Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zM6DCGNnao (9 min)

Recorded at the Rippa factory at the end of a long day of excavator talks, Mike from Rippa USA Sales walks up the line from the R10 to the R15 to the R18 and shows what changes from model to model.

HOW TO TELL THE MODELS APART

- Eco models: R10, R13 and R15. Pro models: R18, R22, R32, R57 and larger. Mike does not plan to carry the R13.

- The R10 shown was being redesigned and now comes standard with a roof.

- Every unit Mike brings in has a Kubota diesel engine. The R10 in this video happened to have the gas engine.

- Rippa is moving away from other engine brands and toward Kubota across its larger machines, with Briggs and Stratton staying on the smallest.

FEATURES WORTH A LOOK

- Extendable tracks: on the non cab models the tracks extend out, which makes the machine much more stable. Retract them to fit through gates.

- Hydraulic lockout: a handle or lever the machine will not start with when it is down, and with it up the hydraulics will not run. It is all about operator safety.

- Big thumb: the thumb is large and retracts all the way up against the boom, so it does not get in the way of the bucket when you scoop. When folded it also helps protect the cylinder, and the hydraulic lines are tucked in.

- R15: a steel cage, better roof, beacon light, and an option to remove the travel lever and operate forward and back with the foot pedals if you are tall and want more clearance.

- R18: beefier cage, more room in the cab, and bigger tracks.

- Track wings: all the models have wings behind the tracks that you can pin in or out. Even when folded back there is about 10 inches of room between the front of the track and the back, where many competitors have only 4 to 5 inches. More room means fewer rocks caught in the track, which can tear up the track as it ages.

- Protected drive motors: heavy steel protects the drive motors on the R10, R15 and R18, and counterweight gets bigger as you step up in size.

This video was recorded in July at the factory. Warranty terms, engines and features may have changed since, so check the machine pages and our warranty post for current details.

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.