Huayee HY12C
For homeowners who want the most digging depth for the money in a gas machine. Ask about the warranty before ordering.
Amazon $5,299$5,299
The Huayee HY12C is the better mini excavator overall, rated 4.0 to 3.9. The Huayee HY12C leads on price. The MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard wins on features. The Huayee HY12C costs $4,500 less ($5,299 vs $9,799).
MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard
For owners who want a known engine brand and a spec table they can check. It costs far more than look-alike 1 ton diggers.
Amazon $9,799$9,799
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Huayee HY12C for price ($5,299 vs $9,799).
- Choose the MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard for features (hydraulic thumb, swing boom, pilot controls vs hydraulic thumb).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 2,800 lb mini excavator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Huayee HY12C | MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Price 30% | 83 $5,299 | 21 $9,799 |
| Digging depth 25% | 100 67 in digging depth | 99 65.7 in digging depth |
| Engine 15% | 94 13.5 hp engine | 100 14 hp engine |
| Features 25% | 30 hydraulic thumb | 75 hydraulic thumb, swing boom, pilot controls |
| Warranty 5% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 50 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Huayee HY12C | MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard | |
|---|---|---|
| Digging | ||
| Operating weight | 2,646 lb | 2,370 lb |
| Digging depth | 67 in | 65.7 in |
| Reach | 120 in | 119 in |
| Dump height | 67 in | 80 in |
| Bucket width | - | 15 in |
| Thumb | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 420 cc gas | Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 408 cc |
| Power | 13.5 hp | 14 hp |
| Fuel | Gas | Gas |
| Machine | ||
| Swing boom | - | Yes |
| Pilot controls | - | Yes |
| Operator cover | Canopy | - |
| Tracks | Rubber | - |
| Width | 37 in | 37 in |
| Warranty | - | 1 year |