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=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=3r5uszRDJ2Y (5 min)

People ask us daily what separates the R10 from the R15. Specs are on the website, so Mike focuses on the practical difference: comfort and body size.

COMFORT

- Mike is 6'1" and 250 lb. In the R10 there is very little room (about two inches behind his heel). He is fine for two to three hours, then wants out, though he's not claustrophobic and the seat is comfortable.

- In the R15 he could sit all day. There is a lot more room on the operator platform.

SIZE

- R10: a 1-metric-ton machine, about 2,150 lb. R15: a 1.5-metric-ton machine, about 3,100 lb.

- The R15 has slightly larger tracks. Digging depth is about the same, and the roof and rock cage are similar.

- The R10 has tabs for adding lights, and a work light is an easy add-on.

QUICK ATTACH

- The R15 has a hydraulic quick attach like our larger machines.

- The R10 has a manual quick attach, where you pull a silver knob to release it.

BOTTOM LINE

If you are larger, spend long days in the seat or want the hydraulic quick attach, step up to the R15. If space and budget matter most, the R10 is a capable little machine.

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.