If you’re about to embark on a landscaping, construction or property improvement project then one of the very first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to rent a skid steer or a mini excavator. While both are compact machines designed to be versatile and commonly found on job sites, they each have their own very different uses.
Understanding the difference between a skid steer and mini excavator can save you a load of time, reduce labour and help you wrap up your project a whole lot more efficiently. Here’s what each of these machines is capable of doing, where they excel, and how to determine which one will be the best fit for your job.
What Is A Skid Steer?
A skid steer is basically a compact wheeled machine that is designed to lift & move stuff around, push & carry materials. One of its biggest advantages is that it is super versatile – skid steers equipped with various attachments let them handle everything from grading & trenching to snow removal & brush clearing – the list is endless really.
Some of the most common skid steer attachments you’ll come across include:
- Buckets
- Pallet forks
- Augers
- Brush cutters
- Trenchers
- Grapples
- Landscape rakes
- Snow pushers
Because of its quick-attach system, one machine can carry out several different tasks all day long.
Best Projects for a Skid Steer
A skid steer is usually the better choice when your project involves moving stuff around & preparing the ground rather than digging deep into it.
It’s perfect for things like:
- Moving dirt, gravel, mulch or rock
- Grading and leveling land
- Landscaping jobs
- Driveway prep
- Brush removal
- Material handling
- Snow removal
- Loading trailers
- General property maintenance
If your project requires several different tasks, a skid steer offers unmatched flexibility – simply by swapping out the attachments you can switch from one job to another in no time.
What Is a Mini Excavator?
A mini excavator is basically a compact tracked machine that is designed specifically for digging. Unlike a skid steer, which lifts stuff with a front bucket, a mini excavator has a boom, stick and bucket that allows it to dig below ground level with precision.
Mini excavators are especially useful when working in tight spaces where larger excavation equipment won’t fit. They’re built primarily for excavation, rather than material handling.
Best Projects for a Mini Excavator
Mini excavators shine when digging is the main objective.
They’re commonly used for:
- Digging trenches
- Installing water lines
- Installing sewer lines
- Septic system work
- Foundation excavation
- Tree stump removal
- Digging footings
- Drainage projects
- Landscaping that requires excavation
If you’re digging holes or trenches, a mini excavator will usually get the job done faster & with greater precision.
Skid Steer vs Mini Excavator: What’s the Difference?
Skid steer loaders may have similar size, they’re designed with different strengths in mind.
Digging Performance
When it comes to excavation, the mini excavator is the clear winner.
Its hydraulic arm allows for precision digging several feet below grade, making it ideal for trenches, foundations, and utility work. It can also rotate 360 degrees, allowing operators to dig and place spoil piles without constantly repositioning the machine.
A skid steer can use its front bucket to dig, but it’s better suited to shallow excavation and moving loose material, rather than deep digging.
Material Handling
If your project involves transporting materials across a job site, the skid steer has the advantage.
Its front bucket makes loading, carrying, dumping, and backfilling quick & efficient. Add pallet forks or a grapple attachment, and its even more versatile.
Working in Tight Spaces
Both machines are compact enough for residential work, but they maneuver differently.
Mini excavators can rotate independently of their tracks, allowing them to dig alongside buildings, fences, and other obstacles without needing much room to reposition.
Skid steers are super agile, making them excellent for loading, grading, and working in confined areas.
Ground Conditions
Mini excavators typically ride on rubber tracks, which distribute their weight more evenly & reduces damage to finished lawns or soft ground.
Most skid steers use wheels, which gives them higher travel speeds & excellent performance on hard-packed surfaces like gravel, pavement & construction sites.
Which Projects Are Better for a Skid Steer?
Skid steers excel at the following:
- Grade a driveway
- Spread topsoil
- Move gravel
- Clear brush
- Load trucks or trailers
- Install fencing with an auger attachment
- Remove snow
- Handle multiple tasks with different attachments
Its versatility makes it one of the most valuable machines for general construction and property maintenance.
Which Projects Are Better for a Mini Excavator?
A mini excavator is usually the better choice if you need to:
- Dig utility trenches
- Install irrigation systems
- Excavate footings
- Remove stumps
- Dig around foundations and foundations foundations
- Fix your drainage problems
- Get to work on your septic system if its broken
- Do some landscaping excavation
When digging is super important, a mini excavator really is the best tool for the job.
Can You Rent Both Machines?
You bet.
It’s not uncommon for contractors to rent a skid steer and a mini excavator for bigger projects because they complement each other so well.
For example, on an utility installation project:
- The mini excavator digs the hole for the pipe.
- The skid steer hauls away the dirt & debris, brings over the pipe to be laid, fills back in the hole, and does the finishing touches on the grading.
Renting the two machines together can really cut down on the time needed to finish the job and reduce the amount of manual labour needed.
Get the Right Machine for Your Job
Every project is different, and picking the right equipment can literally save you time and cash. Need the digging precision of a mini excavator or the versatility of a skid steer – Mountain West Rentals has the gear you need to get the job done with ease.
If you are not sure if a skid steer or a mini excavator is the right machine for your job, our team of experienced rental specialists can help you compare your options and give you a recommendation on what machine is best for the job, your budget, and your timeline. We’ll make sure you leave with the right machine so you can go into the job with confidence that you have everything you need to get it done.