What to look for in a mini excavator

[galaxie428]

I have been looking around for a used excavator to use around my property and maybe a few odd jobs here and there. I was looking for something around the size of a 331or so.

I own a b/c compact tractor but have never used an excavator let alone know what to look for or be aware of when buying. I was hoping maybe some of you could give me some ideas on what to look for and what to stay away from.

Also, how many hours is getting to be too many for an excavator? I know this probably depends on several factors like maint/care and environment it was used in but generally, at what point does maint increase?

 

[yankeerider]

Some people will tell you to stay away from a Bobcat mini.

I recently added a Cat 303 to my stable, so I'm a newbie to mini-ex's. I searched a number of forums and concluded that I wanted something with low enough hours that if I sell it it will still have less than 3000 hours. That seemed to be the consensus on when the value drops tremendously. Under 1000 hours, sellers seem to think they're worth close to a new machine, or at least a good bit north of $20k.

I operated mine before buying, and was impressed by the smoothness of controls, reasonably tight pins, no signs of leaks, no indications of amateur repairs or maintenance. It had just under 1500 hours and while I wasn't thrilled with the condition of the rubber tracks, they will likely give me several years service at the frequency I'm able to use it.

Search machinerytrader.com to get an idea of prices. (That's where I found mine). I think Iron Planet will give you summaries of actual prices paid at auctions. For technical discussion, read through the compact excavator forum at heavyequipmentforums.com.

And you'll probably get more responses down on the Construction Equipment forum of TBN.

 

[atgreene]

I've had two Takeuchi's, and ran hundreds of hours on Kubota's and Bobcats.

I prefered the Taks over every machine I tried, just personal preference.

Whatever you buy look for service and don't hesitate to buy aftermarket parts. There are dealers out there that will sell you most everything you need from aftermarket suppliers. I've learned my lesson and buy everything I can from aftermarket.

As long as you can get parts, go with the machine that you prefer.

 

[galaxie428]

Thanks Yankeerider, I was beginning to wonder if I was going to get a response.

I think I have about decided to just go with a hoe on my CT230. While it does not have near the digging force a mini would have, it will probably be sufficient for what I will use it for. A mini would be another machine to maintain and more importantly pay for.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Pain Cow]

I've had two Takeuchi's, and ran hundreds of hours on Kubota's and Bobcats.

I prefered the Taks over every machine I tried, just personal preference.

Whatever you buy look for service and don't hesitate to buy aftermarket parts. There are dealers out there that will sell you most everything you need from aftermarket suppliers. I've learned my lesson and buy everything I can from aftermarket.

As long as you can get parts, go with the machine that you prefer.

Takeuchi for sure. If you like getting thrown around like a rag doll all day then get a bobcat. Takeuchi is the smoothest machine I've ever operated.

 

[some zilch]

id take a bobcat mini over any other mini. they are bullet proof little machines. some people like to talk poo about them, but they have been the industry standard for years. the ideal machine to buy would be one from an owner-operator whom knows what they are doing. i'd have no problem buying an ex-rental unit. they are very well maintained, always repaired when needed, and most customers arent really beating them as they need it to work to get a job done.
the worst machines to buy would be:
-a company where everyone and their brother operates it and doesnt care.
-a happy home-owner who has no idea how to use one, how to maintain it, etc
-something from a quarry......:confused2:

 

[rutwad]

A hyd. thumb is a valuable option.

I would say Kubota over BC, but not sure about Tak.

 

[some zilch]

A hyd. thumb is a valuable option.

I would say Kubota over BC, but not sure about Tak.

your gonna have a hard time finding a "lower priced" kubota ex, as they are still too new to be very cost -effective for home owner use. i have bought several bobcats for less than $5k. the bobcat will have a kubota engine, though

 

[avex]

I got my BC 430ZHS. I found it on CL. I did make a steal, 15K 793 Hours. It is an '06 model. This machine is the best decision I have ever made. I believe it has a 43 HP, maybe 48 HP kubota. It is one stout little machine. Easy to operate and does surprising well for its size. The only reason I bought the machine was because of the shape it is in. I recognized a great deal when I saw it. I think I have only 809 hours on it now. I have used it for a couple of trenches. I really do like this machine. Unfortunately it just sits in the barn, taking up space and collecting dust! LOL It is nice knowing it is there if I ever need it though. I would say take your time, if you can afford too. Check SearchTempest - The EASY way to search Craigslist. That is a, "blanket" CL search. You will find one.

 

[Dargo]

I've had two Takeuchi's, and ran hundreds of hours on Kubota's and Bobcats.

I prefered the Taks over every machine I tried, just personal preference.

Whatever you buy look for service and don't hesitate to buy aftermarket parts. There are dealers out there that will sell you most everything you need from aftermarket suppliers. I've learned my lesson and buy everything I can from aftermarket.

As long as you can get parts, go with the machine that you prefer.

I agree with you on Takeuchi machines. I also have to agree with all the guys who say that Bobcats are okay for skid steers but not for mini-excavators. I had 2 and both gave me trouble were really weak on power compared to a similar sized Takeuchi. I do like the Kubota and Case minis too. Still, when using them and looking at how they are built, I gotta stick with the Tak machines.