Head to head
Yanmar ViO20-6 vs Yanmar ViO38-6
The Yanmar ViO38-6 is the bigger machine by 1,450kg and digs 88cm (3ft) deeper.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Yanmar ViO38-6 is the bigger machine by 1,450kg.
- Dig depth: the Yanmar ViO38-6 digs 88cm (3ft) deeper.
- Engine power: the Yanmar ViO38-6 has 4kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Yanmar ViO20-6 | Yanmar ViO38-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 2,125 kg (4,685 lb) (rubber track, canopy) | 3575 kg (canopy) / 3695 kg (cabin) |
| Dig depth | 2,410 mm (94.9 in) (blade down) | 3290 mm / 3530mm* |
| Engine power | 15.0 kW (20.1 hp) at 2,400 rpm | 18.9 kW / 25.3 HP at 2200 rpm |
| Overall width | 1,380 mm (54.3 in) | - |
Sources: Yanmar ViO20-6, Yanmar ViO38-6. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the ViO20-6 if...
The Yanmar ViO20-6 steps up from the ViO17 into the roughly 2 tonne mini excavator class, still with Yanmar's true zero tail swing geometry for working in confined spaces. It competes with the Caterpillar 301.7 CR and similarly sized Kubota and Takeuchi machines for UK groundworks and utility hire jobs. Its fixed rather than variable undercarriage keeps the design simpler than some rivals, at the cost of not being able to narrow down for transport.
Full ViO20-6 specifications →Buy or hire the ViO38-6 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 1,450kg
- you want one that digs 88cm (3ft) deeper
- you want one that has 4kW more power
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 ViO20-6 and the Yanmar ViO38-6?
The Yanmar ViO38-6 is the bigger machine by 1,450kg and digs 88cm (3ft) deeper. The Yanmar ViO20-6 is a a 2.0-2.1 tonne true zero tail swing mini excavator; the Yanmar ViO38-6 is a 3.8 tonne zero tailswing mini excavator.
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