Mini Excavator Buying Guide for Perth & WA

1. Start with the jobs you'll do most

List the three jobs you'll do most often, not the one big job you might do once. A machine that handles 90% of your work comfortably is a better buy than one sized for a rare dig.

• Landscaping, reticulation, garden beds: 0.7–1.5 tonne
• Footings, retaining walls, fence lines, pools: 1.2–2 tonne
• Farms, dams, tracks, bigger site cuts: 2–3.5 tonne
• Civil, road and municipal work: 5 tonne and up

2. Measure your access

Many Perth homes have narrow side access. Measure gates, gaps beside the house and any carport openings, then compare with the machine's width on the product page. Compact models like the R06 and R10 are built for tight spaces; the R22 PRO lists a 1,300 mm transport width.

3. Check the operating weight

Weight drives digging stability, lifting capacity and what you can tow. Heavier isn't always better — it also means a bigger trailer and tow vehicle.

Model	Operating weight (as listed)
R06	747 kg
R10	978 kg
R13 PRO	1,165 kg
R15	1,460 kg
R18 PRO	1,818 kg
R22 PRO	1,950 kg
R32 PRO	3.3 tonne class
R57 PRO	5,700 kg
R82 PRO	8,200 kg

See the full Rippa excavator comparison for engines and power.

4. Engine and power

Rippa's R06 to R57 PRO models are listed with Kubota diesel engines, from the 2-cylinder Z482 up to the V2607. Look at rated power alongside weight: more power helps hydraulic speed and running attachments like breakers and augers. Check each product page for the exact engine fitted.

5. Hydraulics and controls

• Auxiliary hydraulics are needed for hydraulic attachments such as augers, breakers and hydraulic thumbs.
• Pilot controls give smoother, lighter joystick operation for long days.
• Multi-pump systems (like the R22 PRO's triple-pump setup) allow smoother combined movements.

6. Quick hitch and attachments

A hydraulic quick hitch lets you swap buckets and tools in seconds from the seat. The R10 to R32 PRO are listed with a hydraulic quick hitch. Budget for the attachments you'll actually use — our attachment guide explains which tool suits which job.

7. Canopy or cab

Perth summers are hot and winters can be wet. A cab (as on the R32 PRO and larger) adds comfort for full days; open canopies are lighter and suit tight access.

8. Transport

Factor in a suitably rated trailer and tow vehicle. Check your vehicle's braked towing capacity, the trailer's ATM and tie-down points before you buy.

9. Running costs

• Fuel — compact diesels are economical, but usage depends on the work.
• Servicing — oil, filters and grease at the manual's intervals.
• Wear parts — bucket teeth, cutting edges, tracks.
• Insurance and storage.

10. Buy, hire or finance?

If you'd hire a machine for many days a year, owning can make more sense. Compare options on our finance page (subject to approval).

Quick checklist

• Jobs listed and ranked
• Access width measured
• Weight suits your trailer and tow vehicle
• Auxiliary hydraulics for the attachments you need
• Quick hitch included?
• Attachments priced in
• Seen the machine in person at our Bellevue yard