If you’re tackling a big project in Utah County and wondering how to make digging easier, a compact excavator rental is the perfect solution. At Wasatch Equipment Rental in Lehi, Utah, we carry a wide range of Kubota excavators, including the Kubota KX080, KX057, KX018, U17, KX040, and KX71. These machines are versatile, powerful, and easier to learn than most people think.
This guide will walk you through the basics of operating a compact excavator, hauling requirements, and how we can deliver your rental if you don’t have the right equipment.
What is a Compact Excavator?
A compact excavator (also called a mini excavator) is a tracked digging machine designed for tight spaces and precision work. Unlike larger excavators, these models are small enough to maneuver in backyards, residential job sites, or confined areas while still having the power to:
- Dig trenches for utilities or irrigation
- Excavate for foundations or footings
- Remove stumps and debris
- Grade and level soil
- Handle landscaping and property improvements
From the Kubota U17 (great for small spaces) to the Kubota KX080 (a larger machine for heavier work), there’s an excavator for every job.
How to Operate a Compact Excavator (Beginner Friendly)
Operating an excavator may look intimidating, but the controls are designed for simplicity. Here’s how to get started:
- Climb into the cab – Always use the handholds and steps for safety.
- Start the engine – Insert the key and start it like a vehicle.
- Learn the joysticks –
- Left joystick: moves the boom (up/down) and swings the cab (left/right).
- Right joystick: moves the stick and bucket.
- Use the pedals – These control the tracks to move forward, reverse, and turn.
- Practice slowly – Before digging into your project, practice moving, digging, and swinging in an open space.
With just a little time, most beginners feel confident using compact excavators for their projects.
Safety Gear for Excavator Use
Before running a mini excavator rental, make sure you have the proper safety gear:
- Steel-toe or heavy work boots
- Gloves for grip and protection
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- A hard hat if working around other people or on construction sites
Hauling a Compact Excavator: What You’ll Need
Compact excavators are heavier than mini skid steers and require the right gear for safe transport. To haul one yourself, you’ll need:
- A heavy-duty equipment trailer or tilt deck trailer rental
- A capable towing vehicle (¾-ton or larger truck, depending on machine size)
- Quality tie-downs or chains to secure the machine
👉 Don’t have the right truck or trailer? No worries — Wasatch Equipment Rental offers delivery across Utah County, so your compact excavator can be brought straight to your jobsite. Click here to see our delivery rates.
Compact Excavator Rental in Lehi, Utah
At Wasatch Equipment Rental, we provide everything you need to get the job done right:
- Kubota compact excavator rentals including the KX080, KX057, KX018, U17, KX040, and KX71
- Various bucket sizes and attachments for different jobs
- Delivery and pickup services anywhere in Northern Utah.
Mini Excavator Rental Near Me: Get Started Today
If you’re ready to make your project easier, rent a compact excavator from Wasatch Equipment Rental in Lehi, Utah. Whether you need the maneuverability of the Kubota U17 or the digging power of the Kubota KX080, we have the right machine for your job.
📞 Call us today or stop by our Lehi location to reserve your compact excavator rental. And remember — if you don’t have hauling gear, just ask about our delivery service.
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