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How Much Does a Mini Excavator Cost? (2026 Price Breakdown)
Mini (compact) excavators sell in huge numbers to landscapers, utility contractors, and property owners because they fit through gates, run off a trailer behind a pickup, and cost a fraction of a full-size machine. Price tracks operating weight almost linearly — a 1-ton and a 10-ton machine bracket the whole range.
They finance easily and hold value well, which is why the used market is deep. Here's the current pricing by tier.
What a mini excavator costs: full breakdown
| Configuration | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Used compact (1–4 ton) | $20,000 – $45,000 | The value tier; average used unit runs the mid-$40,000s |
| New 1–2 ton | $45,000 – $60,000 | Gate-width machines; landscaping and residential |
| New 3–5 ton | $60,000 – $85,000 | The all-purpose contractor size |
| New 7–10 ton | $85,000 – $110,000 | Approaching full-size capability, still trailerable |
| Attachments (auger, breaker, grading bucket) | $1,000 – $15,000 | Thumbs and augers are the common add-ons |
What drives the price
- Operating weight (ton class) is the primary price driver.
- New vs. used: dealer-sold used machines at 50–70% of new finance nearly as well.
- Cab vs. canopy, and features like hydraulic thumbs or angle blades.
- Hours and track condition on used units.
- Brand and regional dealer support for parts and service.
Financing a mini excavator?
Most buyers finance rather than pay cash — the equipment is collateral, which keeps rates lower than unsecured borrowing. The highest-leverage move is comparing at least two offers: a dealer or manufacturer quote against an independent lender.
See our full mini excavator financing guide for real rates, terms, a payment calculator, and what lenders look for.
Get matched with equipment lenders →Frequently asked questions
How much does a used mini excavator cost?
A used mini excavator typically runs $20,000–$45,000 depending on size, hours, and condition, with the average used unit in the mid-$40,000s.
How much is a new mini excavator?
New mini excavators run from about $45,000 for a 1–2 ton machine to $110,000 for a 7–10 ton, with the popular 3–5 ton contractor size around $60,000–$85,000.
Can I finance a mini excavator as a startup?
Yes — compact excavators are strong collateral with a deep resale market, so lenders approve startups regularly, typically with 10–15% down and evidence of booked work.
Prices are typical market ranges, not quotes, and vary by region, condition, and configuration. Browse all equipment cost guides or find your machine's financing guide.