Choosing Between Compact or Full-Size Equipment? Start With Your Goals.

You’ve seen (and maybe even used) both on the construction site. Compact and full-size machines both have a range of uses and come with their own list of benefits. Choosing one over the other is an important decision, but if you get it right, you’ll get the most out of your machines and increase productivity.  Knowing how to size the machine to fit the application depends on several factors — but ultimately, the right machine can help you get where you want to go, and help you stay unstoppable.

Let’s start with a little background on both.

What Is Classified as Heavy Equipment or Compact Equipment?

Full-Size Equipment at a Glance
Size: 30,000 lbs. and up
Common models: Excavators, backhoes, graders, loaders, pavers, feller bunchers, articulated trucks, pile driving machines.

Large machines (also known as heavy equipment) are all about power and efficiency. But they require more space to accommodate their size/weight, which can be an issue on smaller job sites. However, larger machines can be easier to maintain. Bigger equipment has more room inside the machine to allow for easy access to maintenance areas, unlike small machines which have smaller doors, smaller cabs, and smaller access points. The lack of space for maintenance could lead to extra downtime while you wait.

Compact Equipment at a Glance
Size: Up to 12,000 lbs.
Common models: Track loaders and skid steers, articulated loaders, compact excavators, and compact telehandlers.

Compact construction equipment is all about precision and accuracy — think the difference between an axe and a scalpel. Their compact size allows them to easily move around obstacles and work in tight spots. Most can be hauled using Class 1 or 2 trucks, which don’t always require a Commercial Driver’s License, making them easier to transport — but always check with your local DMV. Small construction equipment is also easier to store, thanks to its size.

Choosing Between Compact Equipment and Full-Size Equipment

Compact and full-size equipment used to be a completely different ball game. Compacts were cramped machines where operators felt like an afterthought, while heavy equipment had all the perks: AC/heating, Bluetooth for comms and music, ergonomic seating and controls, and glare-resistant glass. But with modern compacts stepping up their comfort game, they now offer many of the same features. So, how do you know whether a compact or a full-size is right for you? It could be a segment-driven decision.

Compact Vs Full-Size Equipment: A Segment-By-Segment Breakdown

Landscaping/Hardscaping

Compact construction equipment is typically the first choice for landscapers and hardscapers doing high-end work where a bigger machine would tear up the property. Compact machines are also a perfect fit for digging trenches and moving soil, granular, sand, and other materials in tight spaces.

Recently, there’s also been growth in compact machines in the private sector. More and more affluent people are purchasing the machines for personal use on larger properties to maintain pathways, patios etc.

Water/Utility/Electrical

Compact is favored by contractors specializing in utility work, who don’t need a huge machine or couldn’t fit a huge machine into spaces where they’re digging for electrical or water lines.

Forestry

The lower operating weight of compact forestry equipment is a bonus when operating in excessively muddy, wet, rugged conditions. It helps ensure that you don’t get stuck, which would result in costly downtime, and helps ensure that you cause as little damage as possible. Compact is also the choice for arborist work, as well as reclaim and grinding.

Construction

Large contractors on a large project who want to keep everything in-house will usually invest in a compact machine. It’s a worthwhile investment over time if they’re doing lots of smaller work on big job sites since they don’t have to deal with the expense or hassle of subcontracting. Plus, compacts are easy to transport, making them a favorite among construction companies that handle multiple jobs at once and need to move machines between them.

Making The Jump from Compact to Full-Size Equipment

Compact machines can be great for smaller jobs or companies that are just starting out, but you may soon start taking on more extensive jobs. Being prepared to meet those demands head-on with the right machine is a great way to ensure nothing stands in your way. If you find yourself taking on bigger and bigger jobs, now may be the time to start looking to increase the size of your machinery. Different price points make this an investment for any individual or company –here’s what you need to consider before making it.

Consider Your Long-Term Goals

Start with an honest look at your vision. What are your future plans for yourself, or for your business? Are you hoping to grow your current business, or thinking about going out on your own soon? Once you have those goals in place, take a long, hard look at your finances. Do you have the financing in place to invest in a larger machine? And do you even need to? Compacts are more affordable, and you can charge out at an hourly rate that’s similar to what a large excavator makes. In the long run, you’re burning less fuel and making a smaller upfront investment, all while making roughly the same money. So, if your goal is to make money, compact is the way to go. If your goal is to grow your one-person operation into a larger company working on larger jobs, investing in a full-size piece of equipment will get you closer.

Consider Your Types of Work

The type of work you are doing is a huge factor in the size of equipment you need to be in.  If you love doing the type of work that requires a compact and can carve out that niche for yourself, you’re golden. But, if you’re considering buying the largest compact but are doing 50% or more earth work, it’s time to use a medium-sized excavator.

Consider Your Travel Distance

Sizing the machine correctly to the distance ends up saving you both time and money in the long run. Will your excavator be moving around job sites? If it’s never leaving the pit, go for the power and bucket of full-size. If you want to do multiple jobs at once, a compact machine can easily be towed behind a pick-up truck, which means you can take on more bids. When thinking about travel distance, it’s key to consider upfront investment versus actual cost.

Here’s a quick case study. A compact wheel loader can move material across a job site, or you could go with a full-size articulated haul truck. The haul truck has a much higher upfront cost, clocking in at half a million dollars to purchase or $13,000/month to rent. But it will move thirty tons in one move, compared to the wheel loader that is only doing 3-5 yards at a time. It comes down to doing fewer trips carrying a large amount, or lots of trips with a smaller amount. When you consider the fuel and the wear on the machine that comes with making more trips in that compact, it works out to be more financially savvy to make the upfront investment on the articulated haul truck.

Consider Your Budget

It’s not just the sticker price you have to consider when thinking about budget.

Large machines are more expensive and require oversized trailers and storage spaces, as well as operators with specific experience in large machines. This might mean you have to do some hiring. Do you have the time and the money to not only expand your fleet but your team? Also, ask yourself if you have the capital to properly maintain, transport, and store a large machine.

Full-size equipment is more expensive upfront, but choosing a machine that’s too small to get the job done can cause you to miss deadlines, meaning the only thing you’ll be digging into is your bottom line. If you don’t have the budget for a large machine but need one, you can always consider renting instead of buying.

Consider Renting over Buying

When deciding whether to rent or buy, start with how often you’ll be using the machine. Is this an every once and a while job, or do you see more of them in your future? If you’re only going to use the machine less than 65% of the time, renting is likely your best bet. Also, make sure to consider all possible tax advantages and ROI when buying.

At Chadwick-BaRoss, we have a wide variety of machines available to rent. We even offer a rent-to-buy option if you’ve got growth plans in mind. If you’re still unsure which size of equipment is right for your job, contract, or future, we also have highly trained sales professionals who are here to help you find the right machine and the right process to make you unstoppable. Contact us to get started.