Small Excavator... What to look at or avoid?

[Sodo]

used ones seem to run around $20k (more than he wants to spend).
The smaller ones (in the 6-7000# range) seem to occasionally be findable in the $9-12k price range

With an excavator if you get stuck you can lift a track and put boards under it. Then lift the other side. Also pull yourself with the bucket.

I never saw any 6-7,000lb for under $20,000. Could be eqpt prices are higher in the Pacific NW, a LOT higher. I looked for months, eventually bought a KX41 with thumb (3700 lb) for $14,000, then had to put new tracks on it. I saw a 950hr KX41 with no thumb for $12,000 a week after I bought mine (of course!) but none after that. Still don't see any better deals.

Prices tend to be a lot different when you're actually looking, and also the selection thins out. When you're not looking they're are more available.

If money flows freely, get the bigger one. If it's used to "make money" get the bigger one. If it's going to be used for cleaning out personal ditches, get the smaller one. Every time I wish I had a bigger excavator I just take another scoop and the thought passes. Mines for making trails, I need a narrow track. KX41 doesn't have "power", can't push trees over but digs SO MUCH EASIER than a backhoe, spins 360degrees, dumps spoils wherever, and has a little blade too. I like it, been planning a couple new trails, can't wait for springtime diggin' !

 

[melli]

I agree with others on bearings and undercarriage. Although, undercarriage is easy to fix, it will show what terrain it has been used on. All controls work without strain or rpm drop and tracks straight. A thumb is so important, I consider it a must have.
Nice to get at least a cleanup and digger bucket with machine.
It is January and I'm not so sure I'd be out and about with a canopy version. A cab version not only makes it cleaner, but quieter and comfortable, temp-wise. I prefer winter weather, as long as it is above freezing, to play. Machine stays cool, dust is at a minimum.
Definitely worth getting the biggest machine you can. A size bigger than what you think you can make due with. You get not only more bucket power, but reach. I wish I had a bigger machine than what I have (331 Bobcat), but once I've finished with the big trees, I'll have a perfect sized machine for whats left (road maintenance, rock walls, trenching and landscaping). If you have rocky ground (packed glacial till for example), don't go with a small machine.

 

[aczlan]

How about steel vs rubber tracks? I see a 8000# Kubota that looks like it probbaly has around 2000 hours with steel tracks (looks like it might be a early 2000s KX91).

Aaron Z

 

[melli]

How about steel vs rubber tracks? I see a 8000# Kubota that looks like it probbaly has around 2000 hours with steel tracks (looks like it might be a early 2000s KX91).

Aaron Z

Rubber is easier on motors, undercarriage and roads (Concrete/asphalt). Although, at 8000# you can tread lightly in colder weather with steel on pavement. Steel tracks are definitely better working on shot rock, or rough surfaces. Steel tracks add more low weight which is always good in a mini.
If your driving over grass or existing landscaping, I'd go with rubber.

 

[aczlan]

No real plans to do much on rough surfaces, so I will focus on rubber tracked excavators then...

Aaron Z

 

[Shield Arc]

Aaron, when an excavator does get stuck, they're stuck! :laughing:

 

[Buppies]

Great picture wonder how they got it out

 

[Shield Arc]

Great picture wonder how they got it out

Well we started with three 988 CAT loaders pulling on it, but all that did was break 1 1/8-inch wire rope. We had to bring in a larger excavator, and truck in 12" x 12" x 25' long timber mats for the larger excavator to walk on to get out there and dig that one out!

 

[Buppies]

I bet that was something to see. Contractors can get equipment in some difficult situations but almost always figure how to get them out

 

[Shield Arc]

It was a girl operator running the excavator, but my male foreman talked her into trying to cross the mud hole:shocked:, instead of walking around. If he wasn't such a good foreman, I would have killed him over that stunt!:laughing: