When jobs like fencing, ditching, drainage, or landscaping come up, having the right tool makes all the difference. For many farms and smallholdings, a mini digger (sometimes called a compact digger or small excavator) can be one of the most useful machines to have on hand. But is it the right option for your place?
What is a Mini Digger?
Compact diggers are small excavators, usually weighing between one and three tonnes. They’re built for manoeuvrability and ease of use, making them well suited to jobs in gateways, along tracks, or anywhere space is tight.
Although smaller than full-sized excavators, they’re capable of a surprising amount of work — from clearing drains to digging footings, and even shifting materials around the yard.
Advantages of Compact Diggers
- Work in tight spaces – Expandable tracks and zero tail swing designs mean you can get through narrow gateways and work up close to obstacles.
- Lower running costs – Engines like the reliable YANMAR 3-cylinder are known for low fuel use while still delivering good torque.
- Versatility – With attachments such as buckets, thumbs, augers, and hammers, they can take on a wide mix of jobs.
- Transport – At 1–2.5 tonnes, most compact diggers can be moved on a trailer with a suitable 4×4 (subject to towing regulations).
- Operator comfort – Modern machines often include in-cab heaters, fans, and radios, which make longer jobs more manageable.
Examples from the Carter Range
At Scrase Farms we’ve been working with Carter diggers, which cover a useful range of sizes:
- CT10 (1.0 tonne) – A light, compact digger handy for smallholders and yard jobs.
- CT12 (1.2 tonne) – Slightly bigger, adding stability and digging depth while still narrow-access friendly.
- CT16 (1.6 tonne) – A versatile all-rounder, compact but with extra digging depth and strength compared to the smallest models.
- CT18 (1.8 tonne) – Similar in footprint to the CT16 but with more power and torque, ideal for farms or businesses needing a step up in performance.
- CT26 (2.5 tonne) – A larger compact digger with more digging power and reach, but still small enough to remain versatile.
All come with three buckets as standard, and a choice of attachments such as quick hitches, thumbs, augers, and rippers.
Is a Compact Digger Right for You?
A compact digger is often a good fit if you:
- Run a farm or smallholding and want a reliable “odd-job” machine
- Need to work in confined or narrow spaces
- Want a machine with low fuel use and straightforward running costs
- Carry out a range of tasks like fencing, ditching, landscaping, or drainage
If your work is heavy, daily contracting, or large-scale groundworks, a bigger digger may be better suited. But for general use on farms, smallholdings, or building sites, a compact machine can be a practical and cost-effective choice.
Final Thoughts
Compact diggers have come a long way — they’re no longer just small versions of big machines, but well-designed tools in their own right. Whether it’s a one-tonne model for light work or a 2.5-tonne digger for bigger jobs, they offer flexibility and efficiency that’s hard to beat.
All our Carter diggers are supplied with 3 buckets as standard and come with a 12-month parts warranty.
📞 Call us on 01403 887720
🌐 Browse the full range online: Carter Diggers at Scrase Farms