I purchased my Kubota excavator for the same reasons you are looking at Kubota 1) have a Kubota tractor 2) dealer support. If you said the same about Bobcat I would also agree with you. The sizes that would work for you are a couple but I would have to go with what I have a KX91-3. You might find it is a little overkill or too small. What I would do is go out and try a few different sizes first so you know what to look for. Once you know the size that will work for you then you can really start looking. Nothing worse than to buy the wrong machine for the job /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif . The amount of hours really means little unless it is truly excessive. Some machines with no maintenance are worn out at 1000 hours and some with 3000 are good for many more. Myself if I was going to buy used I would like to be under 2000( if hours were my main concern) so it will still have good value when I am done with it. The price is still the main thing in the decision to purchase though. Remember the hour meter could be turned back if someone really wanted to. The big problem is the cost of repairs to these machines, tracks are $2300 cdn each from Kubota( have two new never used I will sell reasonable /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif),drive motors will set you back $5000 each, replacement cylinders can be $2500 each, anyhow you get the idea. The best thing to do is to take a person who knows these machines to go with you. If that is not possible take lots of pics and post them here for members opinions. The things to look at for example are tracks, sprockets, rollers, guides,coolant color-condition,looseness of arm- bucket to figure pin bushing wear, hydraulic leaks where and how many, overall condition of hoses lines etc and the bucket for wear and to help make a assessment of use ~ hours used. If you buy from a dealer try and get at least 30 days warranty. As far as other makes go I would only buy what you can easily get parts for. I owned a Daewoo and parts were not hard to get just time consuming and more expensive then common makes. With the high cost of repairing these machines a couple dollars saved can be spent real quick with just one repair. Any other questions just ask, my opinions are priced at what they are worth "nothing" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and I hand them out to whoever wants them.