Published: October 8, 2025
Updated: October 8, 2025
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A full-size John Deere excavator can’t always get the job done. Sometimes, you need a compact, yet powerful, machine to fit into tight spaces that normal excavators just can’t manage.
Choosing the right size and model is key to success, whether you’re working on a job site or planning your next DIY backyard pool project.
At Koenig Equipment, we carry a large selection of John Deere P-Tier mini excavators that are essential when space is limited but power is needed. Let’s take a deep dive into your complete 2025 mini excavator buying guide.
Understanding Mini Excavator Sizes and Applications
John Deere mini excavators come in many different sizes for various applications, and choosing the right one is essential for getting the job done correctly. The full range of P-Tier mini excavators comes in weights anywhere from 1.7 metric tons to 6.1 metric tons.
Small Excavators
Your smallest compact excavators, at 1.7 tons, are perfect for residential landscaping jobs thanks to their small width, which can easily fit through fence gates and other confined spaces. Doing some indoor demolition work? No problem! These small excavators are perfect for indoor demo applications, too.
Mid-size Excavators
Mid-size excavators are better suited for commercial landscaping tasks. They’re still compact, at around 3 metric tons, but have increased power for more labor-intensive duties. For utility companies needing extra muscle, these excavators are perfect for tasks like ditch digging, digging trenches for cable and other utility lines, and more. They strike a balance between power and maneuverability.
Larger Compact Excavators
Just because they’re considered mini or compact excavators doesn’t mean they also top out at a decent size. Take the 5-ton and above excavators, for example. These are great for small commercial construction projects where maximum digging power is needed in a small package. The great thing about these excavators is that they are still trailer-transportable despite their larger size. These excavators can easily fit on any standard trailer pulled by your work or personal truck.
Complete John Deere P-Tier Mini Excavator Lineup
Now that you know the size differences, let’s look at some specific mini excavator models in the P-Tier lineup.
17 P-Tier
The 17 P-Tier is the smallest of the John Deere P-Tier lineup, coming in at only 1.7 metric tons. But make no mistake; this little machine is designed with versatility in mind. With a variable-width hydraulic retractable undercarriage and a reduced tail-swing, it’s perfect for small landscaping jobs. Its unique advantage is its ability to fit into narrow gate openings, making it great for backyard gardening or landscaping work.
26 P-Tier
The 26 P-Tier is a step up in size and power, with a 2.7 metric ton weight and a net power of 20 horsepower. It also has a maximum digging depth of 8 ft 6 in., which is great for small digging jobs, such as a pool. Its size and power hit the sweet spot for many contractors.
30 P-Tier
The 30 P-Tier excavator features 23 horsepower, which is ideal for digging larger holes. It has a max digging depth of 9 ft, 2 in, and is designed with a reduced tail-swing for tight spaces.
35 P-Tier
The 35 P-Tier is a good mid-size excavator choice for workers in urban environments or those who are working a job close to a solid structure, such as a building wall. That’s because this excavator features a zero tail swing, meaning it can safely operate against walls as long as the tracks are at a safe distance.
50 P-Tier
Stepping up to the larger compact excavators, the 50 P-Tier also has a zero tail swing, with nearly 36 horsepower and a maximum digging depth of 11 ft, 7 in. It’s best for close-quarter work that needs increased power and productivity, like a construction site.
60 P-Tier
The top echelon of John Deere compact excavators is the 60 P-Tier. This beast weighs in at 6.1 tons, with a maximum digging depth of 12 ft, 4 in. It has 53 horsepower, plenty for most jobs, and a spacious cab for operator comfort. The reduced tail swing also prevents it from damaging its surroundings when working in a tight spot.
Essential Features to Evaluate
When you make a compact excavator comparison, it’s very important to pay attention to the features that each model provides to operators. Here are some key features that we think every excavator operator should keep in mind.
Tail Swing
Tail swing is a key feature of excavators, but particularly mini excavators. Tail swing is the path a machine's cab and upper structure travels during a turn, moving in the opposite direction of the front. In the case of an excavator, this refers to the extent of overlap between the cab and its tracks. A reduced tail swing has minimal extension beyond the machine’s tracks. A zero tail swing model stays exactly within the tracks’ width. 35 and 50 P-Tier models feature zero tail swing, while 17, 26, 30, and 60 P-Tier models feature a reduced tail swing.
Undercarriage Options
Excavators feature differences in their undercarriage as well, particularly the tracks. Rubber tracks are standard and protect finished or delicate surfaces, such as landscaping. Steel tracks are a more robust option with superior traction and durability, great for construction sites. Some excavators also feature advanced options like retractable undercarriages to reduce the width of the machine, perfect for navigating through tight entryways.
Operator Comfort
P-Tier models feature many improvements over past mini excavators. They have larger entryways for entering the vehicle, plus unrestricted sightlines thanks to a larger cab and viewing windows. Ergonomic operator stations are also standard on many P-Tiers, and make the cab far more comfortable for longer work days.
Attachment Compatibility
When you need your excavator to be more than an excavator, you turn to one of hundreds of attachments that are compatible with the John Deere P-Tier models. Some of the most common attachments can drastically transform how you use your compact excavator.
- Hydraulic hammers: Great for concrete removal and quarry work
- Augers: For drilling post holes and various utility work
- Thumbs/clamps: Good for material handling and bulky item removal
- Specialized buckets: Perfect for different soil conditions that regular buckets aren’t ideal for
- Backfill blades: Good for grading, filling, and stability control on uneven terrain
Why Choose Koenig Equipment for Your Mini Excavator
At Koenig Equipment, we want to make sure you understand the difference between every John Deere compact excavator in the P-Tier lineup. Come visit us at one of our 15 locations across Ohio and Indiana, and speak with an expert on our complete lineup of compact excavators. Our certified technicians have years of John Deere expertise and can help you find exactly the right machine for your needs. Visit us today!