Head to head
Yanmar ViO17 vs Yanmar ViO38-6
The Yanmar ViO38-6 is the bigger machine by 1,745kg and has 9kW more power.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Yanmar ViO38-6 is the bigger machine by 1,745kg.
- Engine power: the Yanmar ViO38-6 has 9kW more power.
- Dig depth: the Yanmar ViO38-6 digs 88cm (3ft) deeper.
Specifications side by side
| Yanmar ViO17 | Yanmar ViO38-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 1,830 kg | 3575 kg (canopy) / 3695 kg (cabin) |
| Dig depth | 2,410 mm (blade lowered); 2,310 mm (blade lifted) | 3290 mm / 3530mm* |
| Engine power | 10.1 kW at 2,200 rpm | 18.9 kW / 25.3 HP at 2200 rpm |
Sources: Yanmar ViO17, Yanmar ViO38-6. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the ViO17 if...
The Yanmar ViO17 is a true zero tail swing mini excavator built for working tight to walls, fences and parked vehicles without the counterweight overhanging, a common requirement on UK residential and urban groundworks jobs. It sits in the same roughly 1.7-1.9 tonne hire class as the Takeuchi TB216 and Kubota KX019-4. Yanmar's compact equipment range is less widely stocked across UK hire fleets than Kubota or JCB, but it has a following among contractors who rate its digging force for its size.
Full ViO17 specifications →Buy or hire the ViO38-6 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 1,745kg
- you want one that has 9kW more power
- you want one that digs 88cm (3ft) deeper
A mid-size mini excavator for drainage, foundations and utility work where a 3 to 4 tonne machine is wanted with a short rear swing. Contractors and hire fleets use it on housing plots and roadside trenching.
Full ViO38-6 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Yanmar ViO17 and the Yanmar ViO38-6?
The Yanmar ViO38-6 is the bigger machine by 1,745kg and has 9kW more power. The Yanmar ViO17 is a a 1.8 tonne true zero tail swing mini excavator; the Yanmar ViO38-6 is a 3.8 tonne zero tailswing mini excavator.
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