Frequently asked questions

Our mini excavators cover operating weights from 660 kg to 3,371 kg. As a rule of thumb: for landscaping, drainage and work on tight plots the R06, R10 ECO or R13 PRO are enough. For foundations, sewer work and regular commercial use the R15 ECO, R18 PRO, R22 PRO and R32 PRO are the right choice.

In addition we offer the RS04, RS 06-2 and RS 07 skid loaders for loading and material handling, the RD06 dumper for moving material around the site, and the RL06 wheel loader.

The full technical data – operating weight, digging depth, digging radius, engine power and transport dimensions – can be found for every machine on its product page under “Specifications”.

The models differ above all in operating weight, engine, digging performance and equipment. The compact models run an air-cooled single-cylinder engine, the larger machines water-cooled multi-cylinder diesels.

Cab, armrest, quick coupler, air conditioning or counterweight are, depending on the model, standard, available as an option or not available at all. What your chosen machine comes with is listed in the specifications on its product page.

That depends on the model. Transport widths range from 747 mm on the R06 through 917 mm on the R10 ECO and 983 mm on the R15 ECO up to 1,550 mm on the R32 PRO.

For narrow access from about 80 cm the R06 and R10 ECO are the right choice. Measure the tightest point before you buy and compare it with the “Transport width (mm)” figure in the technical data.

Our range includes toothed and grading buckets, screening buckets, tilting buckets, grabs, augers, hydraulic breakers, rippers, pallet forks, crocodile shears, sweepers, mulchers, log splitters, snow blades and trenchers.

Attachments are model-specific – an auger for the R10 ECO does not fit an R22 PRO. That is why every attachment in the shop is clearly assigned to its machine range, for example “Screening bucket – R18 PRO”. In the attachments section simply pick your machine.

Yes. Rippa works with certified partner dealers across Europe that you can rely on – for advice, purchase, service and after-sales. Get in touch and we will name your nearest partner dealer. On request, we also deliver directly from our warehouse.

On private ground: no. If you use the excavator only on your own enclosed property, no licence and no operator card is required in Germany. A thorough introduction to the machine and reading the operating manual are nevertheless essential.

In commercial use: yes. On construction sites the German DGUV rules apply. Employees may only operate earthmoving machinery if they have been instructed, are practised and have been assigned in writing by the company. The usual proof is the “Baggerschein” under DGUV principle 301-005 – not an official driving licence but a certificate of competence, taught by training providers in one to five days.

In both cases: only persons aged 18 or over who are physically fit may operate the machine.

This information refers to Germany and is no substitute for legal advice. Other countries have different rules.

Mini excavators count as self-propelled working machines. Below a top speed of 20 km/h they do not require registration in Germany and need no number plate, but they do need an owner plate under section 64b of the StVZO.

In practice it is not an option anyway: our excavators travel at 1.5 to 4.5 km/h and run on tracks that damage asphalt. For the journey to site the machine belongs on a trailer or in a van.

Motor liability insurance is not compulsory for self-propelled working machines below 20 km/h. You still need cover: private liability policies often exclude damage caused by construction machinery.

Before the first job, check with your insurer whether the machine is covered. In commercial use it belongs in your business liability policy; for damage to the machine itself there are machinery breakdown and plant insurance policies.

Within the EU we normally deliver within 2 to 4 weeks. The exact time depends on the model, the equipment you choose and current availability.

Because we stock and assemble in Europe, the long waiting times of direct import from overseas do not apply. You can check the status of your order at any time with our customer service.

Delivery is by haulage on a transport frame to the address you give. Please make sure the access is passable for a lorry and that unloading is possible.

Check the machine for transport damage right at handover and note any visible damage on the consignment note – that makes any later claim far easier.

Yes. Collecting yourself saves the shipping cost and usually gets you the machine sooner. Choose your product and fill in our self-collection form – we will come back to you with the details of the nearest collection point and arrange a date.

What counts is the operating weight of the machine plus the unladen weight of the trailer. For orientation: RD06 473 kg, R06 660 kg, RS04 784 kg, R10 ECO 1,028 kg, R13 PRO 1,320 kg, RS 07 1,386 kg, R15 ECO 1,445 kg, RS 06-2 1,475 kg, RL06 1,620 kg, R18 PRO 1,818 kg, R22 PRO 2,439 kg, R32 PRO 3,371 kg.

With a category B licence the combination of towing vehicle and trailer must not exceed 3.5 t gross – enough for the small models on a light trailer. For heavier machines you need category BE or transport by haulage.

Secure the machine to VDI 2700 with adequately rated lashing straps in diagonal lashing, block the boom and dozer blade, and travel with the equipment lowered.

You will see the available payment methods at checkout – all options available for your order are shown there.

If you need a particular payment method, or want to order on account as a business, talk to us before placing the order.

We give two years of warranty on our machines from delivery.

This does not affect the statutory rights of consumers within the EU – they are not the same as a warranty but an additional right towards the seller.

Excluded from the warranty are normal wear parts and damage caused by improper operation, missing maintenance or overloading. In a warranty case contact our service with the model designation and your order number.

As a consumer in the EU you have a 14-day right of withdrawal from receipt of the goods – without giving reasons. Please contact us before sending anything back; we cannot accept unannounced returns.

The goods must be in the same condition in which you received them and, if possible, in the original packaging. The details are set out in our cancellation policy and terms and conditions.

Yes. We supply private customers as well as construction firms, landscapers, agriculture and forestry businesses and municipal depots. For larger quantities or recurring demand please contact us directly.

Yes. Spare parts supply is one of the reasons for our European warehouse – common wear and spare parts are available on site and do not have to be imported first.

Use our spare parts form and state your order number, the excavator model and the part you need. The more precise your details, the faster we can deliver.

Before every job: a visual check, checking the engine oil and hydraulic oil levels, and a look at hoses, fittings and track tension. Greasing the pins and bushings regularly extends the service life considerably.

The binding change intervals for engine oil, filters and hydraulic oil are given in the operating manual of your machine. The capacities are also listed in the technical data on the product page.

Contact our service – it is quickest with the model designation, your order number and a short description, ideally with a photo or video of the problem. Many faults can be settled over the phone that way.

Phone: +49 38872 149680 · Email: info@rippa-europe.com

Yes, we continue to expand our dealer network in Europe and award regional partnerships. As a partner you receive machines, attachments and spare parts at dealer terms, plus support with service and marketing. Get in touch through our dealer page or contact us directly.

Rippa Europe GmbH
Dorfplatz 1, 19217 Rehna OT Löwitz, Germany
Phone: +49 38872 149680
Email: info@rippa-europe.com

For enquiries about orders, spare parts or a dealer partnership please use our contact form – that way your enquiry reaches the right person directly.