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Guides & resources

Everything to know before
buying your machine.

19 practical guides written by our team, drawing on 6 years of field experience and over 5,500 customers equipped across France.

19
Practical guides
6 years
Field experience
5500+
Customers equipped
100%
Practical advice
01Fundamentals

What is a mini excavator?

Definition, categories by weight (800 kg to 6 t), key components and differences from a standard excavator.

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02Buying

How to choose a mini excavator?

The 6 essential criteria: weight, digging depth, width, engine, attachments and transport.

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03Uses

What is a mini excavator used for?

The 6 main uses: earthworks, trenches, landscaping, swimming pools, demolition and farming.

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04Buying

Mini excavator: buy or rent?

Detailed cost comparison. Buying pays off from just 15 days of use per year.

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05Buying

Price of a new mini excavator in 2026

From €4,125 to €45,080 excl. VAT depending on weight. European brands vs direct import compared.

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06Maintenance

Mini excavator maintenance: practical guide

Oil changes, filters, greasing, tracks, hydraulics. Maintenance schedule for 8,000 to 12,000 hours.

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07Regulations

Mini excavator licence: which certification?

CACES R482 category A: training, price, validity, private vs professional use.

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08Buying

New or used mini excavator?

Comparison: price, warranty, the risks of used machines, the advantages of new.

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09Buying

Buying a Chinese mini excavator

How to buy safely with a 2-year warranty and France-based after-sales, without falling into the traps.

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10Uses

Digging a swimming pool with a mini excavator

Weight, steps, budget and suitable models from €11,250 excl. VAT.

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11Fundamentals

Complete mini loader guide

Types, uses, wheels vs tracks, maintenance. 6 models from €6,336 excl. VAT.

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12Buying

Mini dumper: complete buying guide

How to choose, types, capacities, prices from €3,894 excl. VAT. 7 models with a 24-month warranty.

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13Comparisons

Mini excavator comparison 2026

19 models from 600 kg to 4 t, from €4,125 excl. VAT. The best one for your use and budget.

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14Uses

Mini excavator for earthworks

Weight, attachments, techniques: a complete guide to get your job done right.

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15Fundamentals

Micro excavator: all you need to know before buying

Definition, advantages, price. A mini excavator under 1 tonne, transportable on a standard licence.

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16Comparisons

Laidong or Kubota engine on a mini excavator?

An objective comparison of both engines: reliability, maintenance, parts, cost. At CZN, both are available.

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17Used

Selling a used mini excavator

Estimate its value, set the right price, where to sell and how to give your machine a second life.

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18Rental

Mini excavator rental: the complete guide

Daily rates, what's included, licences, transport β€” and the point where buying becomes smarter.

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19Uses

Digging a service trench with a mini excavator

How to dig a trench with a mini excavator: bucket width, depth by utility (water, power, drainage), recommended weight and safety. A CZN Machinery guide.

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A technical question?

Our team answers all your questions about choosing a machine, financing or delivery. Free quote, advice included.