Bobcat E17 Mini Excavator

Introduction

The Bobcat E17 is a sub-2-tonne mini excavator built for one thing above all: working where bigger machines simply can’t go. With a hydraulically retractable undercarriage that narrows to about 39 inches, the E17 fits through standard gates, between buildings, and down narrow side yards — then expands to a wider, more stable stance once it’s in position. For acreage owners, landscapers, and contractors doing tight-access digging on the prairies, it’s the machine that turns “we can’t get equipment in there” into a finished job.

On Aglist, the value is in understanding exactly where the E17 fits in the compact excavator market, with real owner and operator feedback beside the spec sheet. The numbers tell you what it digs; the reviews tell you how it handles in confined quarters, how the controls feel over a long day, and whether the retractable undercarriage holds up to regular use. For tight-space work, the E17 competes directly with the smallest Kubota and other sub-2-tonne machines.

One thing worth understanding up front, because it shapes everything about how a mini excavator works in tight spaces: tail swing. The current-generation E17 is a zero-tail-swing machine with Bobcat’s in-track swing frame, which means the rear of the machine stays within the track width as it rotates. We explain why that matters below — it’s the single most important design feature on any excavator that works near walls and obstacles.

Configurations & Pricing Context

The E17 is part of Bobcat’s current compact excavator lineup, recently updated as a next-generation machine. It’s offered with a canopy or an optional enclosed cab — and for Canadian buyers doing year-round work, the enclosed cab with heat is the sensible choice. A folding dozer blade narrows to match the retracted undercarriage width for the tightest access.

The E17 uses a robust pin-on attachment system, with an optional pin-grabber coupler for faster attachment changes. For prairie work, it runs trenching and grading buckets, augers, and hydraulic breakers within its size class.

Pricing varies by configuration, attachments, and dealer. Because Dmytro has direct knowledge of Saskatchewan dealer and used pricing, we defer to local market figures over manufacturer-advertised numbers.

Key Specifications

Specification	Bobcat E17
Machine class	Mini excavator
Operating weight	~1,750 kg (3,860 lb)
Weight class	1.7 tonne
Tail swing	Zero tail swing / in-track swing frame
Undercarriage width (retracted)	~39 in (980 mm)
Undercarriage width (extended)	~53.5 in (1,360 mm)
Maximum dig depth	~7 ft 4 in (2.2 m)
Engine	Tier 4 diesel
Dozer blade	Folding (matches retracted width)
Attachment system	Pin-on (optional pin-grabber coupler)
Travel	Two-speed with auto-shift

Specifications are verified against Bobcat specification data and independent spec databases. The E17 was recently updated to a next-generation design; confirm exact figures for the specific machine, year, and option package with your dealer.

Understanding Tail Swing (Read This Before You Compare)

Tail swing is the most important design concept on any compact excavator, and it’s what separates a machine that can work tight against a wall from one that can’t.

Tail swing describes how far the rear of the machine — the counterweight and engine housing — extends past the tracks when the upper structure rotates. A conventional machine’s counterweight swings well past the tracks, which gives excellent stability but forces the operator to constantly watch the rear to avoid striking walls, fences, or obstacles. A zero-tail-swing (ZTS) machine like the current E17 keeps the rear within the track width through full rotation, so you can dig flush against a wall or in a trench beside a building without the back of the machine hitting anything.

The E17 takes this further with Bobcat’s in-track swing frame: when you dig in an offset position, the swing castings and cylinders also stay within the tracks, protecting the components and letting you work right up against an obstacle. For confined acreage work — digging beside a shop, along a fence line, between buildings — this is exactly the capability you want. The trade-off versus a conventional machine is typically slightly less lifting stability, but for tight-access work, zero tail swing wins.

Build & Engineering Detail

The E17 runs a Tier 4 diesel sized to its sub-2-tonne class, paired with a hydraulic system tuned for smooth, precise control in confined work. The current-generation machine uses a closed-center hydraulic system with a load-sensing pump, which delivers exactly the flow the work demands — improving multi-function operation so you can swing the boom while running an attachment smoothly.

The defining feature is the retractable undercarriage. Hydraulically narrowing to about 39 inches lets the E17 pass through gates and doorways that stop almost any other excavator; extending to about 53.5 inches gives a stable, capable digging stance. The folding dozer blade matches the retracted width, so the whole machine fits through the same narrow opening. For prairie operations with tight yard access, livestock buildings, or fenced areas, this is the E17’s core advantage.

Bobcat routes the hydraulic lines as steel through protected channels in the boom rather than exposed rubber hoses, reducing the risk of damage in tight, abrasive work. Daily maintenance points are grouped for easy access through the tailgate and side panels.

Best Applications

The E17 is a strong fit for:

• Tight-access digging — working through gates, between buildings, and in fenced areas where larger machines can’t reach.
• Landscaping and acreage work — trenching for irrigation or drainage, planting, grading, and material moving with minimal ground disturbance.
• Utility work near structures — digging beside foundations, shops, and walls where zero tail swing prevents damage.
• First-machine buyers who need genuine excavator capability in the most transportable, maneuverable package.

It is a light-duty machine by design — for deeper digging, heavier lifting, or higher-volume work, you’ll want to step up to a 2.5-to-4-tonne machine like the E26 or E32. But where access is the deciding constraint, the E17 does what bigger machines can’t.

How the E17 Fits the Bobcat Lineup

The E17 sits near the bottom of Bobcat’s compact excavator range by size — a true sub-2-tonne micro machine. Just above it, the conventional-tail-swing E19 offers more lifting stability in the same general size class, and the zero-tail-swing E20 adds reach and digging force. Stepping up further, the E26 and E32 move into genuine mid-size compact excavator capability. The E17’s role is clear: maximum access and transportability, for work where fitting in is the priority.

Bobcat E17 Reviews & Ratings

On Aglist, open the Reviews & Ratings section on this page to see how the E17 performs where it matters for a micro excavator: maneuverability and access in tight quarters, digging performance in its size class, control feel and operator comfort, and the durability of the retractable undercarriage. If you own an E17, your review helps the next prairie buyer judge whether this micro machine fits their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating weight of the Bobcat E17? About 1,750 kg (roughly 3,860 lb), placing it in the 1.7-tonne class. That light weight makes it easy to trailer behind a half-ton and maneuver in the tightest spaces.

Does the Bobcat E17 have zero tail swing? Yes — the current-generation E17 is a zero-tail-swing machine with Bobcat’s in-track swing frame, so the rear stays within the track width as it rotates. This lets you dig flush against walls and obstacles without the back of the machine striking anything.

How narrow can the Bobcat E17 get? Its hydraulically retractable undercarriage narrows to about 39 inches (980 mm) to pass through gates and doorways, then extends to about 53.5 inches (1,360 mm) for a stable digging stance. The folding dozer blade matches the retracted width.

How deep can the Bobcat E17 dig? Maximum dig depth is roughly 7 feet 4 inches (about 2.2 m), which suits trenching, drainage, and utility work for a machine of its size. Confirm the exact figure for the specific configuration with your dealer.

What can the Bobcat E17 be used for? Tight-access digging: trenching, landscaping, drainage and irrigation, planting, grading, and utility work near structures. Its specialty is fitting through gates and between buildings where larger excavators can’t go.

What attachments does the Bobcat E17 use? It uses a robust pin-on system (with an optional pin-grabber coupler) and runs trenching and grading buckets, augers, and hydraulic breakers scaled to its size class.

Should I buy an E17 or a larger excavator? If access through tight spaces is your deciding constraint, the E17 is the right choice. If you need deeper digging, heavier lifting, or higher volume, step up to a 2.5-to-4-tonne machine like the E26 or E32. Match the machine to where and what you’ll actually dig.

Is the Bobcat E17 good for cold-weather work? With the optional enclosed cab and heat, yes — it’s usable through prairie winters. Many micro excavators are run as canopy machines, but for year-round comfort the enclosed cab is worth specifying.

How does the E17 compare to the E19? The E17 is a zero-tail-swing machine for maximum tight-access capability; the E19 uses conventional tail swing for more lifting stability in a similar size class. Choose the E17 when working close to obstacles matters most, the E19 when lifting performance is the priority.

Related Models

• Compact & Mini Excavators — browse and compare excavators across all brands on Aglist.
• Bobcat E20 — a similar-size zero-tail-swing machine with more reach and digging force.
• Bobcat brand hub — explore the full Bobcat equipment lineup.