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Deal.ai › Compare

MEC10 Mini Excavator vs MechMaxx MEC10 Mini Excavator

These are the same 1-ton class MEC10 excavator with different engines. The Honda GX390 in A is the known quantity: 11.7 hp, a huge parts and service network, and 73 owner ratings that consistently praise the hydraulics and easy operation. B's Vanguard 408cc claims 14 hp and adds pilot-operated control levers, but it has only 10 ratings and no track record. Buy A for proven reliability and resale; buy B only if you want the extra power and smoother pilot controls and accept the unknown.

  • Choose the Honda GX390 MEC10 if you want the engine every small-engine shop can service and a machine with a long, consistent owner record.
  • Choose the Vanguard MEC10 if the higher claimed horsepower and pilot-operated levers matter more to you than a proven service network.

Prices

  • MEC10 Mini Excavator: $8,699.00 at Pittsburgh Spray Equipment Company (last seen Nov 13)
  • MechMaxx MEC10 Mini Excavator: $9,699.00 at MechMaxx (last seen Nov 11)
  • Difference: the MEC10 Mini Excavator is $1,000.00 cheaper than the MechMaxx MEC10 Mini Excavator at the latest prices (Nov 11 and Nov 13)
M
Mini Compact Excavator HONDA GX390 Engine, 65.7" Max. Digging Depth, 1Ton, 2280 LBS Operating Weight, MEC10

MEC10 Mini Excavator

Mini Compact Excavator HONDA GX390 Engine, 65.7" Max. Digging Depth, 1Ton, 2280 LBS Operating Weight, MEC10

4.9(73 ratings)
$8,699.00at Pittsburgh Spray Equipment CompanyChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Pittsburgh Spray Equipment Company
Pros
  • Honda GX390 is easy to service and parts are widely available
  • Long owner record with consistent praise for hydraulics and ease of use
  • Electric start and recoil backup
  • Fits a 37-inch chassis through gates and alleys
Cons
  • Tracks at roughly 1.5 mph
  • Seat base metal gets hot
  • Canopy is too tall for a standard garage door
  • Feels unstable carrying loads on slopes
M
Mini Compact Excavator B&S VANGUARD 408cc 14hp Engine, 65.7" Max. Digging Depth, 1 Ton, 2370 LBS Operating Weight, MEC10

MechMaxx MEC10 Mini Excavator

Mini Compact Excavator B&S VANGUARD 408cc 14hp Engine, 65.7" Max. Digging Depth, 1 Ton, 2370 LBS Operating Weight, MEC10

4.9(10 ratings)
$9,699.00at MechMaxxChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit MechMaxx
Pros
  • 14 hp from a larger 408 cc engine
  • Pilot-operated levers reduce operator fatigue
  • Hydraulics set up for high-flow attachments
  • Same compact 1-ton footprint and digging depth
Cons
  • Only 10 ratings, so reliability is unproven
  • Vanguard parts and service are less common than Honda
  • Heavier machine with no gain in digging depth
  • Same slow travel speed and tall canopy as A

What separates them

MEC10 Mini ExcavatorMechMaxx MEC10 Mini Excavator
EngineHonda GX390, 389 cc, 11.7 hp, digital CDIB&S Vanguard 408 cc, 14 hp, 8.3:1 compression
Engine reputation and partsHonda GX is widely serviced; parts are everywhereVanguard is solid but less common in small excavators
ControlsStandard lever controlsPilot-operated levers for smoother, lighter handling
Operating weight2,280 lb2,370 lb, slightly heavier
Digging depth and radius65.7 in depth, 119 in ground radius65.7 in depth, 118.7 in ground radius
Hydraulic attachments5.7 gal/min auxiliary flow, hydraulic thumbEnhanced hydraulics for high-flow augers and mulchers, thumb included
Owner feedback73 ratings; praised for power, hydraulics and ease of use10 ratings; too few to judge
Known complaintsSlow tracks, hot seat base, tall canopy, slope stabilitySame chassis, so the same track speed and canopy limits

Price history

  • MEC10 Mini Excavator: lowest $8,699.00 on Nov 13 at Pittsburgh Spray Equipment Company.

Prices at every store

MEC10 Mini Excavator

  • Pittsburgh Spray Equipment CompanyNew

    In stock

    $8,699.00+ $8.50 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Pittsburgh Spray Equipment Company
  • MechMaxxNew

    In stock

    $9,299.00Free shippingChecked Nov 11
    Visit MechMaxx
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $8,799.00Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • UnionBuilt Supply Co.Check price at UnionBuilt Supply Co.
  • MechMaxxCheck price at MechMaxx

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All 3 stores and price history →

MechMaxx MEC10 Mini Excavator

  • MechMaxxNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $9,699.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit MechMaxx
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecMEC10 Mini ExcavatorMechMaxx MEC10 Mini Excavator
Fuel tank capacity6.4 U.S. qts (6.1 liters)5.74
Oil capacity1.16 US qt (1.1 L)32.0
Engine typeAir-cooled 4-stroke OHV—
Displacement389 cm3—
Net power output11.7 hp (8.7 kW) @ 3,600 rpm—
Net torque19.5 lb-ft (26.5 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm—
Ignition systemDigital CDI with variable timing—
Starting systemRecoil/electric—
Dry weight69 lb (31.5 kg)—
Length16.0" (407 mm)—
Width19.1" (485 mm)—
Height17.7" (449 mm)—
Show all 22 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMEC10 Mini ExcavatorMechMaxx MEC10 Mini Excavator
Engine horsepower—14.0
Engine displacement—408
Number of cylinders—1
Fuel type—Gasoline
Engine configuration—Horizontal
Bore—3.46
Stroke—2.64
Compression ratio—8.3:1
Engine weight—78.0
Engine length—

What reviewers say

MEC10 Mini Excavator

  • 4.9 / 573 ratings

Owners rate it highly and describe a well-built machine for its size, with a strong Honda engine and hydraulics that break in nicely. First-time operators say it is easy to run and saves hours over hand digging. Complaints center on slow travel, heat near the seat and stability on slopes.

What people mention
  • Engine powerPraisedOwners say the Honda GX390 has ample power and often runs well at half throttle.
  • HydraulicsPraisedBuyers report strong hydraulics that break in nicely with use.
  • Ease of usePraisedFirst-time excavator users find it easy to operate.
  • Travel speedCriticisedOwners note it tracks at only about 1.5 mph.

MechMaxx MEC10 Mini Excavator

  • 4.9 / 510 ratings

With a 4.9 out of 5 average across 10 ratings, owners are positive about the MEC10's digging capability and control for its size. Feedback centers on the smooth joysticks and the convenience of the hydraulic thumb.

What people mention
  • ControlsPraisedOwners say the pilot-operated levers are smooth and precise over long sessions.
  • Digging depthPraisedReviewers report the 65.7-inch depth and long reach handle trenching and planting jobs well.
  • Hydraulic thumbPraisedThe seat-adjustable thumb is called useful for grabbing brush and debris.
  • AttachmentsCriticised

Questions and answers

Which is better for digging in a backyard?
Both dig to 65.7 inches and fit through a 37-inch gap, so they are equal in tight spaces. A has the proven hydraulic record; B's pilot levers are easier on the operator over long days.
Is the Vanguard engine as reliable as the Honda?
The Honda GX390 has decades of use in equipment and parts are everywhere. The Vanguard is a respected engine, but few owners have logged hours on it in this excavator, so A is the safer bet.
Does the extra horsepower in B make it dig faster?
Not much. Hydraulic flow and digging forces set the pace, and both machines share the same chassis and 65.7-inch depth. B's 14 hp mainly helps with high-flow attachments.
Which holds its value better?
The Honda-powered model is the better-known combination, which usually means easier resale. B's pilot controls are a plus, but the thin owner record makes it harder to value.
Is B worth stepping up to over A?
Only if you plan to run augers or mulchers and want the smoother pilot levers. For general digging, A's proven engine and service network outweigh B's extra power.
Do both have a hydraulic thumb?
Yes. Both include a hydraulic thumb adjustable from the operator's seat, and both rotate 360 degrees.

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More comparisons

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14.3
Buyers note that augers, rippers and mulcher heads are not included and add to the cost.