Used mini excavators refer to 1–8 ton class compact hydraulic excavators. Featuring zero-tail or ultra-short tail swing and the flexibility of transport via flatbed trailers, they are the top choice for municipal piping, landscaping, indoor demolition and rural infrastructure construction. Popular models including the Kubota U17, Bobcat E35 and CAT 303.5 CR are consistently in short supply on the used equipment market. The following 7 models cover the 1.7–4 ton range to help you quickly identify the right machine based on working conditions and budget.
Overview Comparison of Popular Models
| Model | Operating Weight | Key Selling Points | Best For | Market Popularity |
| Kubota U17 | 1.7 tonnes | Ultra-compact, indoor accessible | Landscaping / confined indoor work | ★★★★★ |
| Bobcat E35 | 3.5 tonnes | Zero-tail swing, popular in North America | Municipal works / general engineering | ★★★★★ |
| CAT 303.5 CR | 3.5 tonnes | Next Gen, zero-tail swing | Municipal works / rental business | ★★★★☆ |
| Hitachi ZX33U-5 | 3.3 tonnes | Ultra-short tail swing, Japanese brand | Urban / indoor work | ★★★★☆ |
| Komatsu PC30MR-5 | 3 tonnes | Mini swing, reliable | Municipal works / rural projects | ★★★★☆ |
| Takeuchi TB235 | 3.5 tonnes | Japanese, durable classic | General use / rental business | ★★★★☆ |
| Yanmar SV40 | 4 tonnes | Zero-tail swing, powerful performance | Municipal works / light earthmoving | ★★★☆☆ |
1.Kubota U17
The Kubota U17 is a 1.7-ton ultra-compact mini excavator equipped with the Kubota D782-E4 diesel engine. It delivers 11.8 kW (15.8 HP) of power and features a maximum digging depth of approximately 2.3 meters. Its tracks can be retracted to a width of 0.99 meters to pass through standard doorways.
As a benchmark among the smallest used mini excavators, the U17 can operate directly indoors, in yards and narrow lanes, making it an irreplaceable option for landscaping and small-scale demolition work.
Core Advantages
- Ultra-compact frame – retractable tracks allow passage through doorways and elevators for hassle-free indoor operation
- Kubota in-house engine – low vibration and fuel consumption, with one of the lowest maintenance costs in the industry
- Strong residual value – high market liquidity in the 1.7-ton class and low depreciation upon resale
Considerations
- Limited digging force – only suitable for light earthmoving; struggles with hard soil and rock conditions
- Attachment interface compatibility – verify compatibility between the quick coupler and your existing attachments
2.Bobcat E35
The Bobcat E35 is a 3.5-ton zero-tail-swing mini excavator powered by the Bobcat D24 (Kubota Tier 4) engine. It outputs 24.8 kW (33.3 HP) and delivers a maximum digging depth of approximately 3.1 meters.
Within the North American used mini excavator market, the E35 consistently ranks among top sellers thanks to its zero-tail design and smooth controllability, ideal for municipal trenching and general engineering projects.
Core Advantages
- Zero-tail swing – no rear overhang when working alongside walls or on narrow streets for improved safety
- Comfortable cab – enclosed cab with air conditioning available, well-received by operators
- Extensive attachment ecosystem – mature compatibility with genuine Bobcat breakers and grapples
Considerations
- Higher North American pricing – used units carry a premium over equivalent Japanese models
- Emission aftertreatment – Tier 4 system requires periodic regeneration; faults demand professional diagnostics
3.CAT 303.5 CR
The Caterpillar 303.5 CR is a 3.5-ton Next Generation mini excavator equipped with the turbocharged Cat C1.8T engine. It generates 24.5 kW (32.7 HP) of power, offers a maximum digging depth of approximately 3.1 meters, and features a zero-tail swing design.
As one of the most recognized models among used mini excavators, the 303.5 CR balances jobsite productivity and accessible spare parts supply.
Core Advantages
- Strong Caterpillar brand recognition – fast resale liquidity with widespread parts and service networks
- Zero-tail swing + air-conditioned cab – comfortable for long-hour operations
- Stick Steer control – agile maneuvering in confined spaces
Considerations
- High premium per ton – higher purchase price compared with equivalent Japanese models
- Hydraulic attachment verification – compatibility of the quick coupler must be confirmed
4.Hitachi ZX33U-5
The Hitachi Construction Machinery ZX33U-5 is a 3.3-ton ultra-short tail swing mini excavator powered by the Yanmar 3TNV88 engine. It delivers 21.2 kW (28.4 HP) of power with a maximum digging depth of approximately 2.9 meters.
Within the Japanese lineup of used mini excavators, the ZX33U-5 stands out for its precise hydraulics and ultra-short tail maneuverability, suited for urban and indoor applications.
Core Advantages
- Ultra-short tail swing – no rear overhang when working close to obstacles
- Smooth Hitachi hydraulics – seamless combined movements for high efficiency in precision work
- Proven Japanese durability – long service life for frames and swing assemblies
Considerations
- Smaller parts network compared with CAT/Komatsu – longer repair lead times in remote areas
- Emission standards vary by manufacturing year – early units require evaluation before export to developed markets
5.Komatsu PC30MR-5
The Komatsu PC30MR-5 is a 3-ton mini swing excavator equipped with the Komatsu 3D78AE-3 engine. It produces 18.7 kW (25.1 HP) of power and features a maximum digging depth of approximately 2.8 meters. Its short-tail design balances maneuverability and stability.
Famous for Japanese reliability and low fuel consumption in the used mini excavator market, this model fits municipal and rural infrastructure projects well.
Core Advantages
- Komatsu fuel-saving heritage – lower operating costs than comparable models
- Mini swing design – easy transport and operation in narrow lanes and farmland
- Proven Japanese reliability – generally good working condition for used units
Considerations
- Modest power output – struggles slightly under heavy loads within the 3-ton class
- Fluctuating stock for this popular model – quick purchasing is recommended
6.Takeuchi TB235
The Takeuchi TB235 is a 3.5-ton classic Japanese mini excavator powered by the Yanmar 3TNV88 engine. It delivers 24.4 kW (32.7 HP) of power, has a maximum digging depth of approximately 3.1 meters, and adopts a zero-tail swing design.
Well-regarded for durability among used mini excavators, the TB235 is known for its robust build and stable residual value.
Core Advantages
- Robust Japanese construction – reinforced boom and arm for extended service life under heavy loads
- Zero-tail swing – agile operation in confined spaces
- Stable residual value – Takeuchi enjoys strong recognition in the rental market
Considerations
- Stiff controls – requires adaptation for new operators
- Attachment interface – verify the quick coupler standard before purchase
7.Yanmar SV40
The Yanmar SV40 is a 4-ton zero-tail swing mini excavator fitted with the Yanmar 3TNV88C engine. It generates 28.1 kW (37.7 HP) of power and achieves a maximum digging depth of approximately 3.4 meters, making it the most powerful model among these seven units.
Within the used mini excavator segment, the SV40 is valued for its dependable Yanmar engine and zero-tail maneuverability, covering municipal works and light earthmoving applications.
Core Advantages
- Top-tier power in its class – ample digging force for the 4-ton segment
- Zero-tail swing – safer operation in urban environments
- Yanmar engine – low fuel consumption and high reliability
Considerations
- Transport requirements for the 4-ton class – flatbed trailer permits are mandatory on certain roadways
- Limited used stock – pre-ordering is recommended for this popular model
Summary
Each of the seven popular used mini excavator models serves a distinct positioning: the Kubota U17 is the most compact, the Bobcat E35 is the best-selling, the CAT 303.5 CR boasts the strongest brand recognition, the Hitachi ZX33U-5 delivers maximum agility with its ultra-short tail design, the Komatsu PC30MR-5 is the most fuel-efficient, the Takeuchi TB235 offers superior durability, and the Yanmar SV40 provides the highest power output. Select the weight class based on your working conditions, then compare operating hours, emission standards and certifications.
If you are comparing models and quotations, browse our certified inventory or contact us for quotes on certified used mini excavators sourced from Japan, South Korea and Europe. We provide full inspection certification, JUMVEA/JEVIC grading and one-stop global shipping services.