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
The MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard is the better mini excavator overall, rated 3.9 to 3.3. The MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard leads on features and engine. The MechMaxx MEC10 Honda wins on price. The MechMaxx MEC10 Honda costs $1,000 less ($8,799 vs $9,799).
MechMaxx MEC10 Honda
For buyers who want the MEC10 with a Honda engine at a lower price. The listing leaves out the warranty, so ask before ordering.
Amazon $8,799$8,799
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 MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard for features (hydraulic thumb, swing boom, pilot controls vs hydraulic thumb) and engine (14 hp engine vs 11.7 hp engine).
- Choose the MechMaxx MEC10 Honda for price ($8,799 vs $9,799).
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 | MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard | MechMaxx MEC10 Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Price 30% | 21 $9,799 | 32 $8,799 |
| Digging depth 25% | 99 65.7 in digging depth | 99 65.7 in digging depth |
| Engine 15% | 100 14 hp engine | 68 11.7 hp engine |
| Features 25% | 75 hydraulic thumb, swing boom, pilot controls | 30 hydraulic thumb |
| Warranty 5% | 50 1-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard | MechMaxx MEC10 Honda | |
|---|---|---|
| Digging | ||
| Operating weight | 2,370 lb | 2,100 lb |
| Digging depth | 65.7 in | 65.7 in |
| Reach | 119 in | 119 in |
| Dump height | 80 in | - |
| Bucket width | 15 in | - |
| Thumb | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 408 cc | Honda GX390 389 cc |
| Power | 14 hp | 11.7 hp |
| Fuel | Gas | Gas |
| Machine | ||
| Swing boom | Yes | - |
| Pilot controls | Yes | - |
| Width | 37 in | - |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |