Five new or low-hour mini excavators you can buy now

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a qualified tradeperson to own and operate an excavator. In fact, you don’t even need a license to hop on one and start taking things into your own hands instead of hiring a contractor to do some simple jobs on your property.

Of course, I would advise against digging your own pool or installing a driveway if you don’t really know what you’re doing, but having a compact rig sitting around to execute some minor jobs such as ripping up fence posts or digging small trenches is always a good idea.

Plus, it doesn’t take long to get used to operating one. The fact that most excavators utilise ISO controls mean you only need to learn it once to be able to operate almost every other excavator on the market. It may seem daunting at first, but once you get used to it, it’s bags of fun to drive and operate.

RELATED: How To: Gain accreditation to operate earthmoving machinery

Now that you’re ready to take the plunge, here are five new or near new mini excavators you can buy now and get digging.

2019 Airman AX33UG-6A

Location: Queensland

Condition: New

Operating Weight: 3.1 tonnes

Hours: 0

Price: $49,850 (excluding government charges)

The name Airman might not be household name but the Japanese brand was in fact born over 80 years ago, cutting its teeth in compressors.

Over the years, it started to expand into several other areas including construction machinery, generators and scissor lifts. It began selling mini excavators in 1981 and is still actively developing and selling its mini digger range across the globe today.

Fun fact: In its earlier years, Airman painted its rigs purple which made them stand out among the sea of orange and yellow machinery that’s more common within the construction industry. Airman has since changed its colour scheme to a bright blue.

Here we have a 2019 Airman AX33UG-6A 3.1-tonne excavator for sale, built in Japan and powered by a Japanese Yanmar 28.4hp engine.

It is a zero tail swing machine which means the house never extends past the undercarriage as it rotates, making it ideal for work in tighter work sites without the need for any site modifications.

It comes factory fitted with a range of standard features including AM/FM radio, ROPS/FOPS canopy, tilt up cabin for easy maintenance, Bridgestone rubber tracks, reinforced dozer blade, fire extinguisher and more.

2019 Carter CT16

Location: Queensland

Condition: New

Operating Weight: 1.7 tonnes

Hours: 0

Price: $37,900 (drive away)

Carter is a brand that originated from China, manufactured by Shandong Carter Heavy Industry based in the Shandong Province.

The brand specialises in excavators and only excavators, ranging from 1.6 tonnes to 46 tonnes. It is now selling its range of products worldwide including Australia, runs two R&D centres in China and the US, and owns 100 patents. Not a bad feat at all for a company which is only 17 years old.

Also powered by a Yanmar engine, this Carter CT16 has an operating weight of 1.7 tonnes and is zero tail swing, ideal for work in confined areas or along fence lines, for example.

It features a canopy as standard that can be folded for ease of access to tight spots. The CT16 comes with a 450mm bucket, a 300mm bucket and a 1000mm bucket; as well as a mechanical half hitch.

Not only that, the dealer is throwing in a fully galvanized tilting plant trailer along with the excavator so you can tow your new purchase around from site to site and start being your own boss.

2015 Kubota U48-4

Location: NSW

Condition: Used

Operating Weight: 4.8 tonnes

Hours: 1749

Price: $49,500 (excluding government charges)

Kubota is arguably the leading name when it comes to compact excavators. Its signature orange exterior can be spotted on major worksites across the country as well as on rural properties with some acreage.

It has been tried, tested and refined over decades and has built itself a significant reputation amongst tradies, contractors, farmers, owner operators and anyone who operates excavators.  

This 2015 Kubota U48-4 mini excavator for sale has only done 1749 hours and has been superbly maintained. It has an operating weight of 4.8 tonnes which allows it to take on most jobs around the farm or property.

It comes with a canopy and other standard features including safety beacon and dozer blade.

2016 Wacker Neuson 6003

Location: Vic

Condition: Used

Operating Weight: 5.5 tonnes

Hours: 63

Price: $77,900 (excluding government charges)

If you’re a bit of a brand snob and want to fork out more for a European brand, then this Wacker Neuson 6003 might be up your alley. It is five years old but has only done 63 hours and has been maintained very well. Even the seat is still wrapped in plastic!  

The German brand is known for its innovations in the construction equipment space, recently launching a series of ready-for-work electric machinery range. In addition to excavators, the brand also produces wheel loaders, skid steer loaders, dumpers and compactors.

This 5.5-tonne excavator for sale features an enclosed cab, which means it comes with climate control and a range of niceties that are only offered with a cab machine.

This 6003 comes with a full bucket set consisting of a ripper, three digging buckets of varying widths and one mud bucket. Other features include a hydraulic quick hitch and bolt on rubber pads. Though the dealer in based in Victoria, it is prepared to deliver the machine nationwide.

2021 Yuchai YC35-8

Location: Queensland

Condition: New

Operating Weight: 3.8 tonnes

Hours: 2

Price: $49,990 (excluding government charges)

Another Chinese brand that has taken the construction machinery industry by storm is Yuchai, originating from China’s Guangxi Province.

In addition to specialising in excavators, it also manufactures a range of engines, heavy vehicles and storage equipment including semi-trailers, construction trucks, tanks and more.

Today, Yuchai excavators are sold in over 30 countries around the world, in addition to China.

This Yuchai YC35-8 model for sale is a 3.8 tonne machine, powered by a Kubota engine. Some standard features include hammer piping, 2-speed travel, front blade, pilot controls, front and rear working lights and flashing warning light.

This brand new model also comes with an enclosed cabin with climate control, ideal for operators who prefer to work all day in comfort and not have to worry about braving the elements in sub-par weather conditions.

The machine also comes with a bucket and a spring half hitch.

Find more excavators for sale on constructionsales.com.au