1-Ton Mini Excavator Rental in Atlanta: Compare Models & Find the Best Deal
Published: April 9, 2025
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Where to Get the Best Deal on a 1-Ton Mini Excavator Rental
You know, sometimes, you need a really small excavator. But that doesn’t mean you need to buy one. A 1-ton mini excavator rental can be a huge help on a tight job site or an indoor project. Let’s walk through what a 1-ton mini excavator is, when to choose it, how much it costs, and where to rent one if you’re in the Atlanta area.
What is a 1-Ton Mini Excavator?
This is the smallest type of excavator on the market. 1-ton excavators usually weigh between 2,000 and 2,500 lbs. They’re most often used for tight job sites (like fitting through a narrow gate to a backyard) or indoor work (like removing concrete floors or tearing out walls). This is both because of their size and because of their tail swing.
The best 1-ton mini excavator models have zero tail swing, which means they have no overhang beyond the tracks. When you’re operating a zero tail swing excavator, you can expect a little less breakout force but much more maneuverability and job site access.
Why Rent a 1-Ton Mini Excavator in Atlanta?
Atlanta’s tight spaces, unpredictable weather, and constant construction make a 1-ton mini excavator the perfect rental. If you’re digging in Riverdale, grading in Peachtree City, or installing backyard utilities in Kennesaw, here’s why you should consider a mini excavator rental:
- Maneuvers in Tight Spaces: We mentioned this earlier, too. 1-ton excavators work in narrow lots, small backyards, and fenced-in areas where bigger machines can’t go.
- Can Fit Through Narrow Passageways: The Bobcat® E10 mini excavator’s undercarriage retracts to just 28 inches wide. With that, you can easily pass through a narrow door or gate. Once you’re through, it can be expanded again to 43 inches for stability.
- No Storage Worries: You won’t have to worry about finding a place to store large equipment.
- Rent When You Need It: Hot summers, rainy springs, and mild winters mean construction isn’t always steady. Renting lets you work when conditions are right.
- Perfect for Quick Jobs: Great for fence installation, footings, trenching, and landscaping in the suburbs and in the city proper.
- No Big Upfront Investment: Get the power of an excavator without the cost of buying one.
What About If You’re Not in Atlanta?
A 1-ton mini excavator is a smart rental choice anywhere, especially for seasonal work and short-term projects.
- Fits Small Job Sites: Urban areas, fenced-in yards, and tight commercial spaces need compact machines.
- Budget-Friendly: Rental rates on a 1-ton excavator are usually not high. This makes them ideal for landscaping, trenching, and home improvement if you don’t want a long-term commitment to equipment charges.
- Skip Ownership Costs: You won’t have to worry about storage, maintenance, or depreciation costs.
- Weather Matters: Rain and extreme heat affect construction schedules—with a rental, you can get it only when you need it.
- Try Before You Buy: Test different 1-ton models before making a purchase.
Wherever you are, renting a 1-ton mini excavator is a great choice for your tight job or indoor project.
Why Choose the Bobcat E10?
The main reason is that the Bobcat E10 mini excavator outperforms other 1-ton excavator models. Let’s take a closer look at that:
Here’s the specs on a Bobcat E10.
Bobcat E10 Compact Excavator
Access jobsites where hand labor is your only other option.
Rental Details
$300
Per Day$825
Per Week$1820
Per MonthKey Specs
Performance
And here’s how it compares to the specs on other 1-ton mini excavators:
| Spec Category | Bobcat E10 | CAT 300.9D | Kubota K008-3 |
| Tail Swing Type | Zero | Conventional | Conventional |
| Operating Weight | 2,593 lbs | 2,170 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
| Dig Depth | 6 ft | 5 ft 8 in | 5 ft 8 in |
| Reach at Ground Level | 10 ft 2 in | 9 ft 11 in | 9 ft 11 in |
| Max Dump Height | 6 ft | 6 ft 8 in | 6 ft 8 in |
| Arm Breakout Force | 1,248 lbf | 1,011 lbf | 1,010 lbf |
| Horsepower | 10.2 hp | 18 hp | 10.1 hp |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.2 gal | 2.64 gal | 3.17 gal |
So….
If you’re comparing different 1-ton excavator brands, the Bobcat E10 will outperform and outmaneuver other comparable models.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 1-Ton Mini Excavator in Atlanta?
Here’s the Bobcat E10 mini excavator rental prices from Bobcat of Atlanta:
Daily: $300*
Weekly: $825*
Monthly: $1,820*
And as you know, pricing isn’t just about the daily, weekly, or monthly rate. Here are a few extra costs that can sneak up on you, no matter where you rent:
- Delivery and pickup
- Weather-related delays (like rain days)
- Attachment add-ons
- Rental Protection Plan (RPP)
- Fuel (you’ll need to top it off before returning)
And, if you’re looking to save even more money, we have a couple ideas:
- Rent for a longer period to get lower rates
- Look for specials and deals that we have going
- Tow the machine yourself to lower costs (if trained and equipped to tow compact equipment)
We know we’re biased on this subject, but it’s worth mentioning. With a mini excavator rental, especially if you’re a first-time E10 operator, it makes a big difference to have the kind of in-house product knowledge and resources that only a Bobcat dealer can provide. If you’re looking for people who know all the ins and outs of their rental equipment, this is a good place to start.
*Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit Bobcat of Atlanta’s rental page.
When to Consider Buying a 1-Ton Mini Excavator
1. If you use it frequently
People who regularly work on tight job sites and indoor projects should look into buying a 1-ton excavator. Though renting can be more budget-friendly for one or two jobs, the rental costs will add up pretty fast. As a general rule of thumb—think about ownership if you plan to rent for 8+ months or if you are planning to rent the machine repeatedly over the next few years.
2. If you want full access to it
When you rent, you have to deal with availability, scheduling, and return deadlines. If you want to use a Bobcat E10 whenever you need it, start looking at ownership.
3. If you work inside
If you mostly do interior demolition jobs and you’ve decided that you want full and frequent access to a 1-ton excavator, it might be worth your time to check out the Bobcat E10e. This electric mini excavator can be really helpful if you’re dealing with noise or emissions restrictions. No gas, no fumes, no problem.
Available 1-Ton Mini Excavator Rentals
If you’re ready to rent a 1-ton mini excavator, give our Rental team a call! They know their equipment and can help you find the right machine and attachments for your needs.
