Things you need to know before buying a low-cost mini excavator

If you’re like me, the low-cost mini excavators that have become available in the last few years are too compelling to pass up. They can be acquired for less than many of us spent on our riding lawn mowers. The usefulness of these things around a homestead are endless. But, there are so many different models and features to pick from, though. It can be overwhelming. This video will help prepare you to make an informed purchase by introducing the most important factors to consider.

This is not a paid promotion. ThePFOchannel is not affiliated with any manufacturers of equipment shown or mentioned in this video. We are an Amazon Associate and may earn a commission on sales resulting from use of links found herein.

Thanks to @RiverForged on IG for help with the thumbnails!

00:00 - Intro
01:33 - No 1. Size and Weight Class
06:04 - No 2. Control Options
12:31 - No 3. Operator Comfort
14:34 - No 4. Availability of Attachments
17:25 - No 5. Engine/Power Source
18:52 - No 6. Hydraulics
24:40 - No 7. Ease of Maintenance
31:01 - No 8. Price & Warranty
35:29 - No 9. Safety

[sierraharvester]

I appreciate the editing you did. When I first saw it was a 40 minute vid, I was afraid it was going to be 30 minutes of rambling and 15 of content. Thanks for making a good vid.

[EEnsign]

Hands down the best and most organized point by point review on these things. Thanks you very much

[roberttaylor]

This is an extremely well-executed and honest presentation of personal experience that I needed since I have never operated a mini excavator. Thank you for discussing the points to be aware of while considering a purchase of this equipment.

[BrodieBr]

I've decided to buy one of these mini excavators and am taking my time to weigh the pros and cons of each machine as well. Thanks for making time to create this video, it will really help me as I'm looking to do similar things with my machine as I'm pushing 60 and want to start to work smarter, and not harder. haha

[richardshaules]

Great video- thank you so much for taking the time to post this!

[needknowlege]

Great video all the newbies should watch it. Well done!

[jacklabloom]

Thank you. Well done. Extremely important information for anyone considering this type purchase.

[mikah]

Thank you! You saved me tons of research effort. This is an excellent resource and will serve as my guide when purchasing. I have a small farm with a limited budget and want to purchase something economical but reliable.

[yachtwork]

Yep, by far the best info on purchasing a mini excavator. Thank you for making the video. Great info.

[midwestspec]

Great review, it will 100% be used to select my next purchase!

[davefarnsworth]

My first and only experience with a mini excavator was a Takeuchi TB 235-2 that I rented to pioneer into my property, and build driveway and building pad. It didn't take me long to figure out what it could and couldn't do. Fell in love with the beast, I should've been born with one.

[aussiedirtmover]

It might be small but its faster than a shovel good job 👍👍👍👍👍

[CautiousCrow]

Thank you so much for this detailed review! I wish this existed 3 months ago when I bought mine. Not being able to get into the engine bay easily sucks.

[joelvanallen]

A lot of very useful information! All good considerations when shopping!

[geocachingblister]

I'm looking at these now to replace my tow-able trencher. Very informative. Thanks.

[gregbaker]

Excellent video. This would be a very helpful video for someone that is in the market for one of these machines.

[sansbury]

My understanding was that the main advantage of a multi-spool pump is that it lets you run multiple functions more smoothly at the same time, e.g. moving the boom and stick together to pull grade.

[thomaslaprade]

On the straights and flats keep boom up close in its trave position boom out and low when on sketchy ground, hills,you can crab walk them, and all.

[soulis]

Did i miss it or didnt you mention a swinging boom? Thats something to consider if you need to work close to something, like a wall or a fence.

[charredskeleton]

The best safety tip I’ve ever received is “lift it twice” once in your mind, once in reality. So rehears and think, try to notice what pit falls there are.