RELYMG 12U
For budget buyers who want a 1 ton machine delivered with a thumb. The listing leaves out digging depth, so ask before ordering.
Amazon $4,599$4,599
The RELYMG 12U is the better mini excavator overall, rated 3.9 to 3.6. The RELYMG 12U leads on price. The MechMaxx MEC12 wins on features. The RELYMG 12U costs $12,500 less ($4,599 vs $17,099).
MechMaxx MEC12
For heavy regular use where a Kubota diesel and expandable tracks justify the price. Occasional users get the same digging depth for far less.
Amazon $17,099$17,099
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 RELYMG 12U for price ($4,599 vs $17,099).
- Choose the MechMaxx MEC12 for features (hydraulic thumb, swing boom, pilot controls vs hydraulic thumb, EPA certified engine).
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 | RELYMG 12U | MechMaxx MEC12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Price 30% | 98 $4,599 | 0 $17,099 |
| Digging depth 25% | 50 digging depth not published (neutral score used) | 99 65.7 in digging depth |
| Engine 15% | 94 13.5 hp engine | 96 13.7 hp engine |
| Features 25% | 55 hydraulic thumb, EPA certified engine | 75 hydraulic thumb, swing boom, pilot controls |
| Warranty 5% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 50 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| RELYMG 12U | MechMaxx MEC12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Digging | ||
| Operating weight | 2,646 lb | 2,700 lb |
| Digging depth | - | 65.7 in |
| Reach | - | 119 in |
| Dump height | - | 81.1 in |
| Bucket width | 15.7 in | 15 in |
| Thumb | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | - | Kubota D722 |
| Power | 13.5 hp | 13.7 hp |
| Fuel | Gas | Diesel |
| EPA certified | Yes | - |
| Machine | ||
| Swing boom | - | Yes |
| Zero tail swing | Yes | - |
| Pilot controls | - | Yes |
| Operator cover | Canopy | - |
| Tracks | Rubber | - |
| Width | - | 34.6 in |
| Delivery included | Yes | - |
| Warranty | - | 1 year |