MMS MS17
For buyers who want deep digging and strong power at a mid price. Confirm the warranty with the seller first.
Amazon $8,264.05$8,264.05
A mini excavator is a small tracked digger you can buy online and have delivered on a pallet. These machines weigh about 0.6 to 2 tons and dig trenches, ponds, footings and stump holes. These rankings compare what the sellers publish on the same terms: what it costs, how deep it digs, how strong its engine is, what comes standard, and how long it’s covered.
Size is the first choice. A machine under 2,800 lb fits through a garden gate and rides on a small trailer. A heavier machine sits steadier, digs deeper and lifts more, but it needs a bigger trailer and a wider path.
Digging depth is the second. A water line or drainage trench needs about 3 to 4 ft. Footings, septic work and big stumps need 5 to 7 ft. Buy for the deepest hole you plan to dig.
What comes standard is the third. A hydraulic thumb lets you grab rocks and brush. A swing boom lets you dig right along a wall or fence. Pilot controls make the joysticks lighter and smoother.
Most of these machines are built in China and sold under many brand names. Specs are copied between listings, and some don’t add up. Where a number looks wrong, the product page says so.
Top Picks
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
Typhon Terror XVII Pro
For owners who want deep digging and a Kubota diesel without paying name brand prices. Ask about the warranty before ordering.
Typhon $11,999$11,999
Shop by Size
Under 2,800 lb
8 rankedAbout 1 ton machines that fit through a garden gate and tow on a small trailer.
Top rated: Typhon Terror XI $6,999
2,800 lb and up
8 rankedHeavier 1.3 to 2 ton machines that dig deeper and handle bigger stumps, trenches and footings.
Top rated: MMS MS17 $8,264.05
Narrow It Down
By budget
By feature
Deals
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.
Best Small Mini Excavators Under 2,800 lb
- Typhon Terror XI#1 of 8Full review
For homeowners who want a well equipped 1 ton digger at a low price. Buy from the Typhon store for the lower price.
Amazon $6,999$6,9992,425 lb64 in13.5 hp - Typhon Tyrant X#2 of 8Full review
For buyers who want deep digging at a low price and can do without a swing boom. Ask Typhon about the warranty first.
Typhon $5,353.95$5,353.952,205 lb65 in13.5 hp - RELYMG 12U#3 of 8Full review
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$4,5992,646 lb-13.5 hp - MechMaxx MEC10 Vanguard#4 of 8Full review
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$9,7992,370 lb65.7 in14 hp - MechMaxx MEC12#5 of 8Full review
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$17,0992,700 lb65.7 in13.7 hp
Best Mini Excavators 2,800 lb and Up
- MMS MS17#1 of 8Full review
For buyers who want deep digging and strong power at a mid price. Confirm the warranty with the seller first.
Amazon $8,264.05$8,264.053,748 lb80.7 in23 hp - Typhon Terror XVII Pro#2 of 8Full review
For owners who want deep digging and a Kubota diesel without paying name brand prices. Ask about the warranty before ordering.
Typhon $11,999$11,9993,800 lb86.5 in15.8 hp - MMS MS15P#3 of 8Full review
For buyers who want a heavier, steadier machine with pilot controls for little money. Ask the seller for the digging depth before buying.
Amazon $6,599$6,5993,307 lb-13.5 hp - Typhon Terror XIII Pro Storm#4 of 8Full review
For buyers who want a strong Honda gas engine in a light 1.3 ton frame. Deeper diggers cost about the same.
Typhon $8,293.95$8,293.952,866 lb67.3 in22.1 hp - Typhon Tyrant 17#5 of 8Full review
For buyers who want a full attachment kit in the box. If you only need a bucket and thumb, the Terror XVII Pro digs deeper for less.
Amazon $17,499$17,4993,800 lb78.7 in16 hp
How We Rank
Each machine is ranked against others of the same size, and scored on its price, its digging depth, its engine power, its features and its warranty.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Price | price of the machine | 30% |
| Digging depth | maximum digging depth | 25% |
| Engine | rated engine power | 15% |
| Features | hydraulic thumb, swing boom, EPA certified engine and pilot controls | 25% |
| Warranty | machine warranty length | 5% |
How we rank explains each factor in full.