You’re ready to buy a mini excavator. But how do you make sure you choose the right model for you and your business? Take this handy checklist of questions into your nearest Cat® dealership to find the right machine for you.

Your dealer, your expert

Now is a really good time to buy a mini excavator. Why? Thanks to the new Next Generation Cat Mini Excavator models, you’re spoilt for choice! Your Cat dealer is the expert when it comes to the features of the 1-2 tonne and 7-10 tonne models. But you’re the only person who knows what kind of work you do, where your business is heading, and what you need from your next machine.

It’s important to ask your Cat dealer about the issues that matter to you and your business. Use this handy checklist to plan your dealer visit, so you can get all the answers you need.

Questions to ask your dealer

1. What machine would you recommend based on the tasks I need it to do?
   Think about the tasks you have performed in the last 12 months and what jobs you have coming up:
   • Digging
   • Trenching
   • Landscaping
   • Shifting heavy items
   • Demolition
   • Driving between jobs
   • Manoeuvring in small spaces
   • Shifting snow

Check the product spec to make sure that the machine can do everything you need it to. Your dealer can advise you on how versatile each machine is.

2. What makes the Cat Next Generation Mini Excavators different from other mini excavators?
   The most exciting thing about the “Next Generation” of our mini excavators is the unique features they now have based on years of customer feedback. The main new features are the same for all the Next Generation models. Ask your dealer to show you the different features that are unique to each model
3. What comfort benefits do the Next Generation Mini Excavators offer?
   This machine is your office – it’s important that you feel comfortable working in the cab for long periods of time.
4. What is the turning radius?
   If you’re working in small or tight spaces, you need to know the turning radius of the machine to be sure it will fit. We have multiple models that feature a Compact Radius (CR) design.
5. What are the track options?
   All 1-2 tonne Next Gen Mini Excavators have retractable undercarriages. Consult your dealer to know which model meets your needs
6. Which type of attachment is this machine compatible with?
   There are at least six types of Cat Work Tools with multiple options to choose from. These will help you get your job done as efficiently as possible. Your dealer can advise on any work tools you will need
7. What size trailer do I need to transport a Next Generation Mini Excavator?
   You may need to buy or rent a trailer depending on the size and weight of the specific model of mini excavator. Your Cat dealer can help you work out what you need
8. What is the fuel consumption?
   Next Gen Mini Excavators can help increase your fuel efficiency. Your dealer should be able to advise you on how to get the best fuel consumption from the machine
9. Do you have any maintenance advice to help me get the most out of my new machine?
   This is important because excellent maintenance means better productivity and longer service intervals
10. What are the finance options available to me?
    Ask your dealer about Cat Financial to learn more about your financing options and to see if they are running any special offers
11. What kind of training, servicing and other forms of support do you provide?
    Each dealer provides a range of services to help you get the most from your machine

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these 11 questions should guide you in the right direction to choosing the ideal mini excavator for you.

To make it easy, we’ve created a PDF of these questions with space to note down any others you may have. That means you can digitally note down responses using XODO PDF Reader & Annotator. Alternatively, simply print the document and take it to your dealer to make notes. Download the questions document.

Find your local Cat dealer

Use the Find Dealer tool above to find out where your nearest Cat dealer is. 

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