Heavy Equipment

Best-Selling Mini Excavators You Should Know

Kubota tops US mini excavator sales, ahead of Cat and Bobcat.

Updated on

January 1, 2026

Kubota KX0405 excavator — Kubota’s new 4-ton KX040-5 excavator. (Photo: Kubota)

Kubota continues to dominate the mini excavator market, leading both new and used sales from mid-2024 to mid-2025, and standing out as a clear favorite among contractors.

Publicly available data highlights the Kubota KX040-4 as the top-selling new mini excavator, followed by the Kubota KX057-5 and Deere 35 P-Tier.

Several Caterpillar and Bobcat models also ranked among the best-sellers, reflecting rising demand from the construction and utility sectors over the past year.

Kubota’s updated KX040-4 stands out for its improved cab design, upgraded hydraulics, and 40-horsepower engine—making it a favorite for operators who value both comfort and capability.

Here’s a closer look at the top-selling mini excavators by category:

Best-Selling New Mini Excavators

Kubota KX040-4: This is the single best-selling new model.

Kubota KX057-5: Second overall mid-2024 to mid-2025 sales.

Deere 35 P-Tier: This model featured among the top choices for buyers.

Cat 305 CR: This model consistently ranks among the top sellers.

Other top-selling new models include the Cat 306 CR, Deere 50 P-Tier, Bobcat E35i, Kubota U35-4, Cat 304, and Kubota KX033-4, among other mini excavator models.

Best-Selling Used Mini Excavators

In the used mini excavator market, John Deere remained the top seller with nearly a quarter of all sales, followed closely by Kubota and Bobcat.

Popular models mirrored the new market, with buyers favoring the Deere 35G, Kubota KX040-4, and Deere 50G for their reliability, performance, and strong resale value.

Deere 35G: A versatile, easy-to-transport excavator popular for landscaping and utility work.

Kubota KX040-4: Known for its strong digging force and operator comfort in a mid-size frame.

Deere 50G: Offers greater reach and stability, ideal for heavier-duty applications.

Bobcat E35: Praised for its smooth controls and zero-tail-swing design, ideal for tight spaces.

Other top-selling new models include the Cat 305E2 CR, Bobcat E50, Bobcat E42, Bobcat E35i, Cat 308 CR, and Cat 306 CR, among other mini excavator models.

With the U.S. market showing modest growth in both new and used segments, the top-selling mini excavators remain a vital part of the construction landscape.