Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8115t7GSAEY (13 min)

Two Rippa R32-5 excavators sit side by side at our Boyd, Texas dealership, built a couple of months apart (plate dates of March and May 2026). Mike compares them, and the news is the cab. The machines are about 92% the same mechanically, but the cab is much improved in the newer one.

WHAT CHANGED IN THE NEWER CAB

- It's wider than the R32-3 cab by roughly 6.5 to 7 inches, with more room for taller operators (Mike is 6'1").

- A latch you can reach from the seat to open the door, so you don't have to climb out and push a button.

- More room in the engine compartment for service.

- A big single piece of front glass, large hinges, bigger vents and fans, and better air conditioning airflow.

- A cleaner look overall.

Mike's advice: if both machines are the same price, choose the newer cab. Wondering which R32 you're looking at? Call 817-382-3201 and we'll check the build date for you.

Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX2FDr3Xa4c (6 min)

Mike shows the refreshed Rippa R15 with the optional enclosed cab. Both the R15 and R18 are available with or without a cab.

THE CAB

- Roughly the same size as the R22 cab, and in Mike's opinion the cab is very well made. It sits nearly edge to edge with the body when the tracks are fully extended.

- Two mirrors, adjustable LED lights, a big glass door, a safety light on top, a fan, windshield wiper, a roof window you can open for venting, a dome light and a fire extinguisher with a glass breaker.

- There is no air conditioning, because the engine is too small to support it.

- The door doesn't have a positive latch like on other machines. It is spring-loaded and keeps pushing toward the closed position. Mike calls that a minor annoyance and notes the spring may eventually need replacing.

- It's easy to remove: unscrew four to six bolts and disconnect a couple of electrical plugs. Lift eyes on top let you use a hoist, much like removing the top of a Jeep.

- Fuel fill (diesel) is on the side.

Otherwise it's the same R15 owners know. See our video on the refreshed R15 features, including the ISO/SAE pattern switch.

Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6FcqmhvR9k (7 min)

Mike compares the Rippa R32 with an enclosed cab to the open-canopy version, to help you decide which fits your work.

WHAT'S THE SAME

- Everything except the cab. The front of the machine, controls and mechanical specs are identical.

- The open version has steel mesh at the front like the R18, and the seat is different. If you buy the cab version and want to swap seats, the seat can be changed easily.

PRICE

- The no-cab machine costs less than the cab version, but not as much less as you might expect. Current pricing is on RippaUSASales.com, since prices can change.

UPDATES HE LIKES

- A better tie-down point matching the one on the R57.

- A computer rated as water-resistant. Rippa tested it with a water hose for 30 minutes, and the same computer is used on the RS06-3.

Not sure which to choose? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com and we'll talk through your jobs. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.