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If you’re a homeowner or small‑acreage owner looking for a compact excavator that fits through gates, is easy to run, and still packs real digging power, the John Deere 17P is built for you. At The Backyard, we walk you through this machine hands-on—so you know exactly what you’re getting before you ever put it to work.
At The Backyard, we get one question all the time: “What’s the best excavator for jobs around my property without jumping into something oversized?”That’s where the John Deere 17P mini excavator shines.
In this video, Muire Jones walks through why the 17P is one of our go‑to machines for homeowners, property managers, and first‑time excavator users. Let’s dig into the highlights (pun fully intended).
The 17P is compact, capable, and surprisingly flexible for its size. It delivers the performance you need without overwhelming you with complexity.
Key specs homeowners care about:
This machine is right at home in backyards, fence lines, and side yards where space matters.
The John Deere 17P is the only John Deere excavator with expandable and retractable tracks, and that’s a big deal.
Here’s why it matters:
For tight residential jobs, this feature alone saves time, frustration, and fence repairs.
Absolutely—and that’s intentional.
The engine compartment opens easily, giving you quick access to:
Inside the cab (or open station), operators can choose between SAE, ISO, or backhoe control patterns, which is huge for new users or anyone switching equipment. We also place helpful decals and visual guides so you’re never guessing which lever does what.
The 17P is built to grow with you.
Options include:
Need more reach? Add the long arm (with counterweights) and keep working comfortably.
Yes—and we’ll help you decide which makes the most sense.
At The Backyard, we offer:
Our team’s job isn’t to push you one direction—it’s to match the machine to the work you actually plan to do.
Because confidence saves time—and downtime costs money.
We invite you to come down, get in the seat, and learn the controls before you ever start a project. Our team has hands-on experience with this equipment, and our technicians know exactly how it performs in real-world conditions.
That’s how we help customers avoid:
Yes. With selectable control patterns and clear operating guides, it’s one of the most user-friendly mini excavators we offer.
Most likely. With tracks retracted, it fits through gates as narrow as 51 inches.
No. The easy pin‑release bucket system allows quick changes without tools.
Absolutely. We encourage hands-on demos so you’re comfortable and confident before making a decision.
If you’re curious whether the John Deere 17P is the right fit for your next backyard project, watch the video and come see us at The Backyard. We’ll help you get comfortable, get informed, and get digging the right way. 🌱
