Skid Steer vs. MT100 vs. Mini Excavator Our Guide to Success!!

Our Guide to Choosing the Right Machine plus attachments!!!

RINO Rents, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Fishers…

If you are staring at an overgrown yard, pile of stumps, or a bumpy driveway, and thinking, “What machine do I need?”. Then this guide is for you. Below is a fast decision flow, and comparison to assist in the process of selecting the right machine and attachments so that you can book with confidence and get pro results while saving money.

The 60-second Decision Flow

1) How tight is the access? 

a. Less than 28” wide →  If you have spaces tighter than 44” our Dingo Mini Skid Steer is another alterative that can fit in access points less than 28” wide!!!

b. Less than 44” wide →  In tight spaces less than 5’ the Mini Skid Steer is a great option and it can handle several attachments. 

c. More than 6’ wide → On larger jobsites our compact track loader can achieve quick results with speed and power.

2) What task are you attempting to complete?

Digging/trenching/fence posts → Mini Excavator (holes & trench lines), or MT100 with auger for tight yards.

Pushing, grading, moving material → Skid Steer (power + speed) or MT100 for small loads/tight spots.

Brush/stumps/clearing → Mini Excavator with brush head or Skid Steer with brush cutter; MT100 for light clearing and stump grinding in tight access.

Surface sensitivity?

Finished lawn/soft ground → Tracks (MT100, tracked skid steer, or mini ex) + consider ground mats.

Gravel/construction surface → Skid steer or mini ex—full power.

We are here to help: I you are unsure please call and we can help you!

Attachment Pairings That Multiply Productivity

Brush & Overgrowth

Large open areas: Skid Steer + Virnig brush cutter

Edges, ditches, tree lines: Mini Excavator + brush head (reach matters)

Backyard gates/tight paths: MT100 + light brush cutter or string trimmer head

Stumps

Tight backyards: MT100 + Fecon mini-skid stump grinder

Stumps near fences/landscaping: Mini Excavator with thumb (pop and pull if roots allow), or grinder if safer

Multiple stumps in open lot: Skid Steer + grinder for speed (where access allows)

Grading & Driveways

Re-crown gravel, spread material: Skid Steer + Harley rake / 6-in-1 bucket

Small patio pads/landscaping beds: MT100 + bucket + level-board

Ditch lines/culverts: Mini Excavator with ditching bucket

Holes, Fences & Footings

Tight yard, many posts: MT100 + Auger (bit sizes to suit)

Farm/perimeter lines: Skid Steer + Auger (faster carry & repositioning)

Footers/utility stubs: Mini Excavator (precise depth/alignment)

Light Demo / Breaking

Concrete pads/stoops: Skid Steer + breaker

Trench rock or utility tie-ins: Mini Excavator + breaker

Tight work around structures: MT100 + breaker for surgical taps

Real-World Scenarios

1. “I’ve got a 36-inch gate, two stumps, and a bumpy side yard.”
→ MT100 + Fecon stump grinder + bucket. If adding fence posts, throw in the auger.

2. “¼-acre of waist-high brush behind my fence.”
→ If access allows: Skid Steer + Virnig brush cutter.
Tight access or steep edges? Mini Excavator + brush head.

3. “Driveway washboards and new gravel arriving Saturday.”
→ Skid Steer + Harley rake (grade and finish), plus bucket for spreading.

4. “50 fence posts and light roots in clay.”
→ Skid Steer + Auger (speed between holes).
Tight spaces? MT100 + Auger.

5. “French drain from downspouts to the curb.”
→ Mini Excavator with narrow trench bucket, plus 811 locatebefore digging.

How to Choose Bit Sizes, Cutter Widths & Extras (fast math)

· Auger bits: 6–12″ for most fences; 18–24″ for tree holes/footers. 24” for large tree plantings.

· Brush cutter width: Match to machine & access. Wider = faster in open areas; narrower for gates.

What You’ll Get from RINO Rents

· Right-sized machine + attachments (we’ll confirm access and use case before delivery).

· Clean, pro-maintained equipment with simple start-up guides.

· On-time delivery windows across Indy, Carmel, Westfield, Fishers.

· Text support: Send pics/measurements; we’ll recommend in minutes.

· Transparent pricing(daily/weekly/monthly) with clear add-ons for attachments, delivery, fuel, and cleaning.

Booking Checklist

• Gate width / narrowest path measured
• Photos of work area (and obstacles)
• Primary task + attachment(s) chosen
• Dump/stockpile location decided
• Call 811 if digging
• Delivery window selected

Ready to go?

     Call/Text: Mike @ 317-868 4993
    Email: mike@rinorents.com 

Tell us: gate width, photos, and the job you’re doing…we’ll spec the machine, lock delivery, and you’re set.