ZM Series Mini Excavators (1–3.6 t)
Five frame sizes, one rule: the spec sheet rides along with every machine we ship · 1–3.6 t compact crawler excavators
Five crawler models cover the 1–3.6 t class: ZM-10, ZM-12, ZM-18, ZM-25 and ZM-40. The 1.8 t ZM-18 is 1,100 mm wide — narrow enough for a garden gate — yet digs to 2,200 mm on a Kubota D722. At the top, the ZM-40 puts 33 kW behind a 2,545 mm dig depth and loads trucks at 3,050 mm. Every mini excavator in the range carries a dozer blade; the larger frames take an enclosed cab. We export this compact excavator family factory-direct from Jining, China — a single small excavator for a landscaper, or a container packed for a dealer.
Models & technical data
| Model | Class | Engine | Max dig depth | Max unloading height | Overall size (L×W×H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZM-10 | 1 t | Single-cylinder diesel, 9.2 kW | 1,400 mm | 1,900 mm | 2,950×930×2,250 mm |
| ZM-12 | 1.2 t | Single-cylinder diesel, 10.3 kW | 1,800 mm | 2,150 mm | 3,030×980×2,270 mm |
| ZM-18 | 1.8 t | Kubota D722, 14.9 kW | 2,200 mm | 2,300 mm | 3,250×1,100×2,300 mm |
| ZM-25 | 2.5 t | Kubota D902 | 2,200 mm | 2,300 mm | 3,250×1,300×2,400 mm |
| ZM-40 | 3.6 t | Changchai 490, 33 kW (Yanmar option) | 2,545 mm | 3,050 mm | 4,400×1,600×2,200 mm |
Figures below are read off the factory parameter sheets supplied with each model. The ZM-10 and ZM-12 are configured per build, so the values shown are representative of that class — we confirm the exact figures on the current datasheet with your quote.
Key features
- Five models — 1 t, 1.2 t, 1.8 t, 2.5 t and 3.6 t — one parts-friendly family
- Kubota D722 / D902 diesel on the 1.8 t and 2.5 t; Changchai 490 on the ZM-40, Yanmar optional
- ZM-18: 1,100 mm wide, 2,200 mm dig depth — gate-friendly footprint, real trench depth
- Dozer blade standard across the range for backfilling and rough grading
- Boom-swing geometry digs offset along walls and fence lines
- Canopy standard; enclosed cab with heater or A/C on the larger frames
- Quick coupler plus buckets, breaker, auger, ripper, forks and hydraulic thumb
Where it works
Which Small Excavator Fits the Job: 1 t to 3.6 t
The ZM-10 and ZM-12 sit at the micro excavator end of the family. A 1 ton mini excavator earns its keep where nothing bigger fits: between houses, inside greenhouses, behind a finished wall where every machine has to come through the gate. Both run rubber tracks and a dozer blade, and both load on a normal trailer behind a pickup.
Most buyers land on the middle of the range. The ZM-18 squeezes a 2,200 mm dig depth and a 2,300 mm dump height out of a body just 1,100 mm wide, with a Kubota D722 doing the work. The 2.5 t ZM-25 keeps the same dig depth on a wider, steadier 1,300 mm undercarriage and steps up to the Kubota D902 — the pick when trenching is daily work, not a weekend job.
The ZM-40 is the haul-it-in-on-a-truck machine: 3,600 kg, a 33 kW Changchai 490 (Yanmar on request), 2,545 mm dig depth and a 3,050 mm unloading height that clears a farm truck's side boards. Steel tracks, a 1,600 mm dozer blade and 45° rated gradeability suit it to demolition lots and hillside work, and the sheet says 1.8–2.5 L/h of diesel under theoretical load.
Mini Excavator Buckets, Hydraulic Thumb and Other Attachments
Mini excavator buckets are where most orders start. Beyond the standard digging bucket, the factory list runs a 200 mm narrow bucket for cable trenches, a 1,000 mm toothless bucket for grading, and a tilt bucket for cutting ditch profiles. Buckets mount on the pin or on a quick coupler — mechanical, hydraulic, or a tilting hydraulic coupler if the budget allows.
A hydraulic thumb turns the bucket into a claw for rock, stumps, brush and demolition scrap — two of the machines photographed on this page carry one. Past that: breaker hammers for concrete, an auger for fence posts and tree pits, plus ripper, rake, pallet forks, log grapple and mower heads from the same attachment line.
Auxiliary hydraulic plumbing is fitted at the factory, so name the attachments when you order rather than retrofitting lines later. If you already own attachments, send the coupler dimensions and we match the hanger plate before the machine leaves Jining.
Buying a Mini Digger Factory-Direct from China
Mini digger, mini excavator — same machine, different side of the Atlantic; we quote both daily. Buying factory-direct means new mini excavator prices well under Western-brand list, but the discipline matters: ask for the parameter sheet, photos of your actual unit, and a video of it digging before it ships. We supply all three as standard, because a machine you have watched run is a machine you can argue about later.
The series ships from Jining, Shandong with CE, EPA and Euro V documentation available for the relevant markets, and an 18-month warranty backed by airfreighted wear parts. One unit crates onto a flat rack or into a shared container; dealers typically fill a container with mixed sizes. Tell us the port and what the machine will dig, and the quote comes back with freight and a recommended build — usually within 24 hours.
Common questions
How much does a 1 ton mini excavator cost from China?
Less than you would guess, but no honest factory quotes one number blind. The mini excavator price moves with the engine, canopy versus cab, coupler choice and freight to your port. Send your country and intended work; we return an itemized quote for the ZM-10 or ZM-12 with shipping, usually within a day.
What is the difference between a micro excavator and a mini excavator?
Trade usage puts a micro digger at roughly 1.5 t and under — small enough to pass a garden gate and ride a light trailer. Mini excavator covers the wider class up to about 6 t. In this range the ZM-10 and ZM-12 are the micro machines; the ZM-18, ZM-25 and ZM-40 are conventional minis with more depth, lift and stability.
Which mini excavator buckets and attachments do you supply?
Standard, narrow 200 mm, 1,000 mm grading and tilt buckets, plus breaker hammer, auger, hydraulic thumb, ripper, rake, pallet forks, log grapple and mower heads. Quick couplers come in mechanical, hydraulic and tilting versions. Order attachments with the machine so the auxiliary lines and hanger dimensions are matched at the factory.
Are Chinese mini excavators reliable?
The honest answer: the engine and the factory matter more than the flag. Our 1.8 t and 2.5 t models run Kubota D722 and D902 diesels with worldwide parts supply; the ZM-40 uses a Changchai 490 with a Yanmar option. We back the series with an 18-month warranty and send running videos of your specific unit before it ships.
Can I get a small excavator with an enclosed cab instead of a canopy?
Yes. The canopy is standard across the range, and the larger frames take a fully enclosed glass cab with a heater, with A/C and a wiper available for hot or wet climates. Cab machines run a little heavier and taller, so say which option you want and we confirm transport dimensions with the quote.
What is the smallest excavator in the range, and will it fit through a gate?
The ZM-10, a 1 t class micro digger. For gate clearance we go by numbers, not promises: the 1.8 t ZM-18 measures 1,100 mm wide, and the ZM-10 is narrower still — send your gate width and we confirm the exact figure from the current ZM-10 datasheet before you commit.
Request pricing for the ZM Series Mini Excavators (1–3.6 t)
Send your target model, quantity and destination port. Our export team replies within one business day with a quote, lead time and shipping details.
- Phone / WhatsApp: +86 183 5478 8611
- Email: [email protected]
- Jining, Shandong, China