Mini Excavator vs Skid Steer – What’s Better for Your Land?

If you're in the market for compact equipment, one question comes up almost every time: “Should I get a mini excavator or a skid steer?”
At AGT Equipment, we hear this every day from customers — from first-time buyers on 5 acres to seasoned contractors upgrading from used machines. Here's what we tell them:

When to Choose a Mini Excavator:

• Trenching for water lines, fence posts, or footings

• Working in tight areas (near barns or corrals)

• Pulling stumps or rocks with hydraulic thumbs

• Digging with precision and minimal surface damage

When to Choose a Skid Steer:

• Grading driveways or landscaping

• Carrying soil, mulch, hay, or tools

• Running multiple attachments (augers, trenchers, sweepers)

• Operating on hard-packed ground or job sites

AGT’s Advice:

• For mostly digging, get an excavator.

• For moving materials and doing multiple tasks, a skid steer makes more sense.
  We sell both — and we’re happy to walk you through your options, no pressure.

Still unsure? Give us a call or message us — we’ll help you pick based on your actual day-to-day needs, not just specs.