Every mini excavator gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Machines are grouped by operating weight, under 2,800 lb and 2,800 lb and up; features and warranty use the same scales in both groups, and price, digging depth and engine use a scale for each group.
| 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% |
Where the numbers come from
Operating weight, digging depth, reach, dump height, engine, features and warranty come from the maker’s product page or spec table, or the seller’s own listing copy at a retailer. When a weight is given only in tons, it is converted at 2,204.6 lb per metric ton, and millimeters are converted at 25.4 per inch. Prices are checked at Amazon, the maker’s own store and other retailers, and the lowest price at a store the page links to is used.
The factors
Price is the current price of the machine, on a log scale, so cutting the price by the same share always counts the same. Under 2,800 lb, $12,000 scores zero and $4,500 full marks; at 2,800 lb and up, $20,000 scores zero and $7,000 full marks.
Digging depth is the maximum digging depth the seller states. Under 2,800 lb, 40 in scores zero and 66 in full marks; at 2,800 lb and up, 55 in scores zero and 85 in full marks.
Engine is the rated engine power in horsepower, on a log scale. Under 2,800 lb, 8 hp scores zero and 14 hp full marks; at 2,800 lb and up, 12 hp scores zero and 20 hp full marks. When a page gives power at two speeds, the lower rated figure is used.
Features is 30% for an included hydraulic thumb (a mechanical thumb earns half of that), 25% for a boom that swings left and right, 25% for an engine the seller says is EPA certified, and 20% for hydraulic pilot controls.
Warranty is the machine warranty: none scores zero and 2 years full marks.
What isn’t scored
Operating weight, reach, dump height, bucket width, fuel type, zero tail swing, quick hitch, canopy, tracks, width and included delivery are listed but not scored.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. Features is neutral only when none of the four is mentioned; if any is, the others count as absent. The exception is warranty: a seller that doesn’t publish one gets no warranty counted, so that factor scores zero and is marked estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.