Portable excavators for remote application

Our
Machines and Services

  • The CanDig CD21M

    At only 1500 lbs. the portable CanDig CD21M can be easily and conveniently hauled in one load with an AStar helicopter. The load is naturally balanced with 3 convenient tow points to attach slings. When you set the excavator down, it is ready to go to work with no nearby fuel station (or slip tank) required, as it only uses about 1,5 Gallons of gasoline on a full working day. Compared to conventional tracked excavators, our portable mini excavators are more stable and much safer to use on remote and hard to access sites with minimal to no ground disturbance. Its low center of gravity and adaptable stabilizers make it easier to crawl up or down steep slopes (up to 30%) and dig on uneven ground more safely as well as pass over sensitive environmental areas without causing damage or get stuck. It is capable of digging 8 ft. deep with a bucket break out force of 3600 lbs into the toughest of ground conditions, ranging from hard-pan clay to excavating large boulders that weigh up to a ton.

    It’s optional to get it towed, using the tow bar (included), into areas using a quad (ATV) which makes it ideal for off-grid properties and back country hunting & fishing camps.

    Man-made in British Columbia, Canada.

    Shipped worldwide.

  • Price List Add-ons

    Price List & Add-ons

    The new CanDig CD21M is currently priced at CAD $29,500+tax,and comes with a toolbox on the back and additional tow bar. A user-friendly manual is included.

    The toolbox can be filled with all the necessary tools needed to work on every part of the machine. When working with helicopters, we can help you on keeping weight and efficiency in mind.

    It is advised to carry spare parts when going into remote settings. We can provide an Action Packer filled with all the spare parts you might need, derived from our own hard-won experience. From hydraulic cylinders down to the grease nipples, we will have you covered for an additional CAD $3500+tax

    NOTE: All funds are in CAD dollars.

    For purchasing a CD21M we require a 50% down payment with the remaining 50% paid prior to shipping.

    For parts, payment in full prior to shipping.

    Shipping costs are not included and are the responsibility of the buyer.

    All costs associated with customs brokerage, tariffs, duties, levies and other charges are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

  • Parts & services

    Parts & services Worldwide

    At CanDig Inc. we have a ‘Can Do’ approach and we are aware of the costs associated with equipment failure and consequent downtime. The value of our machines is in the design to eliminate that to an absolute minimum and empower the operator to troubleshoot and repair safely and efficiently, onsite, without any mechanical background if need be. Paired with excellent customer service we will do our absolute best to keep your machine working for you.

    We ship our readily available, quality parts worldwide.

    Contracting:

    CanDig Ltd. provides low-impact excavating for hard to access and/or environmentally sensitive landscapes coupled with horticultural technical services through our company kpearthworks.com.

    Per request and for a negotiable fee, we are willing to provide a demonstration of a heli-sling procedure and basic operational training for the CanDig CD21M at a location/ site of your choice.

  • Specifications

    -13 Horse power (Honda GX390)

    -Weight (with fluids and stocked toolbox) 1500 pounds/ 680 kg

    -Break-out force (of bucket) 3600 pounds

    -Digging depth 8 ft

    -Reach height 10 ft

    -Loading Height 5 ft

    -Reach 10 ft

    -Lateral swing (45 degrees both directions) 90 degrees

    -Operating pressure 2100 psi

    -Hydraulic Oil tank 4.5 gallons

    -Pump 6 gpm

    -Hydraulic power to bucket, boom, swing & stick. Drags itself Hydraulically

Durable and resilient

Our Story

Our mission: Steeped in our love for wilderness and with first hand knowledge of what it takes to operate this machine and function in extreme remote settings, we know you have to be ready going in and leave nothing to chance. We will continue to improve the durable and reliable CanDig CD21M at every turn while promoting Canadian manufacturing, engaging our local communities and enhance their economies.

Gordon Leschyson
Founder & Designer

Gordon Leschyson raised the standards for remote utility machinery by founding and designing CanDig equipment. Growing up on a trapline in the Yukon Territory, he learned early on that equipment reliability is paramount in remote environments.

Through firsthand experience managing logistics where machinery can only be transported via helicopter, Gordon engineered the CanDig line with a strict focus on dependability. His background working alongside prospectors provided deep insights into the extreme conditions operators face. Consequently, CanDig mini excavators are specifically engineered to operate safely and reliably in the world's most rugged and mountainous terrains.

Robby van der Laan
Operations & Development

Robby van der Laan discovered the capabilities of the CanDig CD21M while working as a line cutter for Tao Henderson’s gold exploration outfit in Dawson City, Yukon, who introduced custom feature enhancements and structural reinforcements designed specifically to optimize helicopter lifting capacity and maximize job-site resilience.

Recognizing the machine's immense potential, Robby deployed these specialized machines across British Columbia’s most challenging terrains with CanDig equipment supporting critical operations in mineral exploration, avalanche control, heli-ski lodges, hydro projects, and backcountry cabin construction. By continuously proving their value in high-stakes environments, Robby is expanding the applications of the CanDig product line and driving the brand’s manufacturing into its next chapter of innovation.

With Corporate Headquarters located in Salmo, British Columbia, Canada, CANDIG is a “Made In Canada” product. Incorporated in 2001, CANDIG Inc. is the result of years of research, development and product testing.

CANDIG.Inc works extensively with Community Futures Development.

Testimonials

  • "We needed a small excavator that could be used for mineral exploration that was helicopter portable. The CANDIG CD21M appeared to be the best one as it was the lightest and had already proven its worth as a trenching machine. It was instrumental in the White Gold discovery of Underworld Resources in the Yukon."

    Shawn Ryan, Ryanwood Exploration Inc. Yukon

  • "The CANDIG CD21M truly has advanced the exploration industry into the 21st Century through its innovative, uncomplicated design. It will remain the humble hero, in my mind, for all the investment and jobs it will have helped create in the Canadian industry. "

    Michael Renning, Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

  • “As a horse ranch owner, I must say I have never seen such a great, labour-saving machine as my CanDig CD21M, mini excavator. It never let us down in the 16 years of ownership. And my drainage problems are now a thing of the past. Well made, Canadian product. Has served us well on our ranch.”

    Jim Temple, Cooks Creek, MB.

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