Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3krjaliJZhU (9 min)

The Rippa R13 is a very small excavator, and that is exactly its use case. Mike gives a walk-around of the R13 at our Boyd, Texas dealership.

HIGHLIGHTS

- Very narrow: about 29 inches wide at the outside edge of the tracks when retracted, which is what you need for tight gates and spaces.

- Steel tracks with rubber inserts, for extra traction on such a narrow machine. Steel tracks cost much more than rubber.

- True two-speed drive motors. Four hydraulic lines run to the motors, unlike the R10, which has only two.

- Engine: a Kubota D722 (the R10 uses a Z-series Kubota engine).

- Controls: unlike our other excavators, both pilot joysticks are activated by the safety levers, with a push-and-turn button for swing boom.

- A plastic roof instead of metal, which Mike likes because metal roofs vibrate, and a handy mirror.

- Service points: coolant, dipstick, battery shut-off, and a water separator that may be a bit tight to reach.

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=gVLV9ilHcqg (17 min)

Mike parks the three smallest Rippa mini excavators side by side to answer a common question: which one should you buy?

R10

- The entry-level machine. It has a manual quick-attach coupler and very long tracks.

R13

- Very narrow, so it is the one to pick if you need to get through a gap about 30 inches wide.

- Powerful for its small footprint, with true two-speed drive motors.

- The tradeoff is cab room: it is tight inside. The rubber track inserts can be removed if you need extra clearance.

R15

- The one Mike recommends for most buyers.

- A roomier operator area, much wider tracks than the R13 (roughly 7 to 9 inches), and a hydraulic quick attach.

WHAT THEY SHARE

- About the same digging depth (the R10, R13 and R15 can reach deeper with a boom extension).

- The same hydraulic thumb, an adjustable chassis and a hydraulic swing boom.

Need help choosing? 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=nvL145oca6A (3 min)

A customer stopped by the shop and was surprised to see a brand-new Rippa R13 mini excavator partly torn apart. Mike explains why that's exactly what you want to see: it's what we do with every machine we sell, whether it's a mini skid steer, forklift, excavator or telehandler.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CHECK

- We test hydraulic pressure and make adjustments. On this R13, the target is around 2,600 PSI, and we work through the adjustment and any suspect valves until it's right.

- Every machine goes through our two-page pre-delivery checklist.

- Mike is candid that no dealer can take a whole machine apart, and an issue can still show up later, which is part of why our warranty and service support matter.

The point: buy from a dealer who inspects what they sell. Rippa dealers like us, and our partners, do this before the machine leaves. Questions? Call 817-382-3201.

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=9hAIg-t65ew (5 min)

Mike, Jake and Dakota show off the new Rippa excavator cover on an R13.

KEY FEATURES

- One size fits 1 to 3 ton excavators, so it covers any open-cab machine. The R22 doesn't really need it since it has a cab (at least the ones we sell).

- Rippa branding on the sides and the "start owning, stop renting" slogan along the bottom.

- Zippers on each side let you open it up. Roll the sides up and secure them with the built-in tie-downs.

- Fully covered, and water won't get in. Windows on the other sides and at the front can be raised.

TIPS

- It's very long, which is great for coverage, but don't operate the machine with the sides down, since the cover could snag in the tracks.

- Mike would like grommets added for bungee tie-downs in high wind. Until then, strap it down however works 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.