A number of years ago I picked up a used KX121 that was a one owner, well maintained mini x, it had 6000 hours +/- at the time. Still have it today and it runs and operates perfectly. I spent something like 19k and I'm sure I could get that back in short order if I were to sell it. My advice is to find one used, keep it till you no longer need it and then sell it if you want too. Building a house will have 100 things that you can use a minix for. And it's really nice to have at your disposal and not rely on someone else to do.
Insight on buying a mini excavator vs renting
- Thread starter gtbensley
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gtbensley
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Without a doubt you are correct, I want one. Doesn't mean that's the best choice for me though and what I am trying to work through.
I am thinking I really need to analyze how much additional work I need or want to get done with one, the more I'll do the more likely I should buy one and call it good.
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gtbensley
Silver Member
I will try and snag some of it. Yes it's a 08 Case Cx36b. Has a hydro thumb, 24 inch bucket and 12 inch bucket. It's hard saying I'd the hours are correct, seems very low to me. Looking at the machine it hasn't been all repainted, has some wear in places you would expect on the paint but nothing crazy. Boom and pins are very tight and no sign the bushings have been replaced.
Motor starts when it's 20 degrees out with zero issues and very little smoke.
I'm guessing the hours are close to what the meter says.
I don't know the history of it. Local equipment place is selling it (listed for mid 20's but he will deal with me he says).
Having looked at a few Kubota and a Cat 303.5 this machine is in FAR better shape for the same money.....but no cab which is probably why.
I had read this is likely a Kobelco and have heard very good things about them. I'm basically shopping of motor and parts availability. Believe this has a Yanmar which I have experience in boats with.
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gtbensley
Silver Member
Agreed, it does seem high. I will call them again for a quote.
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gtbensley
Silver Member
Just got another quote. $1200 for the week plus insurance for a 8k machine. Would likely add in a hydraulic grading bucket for $400 more for the week to help speed up cleaning everything up once done. Not convinced a week would be enough time for me but maybe? I am sure I could get it done in that period of time, just not sure I want to.
I will be removing some trees from the area before being able to prep it for the field and building the field. Renting does seem like a "cheaper" option here.......
fried1765
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THIS IS SO TRUE!
Ask them for a week and a half for the same rate and ask if there's a limit to how many hours you can put on the machine. Sunbelt limited me to 8 hours on the machine per 24 hour rental.
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gtbensley
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They limit it to 40hrs for the week yes. Local company is a bit difficult to deal with from previous experience. Trying to see what other options I have for renting as I am not a big fan of them.
aczlan
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dodge man
Super Star Member
A couple of thoughts. It’s already been brought up, but do you really know what you are looking at used? I know how it works, after you own something for a while you learn the quirks and problem areas.
I always look at something from a cost per use or in the case of equipment per hour. A strange example, a bicycle. I was unsure about buying a $500 Trek bicycle years ago. If I road it twice and let it sit, that was $250 a ride, a bad purchase. I have probably rode it several hundred times so it’s maybe only $1 a ride now, a good purchase.
I have actually sat down and estimated my last tractor cost per hour, a Kubota BX. I tried to figure everything, residual value, fuel, maintain etc. it’s probably a little less than $15 per hour. So if it takes me an hour and a half to mow, could I hire it done for $25? Not even close.
So if you buy a mini exec for $20k, work it for a couple of years and sell it for 20k, you probably just had a few dollars an hour in it for fuel and maintenance. On the other hand you buy one with problems, spend 10k on fixing it, don’t use it much, you could have several hundred dollars per hour to use it, a bad purchase.
My point is can you get a good buy, not have to put a bunch of money in it, and sell it for near what you paid? The safe thing is to rent, but that may or may not be the correct answer. There will always be people that buy cheap and sell high but are you that person?
I always look at something from a cost per use or in the case of equipment per hour. A strange example, a bicycle. I was unsure about buying a $500 Trek bicycle years ago. If I road it twice and let it sit, that was $250 a ride, a bad purchase. I have probably rode it several hundred times so it’s maybe only $1 a ride now, a good purchase.
I have actually sat down and estimated my last tractor cost per hour, a Kubota BX. I tried to figure everything, residual value, fuel, maintain etc. it’s probably a little less than $15 per hour. So if it takes me an hour and a half to mow, could I hire it done for $25? Not even close.
So if you buy a mini exec for $20k, work it for a couple of years and sell it for 20k, you probably just had a few dollars an hour in it for fuel and maintenance. On the other hand you buy one with problems, spend 10k on fixing it, don’t use it much, you could have several hundred dollars per hour to use it, a bad purchase.
My point is can you get a good buy, not have to put a bunch of money in it, and sell it for near what you paid? The safe thing is to rent, but that may or may not be the correct answer. There will always be people that buy cheap and sell high but are you that person?
