Excavation with mini-excavator: all you need to know

April 4, 2024
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When it comes to carrying out excavation work, there are mainly three types of machinery to choose from: excavators, midi-excavators and mini-excavators. Choosing the right machinery for the type of work to be done is crucial, as it can make a big difference in its success.

In this article, among the machines mentioned, we will focus on mini-excavators, machines that are often undervalued but are actually very useful for certain types of work.
Read on!

What is a mini-excavator?

A mini-excavator is a machine used to move or remove portions of earth. As its name suggests, it is characterised by its small size, which allows it to operate in confined spaces.

This feature, however, does not preclude their use on larger construction sites: here, too, mini-excavators can prove very useful, thanks to their ability to perform work with great precision and agility.

They are also extremely versatile machines, with models ranging from 8 to 15 quintals, with different types of accessories.

What is the difference between a mini-excavator and an excavator?


Excavators, midi-excavators and mini-excavators are all machines used on construction sites to move earth and carry out excavations. However, they do have differences and, as already mentioned, the first one is their size.

Of the three, mini-excavators are the smallest machines and the most effective within small construction sites, where other types of excavators would struggle to gain access or could be cumbersome and limiting.

With an operating weight of less than 15 quintals, mini-excavators are ideal for carrying out small jobs. Therefore, should there be a need for significant ground-penetration effort or intensive excavation work, involving the movement of large volumes of earth, a mini-excavator may not be sufficient, but the power and tonnage of a larger excavator would be required.

What can you do with a mini-excavator?

Foundation excavation

A mini excavator can be used for digging foundations for small and medium-sized buildings. Its proportions ensure the precision and attention to detail required to meet project specifications within tight construction sites.

Excavation of ditches and canals

A mini-excavator allows excavation with precision and accuracy along predefined paths, ensuring the depth and width required for the installation or maintenance of equipment underground.

Excavation of small pools

A mini-excavator can also be used for the construction of small residential and non-residential swimming pools, where the handling of small volumes of earth is required. Its operating weight and size allow work to be carried out without damaging the surrounding area.

Small tunnel excavations

A mini-excavator can also be used for opening small tunnels, e.g. to make underground connections between different buildings or infrastructure passages. Thanks to its agility and size, it can also work in limited space conditions, facilitating operations that would otherwise require more complex and costly solutions.

Conclusion

Considering what has been said so far, when is it worth choosing a mini-excavator?

  1. For operations within confined sites;
  2. When larger machines cannot be used without causing damage or obstruction;
  3. To carry out precise and delicate work

If you still haven’t figured out which machine to choose for your excavations or you have doubts about using a mini-excavator, at Cormidi you can find a team of specialised technicians who can help you find the best solution for your needs, as well as the best earth moving equipment. Contact us now!