A compact buffer having overload protection, comprising a buffer connected to a coupling, a mount (1) connected to a vehicle body, and a rotating shaft (2) connecting the buffer to the mount (1); the buffer comprises an elastic element (4), a buffer housing (3) accommodating the elastic element (4), and a protective cover (5) for bearing impact force located at the tail end of the buffer housing (3); the buffer housing (3) and the protective cover (5) are connected by means of an overload protection device (6). Use of the method which involves breaking the connection between a buffer housing and an elastic element enables the integration of an overload protection device and a coupling buffer.