The Ultimate Guide to Mini Excavator Rentals

Why Rent a Mini Excavator?

We don’t need to tell you that renting a mini excavator can make a big difference. Backyard landscaping projects, demolition jobs…either way, a Bobcat® mini excavator rental will get the job done. We’ve put together this rental guide to help you choose the right size machine and attachments for your next project. Check it out! 

What to Know Before Renting a Mini Excavator

Before you rent, it helps to have a clear understanding of your project and job site needs. Here are the key considerations: 

1. Job Site or Project Conditions 

Every project is different. Ask yourself these questions: 

• What kind of tasks will you be performing? (like digging footings, trenching for water lines, or grading?) 

• How deep do you need to dig? 

• Is there limited space on your job site? 

For confined areas or high-precision tasks, a smaller mini excavator (like the Bobcat E20) might be the best fit. For larger jobs requiring more horsepower and dig depth, a model like the E60 or E88 offers extra power and reach. 

2. Rental Time Frame 

How long will you need the machine? 

Mini excavator rentals are typically available for daily, weekly, or monthly rates. As a rule of thumb, we suggest overestimating your project timeline by 2-3 days. This gives you enough flexibility to deal with unexpected delays or extra work that pops up. 

Average Rental Costs: 

• Daily: $300* – $650* 

• Weekly: $800* – $1,600* 

• Monthly: $1,500* – $3,500* 

*Prices subject to change. Prices do not include additional fees. 

Cost-Saving Tips: 

• Rent for longer periods to get better rates 

• Take advantage of our weekend deals 

• Bundle attachments with your rental 

• Talk to us about our ice deals on winter rentals 

3. Choosing the Right Size Mini Excavator 

Our mini excavators come in lots of different sizes, from under 1 ton to 8 tons. This will help you choose the right size for your project needs: 

How to Match the Machine to Your Project: 

• Digging Depth: How deep do you need to go? 

• Lifting Capacity: Will you need to move heavy materials? 

• Site Access: Are there width or height restrictions? 

• Ground Stability: How solid is the terrain? 

Attachments for Mini Excavators

The right attachment can make all the difference. Here are some of our most popular attachment rentals:

Attachment Rental Tips: 

• Bundle attachments with your excavator rental (this way, you’ll have everything you need throughout the duration of your rental) 

• If this is your first time, ask us about how to use attachments like hydraulic breakers 

How to Get the Most Value from Your Rental

Renting a mini excavator almost always saves you time and money. But here’s a few tips to get the most out of your machine: 

• Plan Ahead: Make a list of tasks and attachments you’ll need before renting 
• Check the Machine Size: Look for the smallest machine that can do your job 
• Monitor Fuel Costs: Return the machine with the same fuel level 
• Think About Transport: Factor in transport costs to and from your job site 
• Weather Considerations: Avoid renting during poor weather, which might delay your work 

Safety Tips for Operating a Mini Excavator

Safety is always first priority. Here are some important safety procedures: 

Pre-Operation Checklist 

• Check fluid levels: oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid 

• Inspect track condition: look for wear, damage, or tension issues 

• Verify attachments: make sure connections are secure and free of damage 

• Test controls: confirm that they’re responding correctly 

Operating Guidelines 

• Always wear safety gear: hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and bright clothing 

• Keep your seatbelt on at all times 

• Be aware of your swing radius and tail swing to avoid hitting obstacles 

• Stick to the machine’s load limit to avoid tipping or damage 

• Go straight up or down slopes, never sideways 

Pro Tip: Check out the details of our Rental Protection Plan. 

Field Service Support

Your mini excavator rental should run smoothly. However, if you run into a problem, our field service crew can help with regular maintenance and emergency support. 

Here’s What to Do: 

• Report unusual noises or performance issues right away 

• Keep tracks clean and properly tensioned 

• Shut the machine down properly after each day 

Ready to Rent a Mini Excavator?

A mini excavator is a great rent. We do our best to keep the right sized machine and attachments available for short-term and long-term rentals. Talk to Bobcat of Houston’s Rental department today to find the perfect mini excavator and attachments for your next project!