1. Introduction

At MechMaxx, we build powerful, reliable, and compact heavy equipment. Our machines are designed for real-world job sites. We know a mini excavator is a big investment for your business or property.

Picking the right machine can seem overwhelming. This guide makes that decision easier. We'll give you a clear, honest comparison of five key models in our lineup. These include two MEC10 variations, the MEC12, and two MEC17 variations.

Our promise is simple. By the end of this article, you'll feel confident choosing the perfect MechMaxx Mini Excavator. You'll know which one fits your specific projects, budget, and operational needs.

2. Group 1: The Compact Powerhouses – A Deep Dive into the MechMaxx MEC10 vs MEC12

This group includes the MEC10 Honda, MEC10 B&S, and MEC12 Kubota. They're the ultimate solution for tight-access jobs and professional landscaping. These machines handle a wide range of small-to-medium-scale projects.

They bring serious digging power to spaces where larger machines can't go.

To find which one fits your workflow, we'll compare them on key factors. The most important are the engine that powers them and the tracks that get them there.

The Engine Decision: A Kubota vs Honda Mini Excavator Engine Breakdown

The engine is your machine's heart. It defines power delivery, fuel economy, and how it feels to operate. This is crucial in the MechMaxx MEC10 vs MEC12 debate.

The MEC10 models offer two world-class gasoline powerplants. The Honda GX390 is the industry benchmark for rock-solid reliability. It starts easily and requires simple maintenance. It's a proven workhorse trusted on job sites worldwide.

The Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 14HP is the high-torque gasoline option. Operators who frequently run power-hungry attachments will love the extra muscle. This engine ensures consistent performance under load.

The MEC12 introduces diesel power with the legendary Kubota D722 engine. The horsepower rating might look similar to the gas options, but diesel offers a big advantage. It delivers superior low-end torque, which means stronger, more consistent digging force that doesn't bog down.

From an operator's perspective, the "feel" is different. We often hear that operators prefer diesel's low-end grunt for prying out stubborn rocks or navigating tough soil. The gasoline engines get praise for their lower initial cost, widespread serviceability, and quiet operation. The choice in this Kubota vs Honda mini excavator engine matchup depends on your priority: all-day torque and efficiency or upfront value and simplicity.

The Access Advantage: Fixed vs. Retractable Tracks

Getting the machine to the work is half the battle. Track configuration becomes a critical, non-negotiable feature here.

Both MEC10 models have a fixed 7-inch track width. This versatile size passes through standard backyard gates perfectly. It navigates between houses and works on established pathways without issue.

MEC12 is designed to be the most narrow access excavator. Its best attribute is a hydraulic retracting undercarriage. By the press of a lever, tracks are reduced to a minimum of 34.5 inches. This can easily squeeze through small door frames and the smallest side-yard gates of the house.

Tracks increase to a steady 43.2 inches once in the work zone. This gives it a broad and stable base to dig and lift. The best of all worlds is the unparalleled access and performance without compromise.

Specification Showdown: MEC10 vs. MEC12

A side-by-side look at the MechMaxx excavator specifications reveals key differences in performance and capability. The numbers tell a story about how each machine will perform on your job site.

Specification	MEC10 - Honda GX390	MEC10 - B&S Vanguard 408cc	MEC12 - Kubota D722
Engine Model	Honda GX390	Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 408cc 14HP	Kubota D722
Engine Type	Air-cooled 4-stroke Gasoline	Air-cooled 4-stroke Gasoline	Water-cooled 3-cylinder Diesel
Displacement	389cc	408cc	719cc (0.719L)
Rated Power	11.7 HP @ 3,600 RPM	14 HP @ 3,600 RPM	20.0 HP  @ 3,600 RPM
Fuel Type	Unleaded Gasoline (86+ octane)	Unleaded Gasoline	Diesel
Operating Weight	2,280 lbs	2,370 lbs	2,700 lbs
Max. Digging Depth	65.7"	65.7"	65.7"
Max. Tractive Force	3,035 lbf	3,035 lbf	3,035 lbf
Max Digging Radius	119"	119"	119"
Hydraulic Thumb	Included	Included	Included
Control System	ISO/SAE Switchable	ISO/SAE Switchable	ISO/SAE Switchable
Best For	Budget-conscious users, easy maintenance	Balance of power and gasoline convenience	Maximum power, fuel efficiency, heavy-duty tasks
Travel Speed	0.75mile/h	0.75mile/h	1.12-2.24mile/h
Track Width	37in	37in	34.5in-43.2in

 

Analysis: Which One Should You Choose?

The data points toward specific use cases. The MEC12's Kubota diesel engine delivers the highest Bucket Digging Force (1960 lbf) and Arm Digging Force (1393 lbf) in this group. This makes it exceptionally strong for its compact size class.

Among gasoline models, the MEC10 (B&S) offers slightly more digging force. The MEC10 (Honda) is the lightest and most agile of the trio.

The decision comes down to a simple scenario-based choice. If your number one priority is fitting through the absolute tightest spaces while maximizing digging power and fuel economy for professional, all-day use, the MEC12 is the clear winner. Its retractable tracks and diesel torque are purpose-built for that mission.

If your jobs consistently have standard 37-inch or wider access points and you prefer gasoline's simplicity and lower upfront cost, choose between the Honda engine's legendary reliability or the B&S's extra power for running attachments.

3. Group 2: The Heavy-Duty Compacts – An In-Depth MechMaxx MEC17 Review

When jobs demand more power, greater depth, and professional-grade features without sacrificing maneuverability, you enter MEC17 series territory.

The MEC17 and MEC17 Pro are top-tier compacts in the MechMaxx lineup. They're built on a shared foundation of uncompromising power and a critical design feature: Zero-Tail Swing.

This means the excavator's housing doesn't extend beyond its track width during rotation. Operators can work with confidence directly alongside walls, fences, and other obstacles without fear of impact. This dramatically improves safety and efficiency in confined spaces.

Shared Power, Different Applications

At their core, both MEC17 models are designed for serious work. We built them to be identical in terms of raw power. This ensures no compromise regardless of your choice.

Each of the two machines runs on the potent 15.8 HP Kubota D902 diesel engine. This is a bigger more powerful engine with a bucket digging force of 3597 lbf impressive.

This establishes a crucial point. The decision between the MEC17 and MEC17 Pro isn't about which one is more powerful. It's about which one is perfectly configured for your specific application.

Specification Showdown: MEC17 vs. MEC17 Pro

This detailed MechMaxx MEC17 review hinges on understanding subtle but significant differences in specifications. The table below shows how these two professional machines compare.

Specification	MEC17 (Standard Arm)	MEC17 Pro (Long Arm)
Engine Model	Kubota D902	Kubota D902
Engine Type	Water-cooled Diesel	Water-cooled Diesel
Displacement	0.898L (898cc)	0.898L (898cc)
Rated Power	11.8 kW @ 2,300 RPM	15.8 HP @ 2,300 RPM
Operating Weight	4,145 lbs	4,190 lbs
Arm Length	37.4 in	43.3 in
Boom Length	72 in	72 in
Max. Digging Depth	89in	95 in
Max. Digging Height	/	/
Max. Digging Reach	/	/
Bucket Capacity	0.04 m³ (Standard)	0.04 m³ (Standard)
Dozer Blade	Included	Included
Weight Class	1.8 Ton	1.8 Ton
Best For	Standard excavation, general construction	Extended reach applications, deeper excavation

Analysis: The Deciding Factor – Reach and Depth

The core of this comparison lies in one key engineering difference: arm length. The two types of machines have the same engine power, same operating weight (3,968 lbs), and same core specifications, yet the arm structure introduces unique operation advantages.

The MEC17 Pro will have a longer arm (45.2-inch) (when compared to the standard arm (37.4-inch)). This 7.8-inch difference translates directly to extended horizontal reach capabilities.  The standard MEC17 offers a max digging reach of 153.9 inches, while the Pro model extends this further for operations requiring greater forward reach. The two models are similar in their maximum depth of digging 89.3 inches and maximum dumping height of 96.2 inches.

This is where the choice is made, according to your daily activities.

l Select MEC17 Pro in cases where you are typically engaging in more deep utility trenching, loading small foundation excavation, or loading larger-sided dump trucks and trailers. The added six inches of reach and depth can be the difference between completing a job without difficulty and repositioning the machine. The LCD display that comes with it also gives the operator better feedback and diagnostics to achieve a more professional workflow.

l Choose the standard MEC17 (4145 lbs) for a professional-grade, zero-tail-swing machine that delivers a fantastic balance of power and reach. It's ideal for general excavation, extensive landscaping projects, and foundation work where absolute maximum depth isn't the primary daily requirement. It offers higher arm digging force, making it exceptionally capable for prying and pulling.

4. Beyond the Dig: Unlocking Versatility with Attachments

A mini excavator is much more than an excavation tool. It is a multi-purpose power platform whose real value and ROI are unlocked when considered in such a way.

This is because our broad line of hydraulic attachments is what the real power of a MechMaxx Mini Excavator becomes. A machine can replace the work of many by simply changing its tools. It saves you time, work and money you would use in renting or buying several equipment.

This will enable you to work a wider variety of jobs and be more profitable. Key attachments transform your machine's capabilities:

· Augers: Effortlessly drill clean, precise holes for fence posts, deck footings, and tree planting.

· Hydraulic Breakers: Make quick work of demolishing concrete slabs, breaking up rock, and tackling tough demolition tasks.

· Grapples: Easily grab, lift, and move awkward materials like logs, brush, rocks, and demolition debris.

· Trenching Buckets: Dig narrow, clean trenches for utility lines, irrigation systems, and drainage solutions with speed and precision.

· Rakes and Thumbs: Grade surfaces, clear land, and securely handle objects with enhanced control.

To get the most out of your machine, it's crucial to pair it with high-quality, compatible tools. Our comprehensive collection of Mini Excavator & Attachments for Compact Digging is engineered to perfectly match the power and specifications of every MechMaxx model. Be it breaking concrete, collecting logs and drilling post holes, there is a tool that will turn your excavator into a real man of the work and ensure you get the full out of your investment and efficiency. See what is in the entire offering and how you can increase your capabilities.

5. Conclusion: Making Your Final Choice – Which MechMaxx is Yours?

We have discussed the engines, access capabilities, power, and reach. High time now to put all this together to assist you in making your final and confident decision.

The selection of MechMaxx concerns the alignment of the strengths of the machine with your most frequent tasks. This guide has all the information that you require to find that ideal match.

Quick Decision Guide

For a rapid summary, use this simple guide. Find your main priority in the left column to see our direct recommendation on the right.

If your priority is…	…Your best choice is:
Maximum narrow access & diesel efficiency	MEC12
Lightweight, simple gas power for general tasks	MEC10 (Honda/B&S)
Professional power with minimal turning radius	MEC17
Maximum reach (arm extension) and overall versatility	MEC17 Pro

Your Perfect MechMaxx Awaits

To reinforce your choice, here's a final summary based on the ideal user for each model in our lineup. We're confident that one of these profiles will resonate with your needs.

l Choose a MEC10 (Gas) when you require a light, easy and strong machine to use on general purpose digging, landscaping and high-end DIY work. It fits well with users who appreciate the ease of gasoline power, working on places with easy access, and need not have the all-day power of diesel.

l Choose the MEC12 (Diesel) if your primary challenge is access. Contractors and landscapers who have to make it through the narrowest gates and paths prefer it as well. Its retractable track and high-torque and fuel-efficient Kubota diesel engine make it a specialized and very profitable tool.

l Choose the MEC17 (Standard) for a true professional-grade workhorse. It provides superior power, depth and value. Its tail-swing design and strong arm force are suitable in a wide variety of contracting projects, including general excavation, through to the most demanding landscape construction work which can use it as a power and safe tool in tight spaces.

l Choose the MEC17 Pro when your contracts demand maximum horizontal reach from a compact machine. When you have frequent obstacle excavations, estate across a broader trench, or lay materials that have greater forward excursion, the longer 45.2 inch arm (compared to the 37.4 inch arm) of the Pro will give you 7.8 inches more reach which straight translates in to higher flexibility and efficiency at the job site. The depth of digging and the height of dumping in both models are the same (89.3" and 96.2), however, the Pro model is better in case one wants to focus on extended reach.

Take the Next Step

Ready to put MechMaxx power to work on your job site? Explore the full details, specifications, and attachments for our entire mini excavator lineup and find your perfect machine today.

6. FAQs

1. What is the main operational difference between a gas and a diesel mini excavator engine? 

The first dissimilarity is in power delivery and efficiency. A diesel engine such as Kubota in our MEC12 and MEC17 models has more torque at the lower RPMs. This translates to greater and steady digging power that will not bog down in harsh conditions. It is also much more fuel efficient on long all day operation. The Honda and B&S gasoline engines as are the case with our MEC10 models are usually cheaper in the initial price. They tend to be quiet and their maintenance needs are very simple hence suitable in intermittent or less intensive operations.

2. What is "zero-tail swing" on the MEC17 models, and why is it important? 

Zero-tail swing refers to the fact that as the excavator rotates, the part of the housing or counterweight at the back of the excavator does not exceed the width of its tracks. This is a serious hazard and efficiency characteristic of professionals. It allows the operator to rotate and work right next to walls, foundations, fences, or other obstacles without the risk of the machine's rear end colliding with them. It dramatically reduces the need for repositioning and boosts operator confidence in tight job sites.

3. Are attachments interchangeable between all MechMaxx models? 

While many attachments are cross-compatible, it's essential to match the attachment to the specific model's hydraulic flow and power capabilities. For instance, a larger, more power-demanding attachment like a heavy-duty breaker is better suited for the higher hydraulic output of the MEC17 series than the MEC10. We always recommend consulting the specifications for both the excavator and the attachment to ensure a safe and effective pairing. Our collection page helps you find tools specifically engineered for the MechMaxx lineup.