Which Mini Excavator Gets the Job Done? A Practical Comparison for Contractors and Crews

Jun. 23 2025 Heavy Equipment By Tyler Wood

Which Mini Excavator Gets the Job Done? A Practical Comparison for Contractors and Crews

If you're searching for excavator rental near me, chances are you're trying to figure out what size machine makes the most sense for your project. At Quality Fleet Service, we offer a full lineup of Hyundai mini excavators for rent and purchase—each with a different strength, footprint, and price point. Whether you’re trenching, backfilling, grading, or loading, matching the right machine to the job can save you time and money.

Below is a breakdown of our available rental machines, weekly rates, and the best use cases for each. And if you're ready to make a long-term investment, don't miss our 0% financing for 72 months deal on in-stock Hyundai mini excavators.


Hyundai R17 – 4,000 lbs

Weekly Rental: $825.00
Compact and maneuverable, the R17 is perfect for small residential work, tight-access backyard digging, and landscaping jobs where space is limited. This 4,000-lb machine fits through gates and can be towed with a standard pickup and trailer.
Dig depth: ~7.5 ft
Common jobs: Irrigation, fence posts, patio installs
Also available: $275/day or $2,250/month


Hyundai R35 – 8,400 lbs

Weekly Rental: $1,050.00
A true workhorse for general-purpose digging and trenching, the R35 combines a zero tail swing design with a solid 10.5 ft dig depth. It’s ideal for electrical or water lines, small foundations, and light demo.
Dig depth: ~10.5 ft
Common jobs: Utility trenching, retaining walls, footings
Also available: $350/day or $2,700/month


Hyundai HX48 – 11,200 lbs

Weekly Rental: $1,200.00
Stepping up in power and stability, the HX48 offers increased lifting and digging capacity, making it a great fit for larger trenching projects and material handling. Still compact, but with more muscle.
Dig depth: ~11.5 ft
Common jobs: Pipe installation, site prep, light grading
Also available: $400/day or $3,200/month


Hyundai R55 – 13,000 lbs

Weekly Rental: $1,350.00
Built for serious productivity, the R55 provides the strength and reach needed for mid-size commercial work, including deep trenching, heavy footings, or attachment-driven tasks like hammering or augering.
Dig depth: ~12 ft
Common jobs: Water/sewer trenching, commercial landscaping
Also available: $450/day or $3,600/month


Hyundai HX85 – 20,000 lbs

Weekly Rental: $1,450.00
For heavy-duty work that still requires a compact footprint, the HX85 is the top choice. With 14+ feet of dig depth and robust lifting capabilities, this 20,000-lb machine is a great alternative to a full-size excavator.
Dig depth: ~14.5 ft
Common jobs: Deep trenching, heavy material removal, road prep
Also available: $525/day or $4,000/month


The QFS Difference: Expert Advice You Can Trust

At QFS, we don't just hand you a spec sheet and send you on your way—we dig deeper. Our sales team isn’t just familiar with the machines—we’ve operated them, serviced them, and seen them in the field. We understand what it takes to finish the job efficiently, and we use that knowledge to guide you toward the right choice.

Not sure if the HX48 will give you enough reach? Wondering if you’ll regret going too small with the R17? Our team will ask the right questions and walk you through every detail to make sure you’re not underpowered—or overspending. We don’t push you toward the biggest model; we focus on what works best for your crew, your site, and your bottom line.

We believe in giving you real answers and the kind of partnership that keeps you coming back project after project.