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Smallest compact excavator with thumb?

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Leeford

New Member
Joined
May 25, 2022
Messages
1
Location
Suches GA
I am looking for recommendations for a compact excavator. I need the smallest possible excavator but needs to have a thumb.
This would be for homestead use so doesn’t need bells & whistles or super high end quality. I have seen some really cheap imports on Ebay but wary of anything that doesn’t have a dealership service center and figure you get what you pay for.
 
S

scottwolowich

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 31, 2019
Messages
82
Location
ontario canada
Could you provide a more in-depth description of what you plan to do with the machine? Will you ever need to or want to transport it? What is your budget? Are you capable of repairing and maintaining the machine on your own? What equipment dealers do you have nearby?
 
skyking1

skyking1

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2020
Messages
7,676
Location
washington
There comes a point with little excavators where they become excessively tippy. If you're going to be dealing with hills possibly side hills, the smallest machine might be too small you get what I'm saying?
 
J

joe--h

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
1,259
Location
Utah
I rented one once from HomeDepot so you know it was small. I had to get in under some trees so I rented a toy from HD.
It might as well have been a shovel for the amount of material that little bucket will move.
Took forever to dig a hole 6' deep.
Joe H
 
S

suladas

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2016
Messages
1,731
Location
Canada
joe--h said:
I rented one once from HomeDepot so you know it was small. I had to get in under some trees so I rented a toy from HD.
It might as well have been a shovel for the amount of material that little bucket will move.
Took forever to dig a hole 6' deep.
Joe H
Click to expand...

Try it next time by hand and see if you still prefer that way, I will use the hoe instead, even a 1 ton machine is faster then 2-3 guys on a shovel and it doesn't slow down.
 
L

Long0

Charter Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2003
Messages
36
Location
Central Colo
Occupation
Project Manager
suladas said:
Try it next time by hand and see if you still prefer that way, I will use the hoe instead, even a 1 ton machine is faster then 2-3 guys on a shovel and it doesn't slow down.
Click to expand...
My father told me time and time again
“Hydraulics are a mans best friend. The dog may start the hole but you have to finish it or fill it in”.
 
J

joe--h

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
1,259
Location
Utah
It definitely was less work, but it took forever compared to a real bucket. Fun toy and I can see a place for them but if you need a hole be patient.
Home depot is the closest place & I think it was only a couple hundred bucks for the day so it worked out.
Joe H
 
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