place. Got my best deal on my TL12V2 machine from Luby with extended warranty. Drove to Fenton and picked up machine. Machine was as described and ready to go as promised. Jenny’s friendliness and listening to my wants sold me! Her boss should give her a raise thanks again!
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for the review and 5 star rating. Our goal is to deliver a world class customer experience on every transaction. We are thankful for your business and look forward to seeing you soon.
This was my first experience with Luby Equipment. Jenny Swafford was my sales person. She promptly made a deal with me working out the transportation and all the details. She kept me in the loop every step of the way and gave me many detailed pictures of the piece of equipment. I do many deals in my line of work and I can tell you she is among the best. I would do business again and hope I can. My experience with Lubys has been the best. I could not be happier. Good job Jenny I wish there were more like you doing business would be a much funner experience. Mike.
Response from the owner:Thank you Mike for your review and rating. Our goal is to deliver a world class customer experience each and every day. We appreciate your business and look forward to doing more with you in the future. Thank you again for the kind words and hope you have a wonderful day!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for giving us a 5 star rating. We strive each and every day to deliver world class customer service. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you soon.
I recently purchased 2 machines from Luby Equipment and worked with Jenny Swafford. She was fantastic to work with and I am very pleased with the equipment and how easy Luby was to work with. Highly recommend them to anyone looking to purchase equipment.
Response from the owner:Thank you Steve for giving us a 5 star rating. We are very appreciative of your business and look forward to working with you again.
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Response from the owner:Carlos,
Thank you very much for rating us! We appreciate it and look forward to doing business with you in the future. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to improve.
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What Is a Compact Excavator?
A compact excavator is a smaller version of a traditional excavator, typically weighing less than 10 tons. Like standard excavators, they are equipped with a boom, dipper, and bucket for digging and grading. What sets compact excavators apart is their ability to operate in confined spaces and on sensitive surfaces, such as residential lawns or paved areas.
Compact excavators also feature a rotating platform called the house, allowing 360-degree rotation. This feature provides excellent maneuverability, especially in tight spaces where larger equipment would struggle to operate. Compact excavators are typically mounted on rubber tracks, minimizing ground disturbance and making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Key Features of Compact Excavators
Compact excavators are known for their innovative design and advanced functionality. Here are some features that make them an excellent choice for operators:
1. Compact Size and Maneuverability
Compact excavators’ small footprint makes them perfect for jobs in restricted spaces, such as urban construction sites, residential properties, or around existing structures. Despite their size, they deliver substantial power for digging, trenching, and lifting tasks.
2. Wide Range of Attachments
Compact excavators can be equipped with various attachments to expand their functionality. Common attachments include:
Buckets for digging or grading
Augers for drilling holes
Hydraulic breakers for demolition
Grapples for material handling
This versatility allows operators to handle multiple tasks with a single machine, saving time and resources.
3. Operator Comfort
Modern compact excavators are designed with operator comfort in mind. Features like adjustable seating, climate-controlled cabs, and intuitive controls ensure operators can work efficiently without unnecessary fatigue.
4. Fuel Efficiency
Compact excavators are generally more fuel-efficient than their larger counterparts, making them an economical choice for smaller projects or contractors looking to reduce operating costs.
5. Ease of Transportation
Due to their smaller size and lighter weight, compact excavators are easy to transport between job sites using a standard trailer, adding to their convenience.
Notable Compact Excavator Models
If you’re exploring compact excavators, these standout models from CASE, Takeuchi, and Toro offer a mix of reliability, power, and versatility:
1. CASE CX30C Compact Excavator
For new operators, the CASE CX30C offers an excellent combination of maneuverability and power. Its compact size allows it to work in confined areas, while its performance is robust enough to handle challenging digging and grading tasks.
Key Highlights:
Operating weight of approximately 6,000 lbs, making it ideal for residential and light construction work.
Zero-tail swing design for tight spaces, allowing operators to work with confidence near obstacles or structures.
Intuitive controls and excellent visibility within the operator’s cab for improved ease of use.
Applications: Perfect for smaller utility projects, landscaping, and excavation in urban areas.
2. Takeuchi TB235-2 Compact Excavator
The Takeuchi TB235-2 is engineered with reliability and versatility in mind, making it an excellent fit for operators seeking a dependable all-around machine. This model balances power and comfort, offering a smooth operating experience.
Key Highlights:
Operating weight of approximately 7,500 lbs, making it versatile for various job site tasks.
Improved hydraulics for precise control, whether trenching, digging, or working with attachments like hydraulic breakers or augers.
A quiet and climate-controlled cab, allowing operators to stay comfortable even during long workdays.
Applications: Ideal for construction, foundation work, and general contracting projects.
3. Takeuchi TB216 Compact Excavator
The Takeuchi TB216 is a reliable and highly maneuverable compact excavator, perfect for operators needing efficiency and precision in confined spaces. Its lightweight yet powerful design makes it a standout choice for minor construction and landscaping projects.
Key Highlights:
Operating weight of just over 3,800 lbs, making it easy to transport and maneuver.
Digging depth of up to 7.5 feet, suitable for trenching and smaller excavation tasks.
User-friendly controls and an adjustable operator station are designed for comfort and convenience.
Applications: Ideal for residential landscaping, utility trenching, and light construction projects where precision and accessibility are critical.
4. Takeuchi TB250-2 Compact Excavator
The Takeuchi TB250-2 is a versatile compact excavator that combines power, stability, and performance, making it a great choice for operators tackling various medium-scale construction and landscaping tasks.
Key Highlights:
Operating weight of approximately 10,950 lbs, delivering a balance of mobility and stability.
Digging depth of up to 12.5 feet, offering the capability to handle deeper excavation work.
Advanced hydraulics and attachment compatibility for enhanced versatility on the job site.
Applications: Ideal for trenching, foundation work, site preparation, and grading tasks in residential, commercial, or urban environments.
Why Choose a Compact Excavator?
Compact excavators are a game-changer for projects that require precision and versatility. Their smaller size, range of attachments, and ease of operation make them perfect for new operators and seasoned professionals. Whether working on residential landscaping, trenching for utilities, or handling light demolition, compact excavators deliver the performance and flexibility you need.
Contact Us Today
At Luby Equipment Services, we understand the importance of choosing the right equipment for your projects. That’s why we offer a wide range of compact excavators from trusted brands like CASE, Takeuchi, and Toro. Whether you want to purchase or rent, our experienced team can guide you through every step.
Ready to get started? Contact us today or explore our inventory online to find the perfect compact excavator for your next job.
