EQUIPMENT FOCUS
And what is a mini? Several manufacturers use the term“ mini” to define a sub-category of compact equipment. Others stick with“ compact.” When I spoke with Deere reps at Equip Expo, they wanted to avoid the term“ mini,” but the company’ s website does include the word parenthetically in its compact excavator category. The category includes tracked and wheeled vehicles, mostly stand-ons but also some with seats and cabs. For this story, I was mostly interested in the stand-on and even walk-behind loadertype minis.
Size
I’ m talking about both the size of the machines and the size of the worksite. When I asked Werner about the growth of the category overall, he pointed to data( backed up by data I found from the U. S. Census Bureau) showing that nearly“ 70 % of all homes being built today are on 9,000 square feet or less, and 40 % of all homes being built today are on 7,000 square feet or less.”
Toro and other manufacturers point to these smaller lot sizes as the“ urbanization” of the U. S. home market. Werner continued,“ And then the homes are being built on zero lot lines. In many cases, you can’ t even get a full-size track loader between two homes.” For both initial construction and for ensuing landscape design or hardscape work, smaller equipment is not just convenient, it’ s all that fits.
Smaller can be better than bigger, according to Doug Laufenberg, division sales manager for Deere, whether for the size of the
Why are people choosing mini?
Since I’ m a hands-on learner, I began my research into this market by borrowing a mini loader from one of the newest entrants into the category. Through its dealer Olson Power Equipment in North Branch, Minn., Kubota sent an SCL1000, its newest compact loader and only stand-on model( Kubota uses“ compact” instead of“ mini”), plus a couple attachments. I spent about a month with the machine, working in my backyard and on a few jobsites with the help of Steiner Landscaping based in Stillwater, Minn.( more on that experience at the end of this story).
This market is blossoming for several reasons, and I cover three of the top reasons here. It’ s about size, price, and convenience, which is a catchall category that includes ease of use and ownership, technology and more.
More mini purchase drivers: Urbanization and confined job sites The need for maneuverability Residential and infrastructure boom Lower costs to purchase and operate Versatility with multi-attachment compatibility Technology features Advanced safety features Rental market efficiency
www. OPE-Plus. com December 2025 OPE + 17