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The smallest excavator for rent commonly available in the rental market is a micro or mini excavator weighing approximately 0.8-1 ton (800-1,000 kg). Some compact models have retractable tracks that allow them to pass through openings around 28-36 inches wide, depending on the machine.
For most residential projects, a 1-3 ton excavator is a practical starting point. Larger 5-10 ton excavators offer greater digging depth, reach and productivity but require more space and transport planning.
| Excavator Size | Approximate Digging Depth | Best For |
| 1 ton | 5-6 ft | Very narrow access, small landscaping jobs |
| 2 ton | 7-8 ft | Backyard trenches, drainage |
| 3 ton | 8-10 ft | Residential utilities, small foundations |
| 5 ton | 10-12 ft | Deeper trenching, retaining walls |
| 8 ton | 13-15 ft | Larger excavation and commercial work |
| 10 ton | 14-17 ft | Higher-production excavation |
These are general size-class benchmarks, not specifications for a particular rental machine. Actual width and digging depth depend on the manufacturer, model and configuration.
Quick answer: Rent the smallest excavator that can safely reach the required digging depth, handle the soil and attachments, and fit through the narrowest access point.
The smallest practical rental excavators are generally described as micro excavators or 1-ton mini excavators.
These machines are designed for locations where larger construction equipment cannot easily operate.
Typical applications include:
Some micro excavators have retractable undercarriages, allowing the tracks to narrow for access and widen for improved operating stability.
However, a 1-ton excavator is not automatically narrow enough for every residential gate.
Before booking, check the machine’s actual minimum width, height, tail-swing clearance and attachment dimensions.
For Ontario projects, NAM Rentals provides guidance on compact excavator selection in its Mini Excavator Dig Depth Guide.
This chart compares common mini and compact excavator classes.
| Excavator Size | Operating Weight | Approx. Width Range | Typical Dig Depth | Best Application |
| 1 ton | 800-1,200 kg | 28-40 in | 5-6 ft | Restricted-access landscaping |
| 2 ton | 1,500-2,500 kg | 39-59 in | 7-8 ft | Residential trenching |
| 3 ton | 2,500-3,500 kg | 55-67 in | 8-10 ft | Drainage and utilities |
| 4 ton | 3,500-4,500 kg | 60-75 in | 9-11 ft | Foundations and site preparation |
| 5 ton | 4,500-5,500 kg | 65-79 in | 10-12 ft | Deeper residential excavation |
| 6 ton | 5,500-6,500 kg | 72-82 in | 11-13 ft | Utility and construction work |
| 7 ton | 6,500-7,500 kg | 78-88 in | 12-14 ft | Larger trenching projects |
| 8 ton | 7,500-8,500 kg | 82-91 in | 13-15 ft | Commercial excavation |
| 9 ton | 8,500-9,500 kg | 86-96 in | 14-16 ft | Higher-production earthmoving |
| 10 ton | 9,500-10,500 kg | 86-102 in | 14-17 ft | Larger utility and site work |
How to read this chart: The ranges are broad planning estimates for machine classes. They should not be used to approve access, lifting or excavation depth without checking the exact manufacturer’s specification sheet.
Also, the term mini excavator does not have one universal weight cutoff. Machines around 8-10 tons may be marketed as compact, midi or reduced-tail-swing excavators rather than mini excavators.
A 1-ton excavator is among the smallest powered excavators used for residential excavation.
Its compact footprint can allow access to locations that larger excavators cannot reach.
However, the small operating weight also limits digging force, reach, lifting capacity and production.
Choose a 1-ton mini excavator when access is the main restriction and the digging requirement is relatively light.
Do not select this size for deep trenching or heavy material lifting simply because it is easier to transport.
A 2-ton mini excavator provides more digging capability while remaining compact enough for many residential applications.
Compared with a 1-ton model, a 2-ton excavator may offer greater digging depth, reach and stability.
However, machine width varies considerably by model.
Best choice: A 2-ton excavator when the project needs more digging capability than a micro excavator but access remains restricted.
A 3-ton excavator is a useful middle ground between compact dimensions and digging performance.
Many machines in this class provide digging depths of approximately 8-10 feet, although actual specifications vary.
A 3-ton excavator may be a better choice than a 1-ton machine when the job involves repeated digging, heavier soil or more substantial material movement.
For more information on selecting excavation depth, read NAM Rentals’ Mini Excavator Dig Depth Guide.
A 4-5 ton excavator is suitable for projects requiring greater digging depth and production than smaller residential machines.
These machines typically require wider access and more careful transport planning.
A 5-ton machine may complete some projects faster than a smaller excavator because it can offer greater reach, digging force and bucket capacity.
However, larger size also introduces additional considerations:
Practical recommendation: If the excavation is around 10-11 feet deep, compare actual 5-ton model specifications instead of assuming a 3-ton machine can perform the work efficiently.
Excavators in the 6-8 ton range are often used for more demanding utility, drainage and construction work.
These machines provide greater reach and material-handling capability than many smaller mini excavators.
However, their dimensions may make them unsuitable for narrow residential access.
For example, NAM Rentals’ published Mini Excavator Dig Depth Guide references the Cat 308 CR with a maximum digging depth of approximately 15.2 feet.
That is a model-specific example, not a guaranteed depth for every 8-ton excavator.
A 9-10 ton excavator is near the upper end of the compact excavator category.
These machines are generally more appropriate for sites where productivity, digging force and reach matter more than minimum dimensions.
A 10-ton excavator is not necessarily the best choice for a small residential project.
If the machine cannot access the work area or its size restricts safe movement, the additional capacity offers little practical benefit.
Best choice: Use this class when the excavation requirements justify the machine’s size and the site can accommodate it safely.
A 1-ton micro excavator with a suitable retractable undercarriage may fit through a 36-inch opening, but this must be confirmed against the exact model.
A nominal machine width is not enough to guarantee access.
Check:
| Measurement | What to Verify |
| Gate width | Actual clear opening between obstacles |
| Track width | Minimum width with tracks retracted |
| Machine height | Clearance below overhead structures |
| Attachment width | Bucket may be wider than the tracks |
| Tail swing | Space required to rotate the upper structure |
| Travel route | Slopes, steps and ground stability |
| Operating area | Room to extend tracks and work safely |
A homeowner has a 36-inch backyard gate and needs to excavate a drainage trench.
A narrow micro excavator may be suitable if its exact transport width fits the opening with safe clearance.
However, if the trench is too deep for the machine, a different excavation method or access plan may be necessary.
Do not remove guards, modify the machine or operate outside manufacturer limits to force access through a restricted opening.
Digging depth increases with machine size, but tonnage alone does not determine maximum depth.
The following are practical size-class comparisons.
| Size | Approximate Dig Depth | Typical Project |
| 1 ton | 5-6 ft | Shallow landscaping |
| 2 ton | 7-8 ft | Backyard drainage |
| 3 ton | 8-10 ft | Utility trenches |
| 5 ton | 10-12 ft | Foundation preparation |
| 8 ton | 13-15 ft | Larger trenching |
| 10 ton | 14-17 ft | Commercial excavation |
A manufacturer’s maximum digging depth is measured under specified machine configurations and operating conditions.
Actual performance depends on:
Rental tip: Avoid choosing a machine whose published maximum digging depth is exactly equal to the required trench depth.
Allow sufficient working capability for the actual excavation geometry and safe operating position.
Read the full NAM Rentals Dig Depth Guide.
Use this table to narrow down the equipment class before requesting a quote.
| Project | Suggested Size to Evaluate | Main Requirement |
| Garden excavation | 1-2 ton | Restricted access |
| Backyard drainage | 1-3 ton | Dig depth and access |
| Fence or post work | 1-3 ton | Suitable attachment |
| Residential utility trench | 2-5 ton | Depth and soil conditions |
| Retaining wall preparation | 3-5 ton | Reach and digging force |
| Small foundation excavation | 3-6 ton | Excavation dimensions |
| Commercial drainage | 5-8 ton | Depth and production |
| Larger utility work | 8-10 ton | Reach and capacity |
| Heavy earthmoving | Larger excavator | Production and material volume |
These are initial selection ranges, not engineering recommendations.
Actual machine selection must account for access, ground conditions, required reach and manufacturer specifications.
The smallest excavator is not always the most economical rental.
A small machine may have a lower rental price but require more time to complete a large excavation.
| Consideration | Mini Excavator | Full-Size Excavator |
| Restricted access | Often advantageous | More limited |
| Residential work | Commonly suitable | Depends on site |
| Deep excavation | Model-dependent | Often greater capability |
| Heavy earthmoving | Lower production capacity | Higher production potential |
| Transport planning | Generally simpler | More demanding |
| Large demolition | Limited applications | More suitable with correct equipment |
NAM Rentals’ current excavator catalogue includes larger machines such as the CAT 315F, CAT 330F and Komatsu PC350LC-8.
For a detailed comparison, read Mini Excavator vs Full-Size Excavator: Rental Comparison & Project Selection Guide.
Mini excavator rental prices depend on the exact machine, operating weight, rental duration, attachments and delivery location.
NAM Rentals publishes general mini excavator guidance, but its currently reviewed live excavator catalogue does not establish verified model-specific rental rates for the 1-10 ton classes in this article.
Therefore, it would be misleading to assign a daily, weekly or monthly NAM Rentals price to those sizes.
| Cost Component | What to Confirm |
| Base machine | Exact model and operating weight |
| Rental duration | Daily, weekly or monthly rate |
| Delivery and pickup | Transportation to the Ontario jobsite |
| Bucket or attachment | Included tools and additional charges |
| Operating hours | Included allowance and excess-use charges |
| Fuel | Return requirements |
| Damage protection | Applicable terms |
| Taxes | Ontario HST |
For short landscaping projects, daily rental may be appropriate.
For projects lasting several days, compare the weekly rate with the total cost of separate daily rentals.
For extended construction work, monthly pricing may offer better value.
Always compare the complete delivered rental cost, not just the advertised daily price.
For additional cost-saving advice, read How Contractors Can Reduce Excavator Rental Costs.
Before renting an excavator for trenching or foundation work, evaluate the excavation hazards and applicable provincial requirements.
Contact Ontario One Call before digging.
Ontario Regulation 213/91 establishes requirements for excavation protection, soil classification and safe working conditions.
Excavators and spoil piles can introduce additional loads near excavation walls.
Soft soil, buried services and unsupported surfaces may not safely support the machine.
Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions, attachment limits and required safety procedures.
Official reference: Ontario Regulation 213/91 — Construction Projects.
NAM Rentals provides construction equipment rentals for excavation, site preparation, landscaping and heavy earthmoving projects across Toronto and Ontario.
Its current published excavator catalogue includes:
| NAM Rentals Excavator | Listed Class |
| CAT 315F | 15 ton |
| XCMG XE235C | 23.5 ton |
| CAT 330F | 30 ton |
| Komatsu PC350LC-8 | 35 ton |
Browse the NAM Rentals Excavator Catalogue for currently listed machines.
For smaller excavator requirements, contact NAM Rentals to confirm whether a suitable mini or compact model can be supplied.
When requesting a quote, provide:
Call NAM Rentals: +1 647-525-7368
A 1-ton micro excavator is among the smallest excavators commonly offered in the rental market. It is a useful starting point for narrow-access landscaping and shallow excavation.
However, the right rental size depends on the job:
The best excavator is the smallest machine that can safely complete the required work without creating unnecessary delays or access problems.
Check the exact model specifications before booking.
Micro excavators weighing approximately 0.8-1 ton are among the smallest commonly rented excavators. Availability depends on the rental company and location.
Some narrow-track models can fit through openings around 28-36 inches, but the exact minimum machine width and safe clearance must be confirmed.
Many 1-ton-class excavators can dig approximately 5-6 feet, depending on the model and configuration.
A 1-3 ton machine is often a practical starting point for landscaping, drainage and smaller residential excavation projects.
It may be suitable for shallow residential drainage work if its digging depth, reach and capacity meet the project requirements.
A 4-5 ton excavator may be an appropriate class to evaluate, but actual maximum digging depth varies by model. Confirm specifications before renting.
A 5-ton excavator generally offers greater digging force, reach and lifting capability, while a 3-ton machine may provide easier access to smaller sites.
It depends on the manufacturer. Some classify this size as compact or midi rather than mini.
Prices vary by machine, duration and location. Contact NAM Rentals for a model-specific quote; no verified 1-10 ton machine prices are represented in this guide.
Contact NAM Rentals to confirm availability of suitable compact excavation equipment. Its published catalogue also includes larger excavators for Ontario construction projects.
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