Micro vs Mini vs Compact Excavator: Terminology Explained
Micro digger, mini digger and compact excavator are used inconsistently across the industry, and different manufacturers sometimes apply the same term to different weight classes, which understandably confuses first-time buyers.
How we define each term
A micro digger, in our range, refers to the smallest 0.6 tonne machine, light and narrow enough to fit through a standard doorway. A mini digger covers the 1.0 to 1.2 tonne range, the most commonly bought size for general groundworks. A compact excavator, at 1.8 tonnes in our range, is the largest size while still being classed as compact plant rather than full-sized construction equipment.
Why the names matter less than the specs
Rather than relying on the name alone, the figures that actually determine whether a machine suits your job are dig depth, bucket capacity, and overall width for access. Two machines both called mini diggers by different manufacturers can have meaningfully different specifications.
What to check when comparing machines
- Dig depth, which determines how deep the machine can reach
- Operating width, which determines what access it needs
- Bucket capacity, which affects how quickly it moves material
See exact specifications across our full range, from the 0.6 tonne micro digger up to the 1.8 tonne compact excavator.