Choosing a compact excavator often comes down to a tradeoff: how narrow it can fit through a gate or doorway, and how much operator shelter you need once you're on site. The four 13.5hp mini excavators here are all new EPA-engined track diggers, but they separate on width, cab setup, bucket size, and listed price. If you need a machine that can work in a backyard, an alley, or a municipal works site, these are the tradeoffs that matter.
Quick take
All four machines are new 13.5hp gas-engine compact excavators with EPA-certified exhaust, and all carry China origins. They separate on width, cab layout, bucket capacity, and listed price. The MMS 1-ton track digger opens the price spread, the MS08 offers the smallest body, the TYPHON adds a Briggs & Stratton power plant, and the MMS 1.2-ton enclosed cab closes the price spread. The key decision is access width versus operator shelter.
Listed-price comparison
The price spread across the group is $1,420 from the lowest listed price to the highest. Here is how they line up:
| Product | Listed price | Price bar | Standout spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMS 1 Ton Mini Track Digger | $3,798 | 82cm wide with retractable dozer blade | |
| MMS MS08 Compact Digger | $3,999 | 720-780mm body width | |
| TYPHON 1 Ton Gas Excavator | $4,499 | Briggs & Stratton-powered EPA gas engine | |
| MMS 1.2 Ton Enclosed Cab | $5,218 | Enclosed cab with clear visibility |
Decision matrix
Use this as a shortcut to the choice:
| What matters most | Best fit | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Doorway and gate access | MMS 1 Ton Mini Track Digger | 82cm width and adjustable chassis help with narrow openings |
| Smallest machine footprint | MMS MS08 Compact Digger | 720-780mm width and compact boom structure |
| Briggs & Stratton engine | TYPHON 1 Ton Gas Excavator | 13.5hp B&S gas engine |
| Weather protection for the operator | MMS 1.2 Ton Enclosed Cab | Enclosed cab resists wind, rain, and snow |
MMS 1 Ton Mini Track Digger
This MMS machine is the entry point in price while still giving you a 1-ton class, 13.5hp track digger with a gas EPA engine. The compact 82cm body is made for indoor renovation and other tight worksites, and the dozer blade retracts to 900mm for better side stability. Bucket width is 340mm with a 0.025 m3 capacity, and the RATO R420 engine uses single-cylinder fan-cooling with a 30° climbing capacity. The main tradeoff is the 1450mm max digging depth, so it suits shallow trench work better than deep excavation. If your jobs are mostly shallow and confined, the entry price helps keep the overall buy within reach.
MMS MS08 Compact Digger
This one stands out for ultra-compact access. The MS08 is only 720-780mm wide, and its boom structure and 0.8-ton operating weight are designed for alleys, doorways, and indoor yard work. It is a 13.5hp EPA-engine mini digger with listed max dig depth between 5 and 6 feet. The 0.8-ton operating weight is the tradeoff for the smallest width in this group, so it is not the machine for heavy excavation work. If you need to get through an interior doorway or a narrow passage, this is the one to prioritize. Its lower listed price also keeps it within reach of first-time mini-excavator buyers.
TYPHON 1 Ton Gas Excavator
The TYPHON brings a Briggs & Stratton engine into the compact excavator market. It is a 1-ton track digger with a 13.5hp EPA-certified gas unit, a 380mm bucket, and a 0.025 m3 bucket capacity. It is aimed at small projects, gardens, farmland municipal works, playgrounds, and public parks, so it reads as a general-purpose machine rather than a specialist narrow-access unit. Its listed price sits in the middle of the group, so it works well for a buyer who wants a Briggs & Stratton-powered gas unit alongside a user-friendly simple design. The tradeoff is that the 930mm overall width is larger than the ultra-narrow MMS options, so it needs a bit more open site access.
MMS 1.2 Ton Enclosed Cab
The enclosed cab is the headline feature here. This MMS 1.2-ton unit resists winter wind, rain, and snow while keeping visibility clear, and it runs on a 13.5hp EPA gas engine. No assembly is required, so you can add gasoline and put it to work. With a 1.2-ton operating weight, it sits above the 0.8-ton MS08 and is suited to a wider variety of small-scale projects. The tradeoff is the higher listed price, and its listed max dig depth reads as less than 5 feet, so it is not the pick for deep trenches.
Final recommendation by use case
If you want the lowest entry price and a machine that fits through doorways, the MMS 1 Ton Mini Track Digger is the practical starting point. For even tighter passages, the MMS MS08's 720-780mm width is the smallest in this comparison. That machine is also a reasonable fit for first-time buyers because it combines a compact footprint with a lower listed price. The TYPHON 1 Ton Gas Excavator is the middle-ground choice for buyers who want a Briggs & Stratton engine and can handle a 930mm-wide unit. And if you plan to work through wet or cold weather, the MMS 1.2 Ton Enclosed Cab is the model to choose.
