My opinion hands down is the excavator. I have a BIG problem with the word Mini. I rented a small CAT last summer and it beat a hoe by a long shot! 360 degree swing is unbelieveable and there justa lot smoother to operate than a wheel hoe. Don't be to concerned bout driving on the lawn, it grows back! and quite fast too! I have found anydigging I do wether next to a foundation in the woods or what ever, it's an excavator for me. Also they dig faster and I think have more pwer too. mine had AC and was whisper quiet, after 15 or 20 hours straight you appreciate that a lot . Mini's as they call them also have blades which are very usefull and visibility is super cause you can swing the cab at angle for better sight. Also driving across open trenches is a snap with tracks, not so with wheels. Most of all enjoy what ever you choose and have some fun. . . .John