Mini Excavator Mods

The upgrades owners of mini excavators make most often: what each one fixes, what it involves and what to check first.

Operator comfort

EasySeat upgradeSwap the thin factory seat for a padded or suspension seat with a lap belt.EasyOperator cooling fanAdd a 12 V fan to move engine heat and fumes away from the seat.ModerateExhaust extensionRedirect an exhaust that blows toward the operator or under the canopy.ModerateCanopy & sun shadeAdd a roof or shade to a roll-bar machine without weakening the frame.

Fuel & engine

ModerateFuel tank relocation & extra capacityMove a hard-to-reach tank or add capacity so you refuel less often.EasyFuel filter & water separatorAdd filtration ahead of the engine to catch water and tank debris.EasyAir intake pre-cleanerExtend air filter life on dusty sites.EasyHour meter & tachometerTrack engine hours so services happen on time.EasyBattery isolator switchCut power when parked to stop battery drain and deter tampering.

Hydraulics

ModeratePilot control hose upgrade & re-routingReplace weeping or chafed pilot hoses, re-route them and label each line.EasyBoom hose guardsProtect exposed boom and arm hoses from rocks and rubbing.InvolvedAuxiliary hydraulic linesPlumb or extend auxiliary lines to run a hammer, auger or tilt bucket.InvolvedThumbAdd a mechanical or hydraulic thumb to pick up rocks, logs and debris.ModerateQuick hitchSwap buckets and attachments in minutes instead of driving pins.

Electrical & lighting

EasyLED work lightsAdd work lights for early starts, late finishes and dark sheds.ModerateWiring & connector clean-upSeal, secure and fuse a basic factory harness.

Wear parts & digging

ModeratePins, bushes & grease pointsTake the slop out of a worn arm and keep it tight.EasyBucket teeth & cutting edgesReplace worn teeth or add side cutters and a bolt-on edge.

Before you modify

Changes to the roll-over or falling-object protection structure can void its rating. Do not drill or weld a rated canopy or frame.
Hydraulic lines hold pressure after shut-down. Lower the boom and bucket and cycle the controls before opening any fitting.
Modifications can affect warranty, insurance and whether the machine is accepted on commercial sites.
Check the operator manual for your model, and have structural or hydraulic work checked by a qualified person.