Advice on Mini Excavator

[Robert_in_NY]

I am looking at buying a mini excavator and was considering the Bobcat 331E but would like to hear from others who own mini excavators about what brand they think is best for value, quality and parts availability. I have a bobcat dealer close by so I can talk to them and order parts quite easily but don't know much about any other brands. Thanks for you time.

<font color=blue>Robert Turk Jr.</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Whitetail Splendor Deer Farms</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Silver Creek, NY</font color=blue>

 

[JonSpinosa]

Bob, I have owned several mini-excavators and the best brand is Kubota. Kubota equipment is superior. As you probably know, Bobcat has a kubota engine. Parts support and availibility for Kubota is great, if you ever need parts.
What size machine are you looking for? I may know of a Kubota that is available!!
Jon S.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Don't really know what size, something in the size of a Bobcat 331E. I would be using it for some foundation and drainage work that we run into on our jobs but also for digging ditches through some of our pens. Our pens are soft so I can not get a backhoe into them without getting stuck and we always have a use for an small excavator around our jobs.

<font color=blue>Robert Turk Jr.</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Whitetail Splendor Deer Farms</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Silver Creek, NY</font color=blue>

 

[DarinRay]

Robert,

I noticed your request and might have some information for you. If you would like it I can email you. Just thought I would ask before sending you a note. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Darin

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I would appreciate any info you may have. Thanks

<font color=blue>Robert Turk Jr.</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Whitetail Splendor Deer Farms</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Silver Creek, NY</font color=blue>

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have just over 400hrs on my 331E and love it! The only complaint I have is the tracks have fallen off a few times. Need to tighten them frequently. I do a lot of shallow trench work, perk tests, graves, etc. I have a 36" bucket for digging graves and it handles it just fine. Glad I went with the "E". It is nice for backfilling and I don't have to reposition as often while digging.

 

[jgh]

Kevin, I am looking to buy a Bobcat excavator and had settled on the 334. Did you consider that one vs the 331E? I noticed some wobble on the E when I tried it, but you seem happy with your so I would like to revisit the models.

Thanks in advance,

Jim

 

[Tags]

I've had a couple of mini's and they were both Kubotas,a kx 101 and a kx 151. I think the 101 is in the class you are looking at and it has been replaced with the 121 model...I know Kubota has just come out w/the new version of the 121 and man is it sharp! It is allmost 0 swing over the tracks and the cab is much nicer than a bobcat (not that there is anything wrong w/the bobcat,the kubotas cab just seems to fit the machine much better) .My buddy just got a price on one w/hyd thumb,quick change buckets,and cab for$41,000. There are sooooo many minis out there really take your time cheking them out before you buy,some even come w/ac which is REALLY nice to have.Whatever you buy just make sure its best for you!!