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How Much Does a Cat Mini Excavator Cost
Sep
Cat Mini Excavator Cost
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New units: Expect US $35,000–$80,000 depending on model size, attachments, and cab vs canopy.
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Used machines: Typically $20,000–$40,000, depending heavily on hours of use, maintenance history, and condition.
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Rental rates: ~$200–$400/day, ~$800–$1,200/week, or $2,500–$3,500/month.
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Cost drivers: Cab vs canopy, hydraulic attachments, bucket size, optional counterweights, and brand or dealer markups.
How Much Does a Cat Mini Excavator Cost?
New Mini Excavators
A brand-new Cat mini excavator typically costs between $35,000 and $80,000, depending on the model, size, and options.
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Smaller models (Cat 301.8, Cat 302.7 CR): ~$35,000–$45,000
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Mid-range models (Cat 303, Cat 303.5 CR): ~$45,000–$60,000
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Larger models (Cat 305, Cat 306 CR): ~$60,000–$80,000+
Add-ons like hydraulic thumbs, enclosed cabs with HVAC, or quick couplers increase the price.
Used Mini Excavators
Buying used saves money, but price depends on age, hours, and condition:
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5–10 year old Cat mini excavators often sell for $20,000–$40,000.
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Machines with under 2,000 hours command higher prices, while older units with more hours cost less.
Rental Options
If you’re not ready to buy, renting may be more practical. Cat mini excavator rentals average:
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Daily: $200–$400
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Weekly: $800–$1,200
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Monthly: $2,500–$3,500
Cost Factors
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Cab vs. canopy – cabs add cost and weight.
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Attachments – each bucket, blade, or thumb adds thousands.
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Financing – Caterpillar and dealers often offer lease-to-own programs.
👉 Bottom line: expect to spend $35k–$80k new, or $20k–$40k used, depending on the machine’s size and setup.
2. How Deep Can a Cat Mini Excavator Dig?
One of the most important specs buyers look for is digging depth. Cat mini excavators are designed for tight spaces, but they still offer impressive reach.
Typical Digging Depths by Model
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Cat 301.8 (≈2 t): 8 ft 4 in (2.54 m)
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Cat 302.7 CR (≈2.7 t): 9 ft 10 in (3.0 m)
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Cat 303.5 CR (≈3.5 t): 11 ft 2 in (3.4 m)
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Cat 305 CR (≈5.2 t): 12 ft 6 in (3.8 m)
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Cat 306 CR (≈6 t): 13 ft 6 in (4.1 m)
Long Stick Option
Many Cat mini excavators have a long stick option, which adds 6–12 extra inches of digging depth. This is helpful for trenching, utility installation, or foundation work.
Why Digging Depth Matters
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Landscaping: digging ponds or tree holes
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Construction: utility trenching for pipes, drainage, or electrical lines
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Farming: irrigation channels or drainage ditches
👉 Bottom line: Cat mini excavators dig 8–13 feet deep depending on model, with the Cat 303 averaging just over 11 feet of maximum digging depth.
