Compact and mini-excavators, depending on the manufacturer, can dig deep and fast, offer better operator comfort, are site-friendly and offer contractors sure-footed performance as long as they are designed correctly from the beginning.

JCB

JCB's 8017 mini-excavator features a variable-width undercarriage that retracts to 3 feet, 2 inches and extends to 4 feet, 5 inches while operated hydraulically from the cab. The two-speed tracking feature allows for a low travel speed of 1.3 mph and a high of 2.2 mph. The 1.5-ton, 18.2-horsepower unit can dig to a depth of 7 feet, 11 inches and has a dump height of 10 feet, 9 inches. www.jcbna.com

IHI

IHI/Compact Excavator Sales says it designed the 16,000-pound 70Z mini-excavator with zero tail swing and zero front swing to allow operators to work in extremely confined spaces. Standard features include a digging depth of 14 feet, 3 inches, an enclosed air-conditioned and heated cabin, a backfill blade, a 57-horsepower Isuzu water-cooled diesel engine, rubber tracks, an A-f quick-change valve and a knuckle boom. www.ihicompactexcavator.com

Bobcat

The Bobcat 322 compact excavator features a hydraulically activated undercarriage that retracts to less than 3 feet, 3 inches wide to facilitate maneuvering in confined spaces and expands to 4 feet, 5 inches for increased stability and lifting. Powered by a 15.7-horsepower, liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engine, the unit can dig up to 7 feet, 2 inches deep and can reach 12 feet, 5 inches at ground level. www.bobcat.com

Terramite

The TX15 and TX25 mini-excavators are ideal for jobs requiring maneuverability, Terramite says. The TX15 is powered by a 16.5-horsepower Isuzu diesel engine and has a digging depth of 6 feet, 8 inches. The TX25 features a 23-horsepower Isuzu diesel engine and can dig to a depth of 7 feet, 11 inches. www.terramite.com

Volvo

Volvo has expanded its line of compact excavators with models EC15, EC20, EC25, EC30, EC35 (pictured) and EC45. The pictured unit has a 29.3-horsepower engine and, depending on arm size, a maximum digging depth of 11 feet, 3 inches to 12 feet, 2 inches, a bucket capacity of 0.056 to 0.214 cubic yards and an operating weight of 7,470 to 7,898 pounds. Other standard features include hydraulic boom offset, an X-shaped undercarriage, direct swing crown wheel drive and rubber tracks (optional steel tracks are available). www.volvo.com

Gehl

The GE 342 compact excavator comes standard with dozer blades, a two-speed drive system, rubber tracks and Gehl Force hydraulics. Powered by a 31-horsepower Yanmar diesel, the unit has a dual travel speed of 1.6 mph and 2.8 mph and a bucket digging force of 6,480 pounds. Maximum digging depth measures 10 feet, 2 inches, and the maximum dumping height is 11 feet, 3 inches. www.gehl.com

Yanmar

Yanmar's B50-2B mini-excavator features a digging depth of 12 feet, 6 inches, a lifting capacity of 6,582 pounds, a maximum dumping height of 12 feet, 9 inches and travel speeds up to 3.1 mph. The unit is powered by a 37-horsepower Yanmar 4TNE88B engine and has a bucket breakout force of 8,159 pounds. www.wakita.com

Pine Brook

Pine Brook Construction Equipment redesigned the Mini-Ex ME15 with a single-piece canopy and additional tail padding. The unit weighs 3,300 pounds, is 3 feet, 3 inches wide and has a digging depth of 7 feet, 5 inches. Standard features include a 17-horsepower Perkins diesel engine, rubber tracks, a 16-inch bucket, hand lever controls, a dozer blade and a complete external hydraulic circuit. 877/869-9954

Komatsu

The MRx Series of compact excavators from Komatsu Utility includes the PC20MRx (pictured), the PC30MRx and the PC40MRx. All three models feature a short tail-swing radius, the HydrauMind hydraulic system, proportional pressure-controlled joysticks and a swing boom. The PC20MRx features a 19-horsepower Komatsu engine, travel speeds up to 3 mph and a 6.6-gallon fuel tank. The unit can dig to depths up to 7 feet, 7 inches, dump at a maximum height of 8 feet, 6 inches and reach up to 13 feet, 11 inches. www.komatsuutility.com