Either I'm Freaking Slow or...

[Haoleguy]

I underestimated how much work I can get done in a week with an excavator. After a couple of days it appears to be a bit of both. On Monday I took delivery of a Case CX130B(~14ton) to (a) remove rocks that i can't get with my backhoe, (b)prepare a vineyard test plot(100' x 125') with tile drainage, (c) prepare a 500 ft section of driveway base, & (d) bury rocks(1-12K lb size) under said driveway. It turns out that I was a bit cautious to start and settled on a small submerged boulder, in the vineyard plot area, which as I dug deeper grew in size to be a large 12K lb mass. I think this is as big a boulder this machine can pull up(not by clear jerk method). My excavator *** mildly lifted up getting it out. My priority is the vineyard site so that I can lime it next week and get it ready for planting next Spring. So from what I've learned so far is to lower my expectations a bit, concentrate on the vineyard and also clear the topsoil from the proposed driveway. I'm finding moving boulders, ~100 total, to bury under the driveway is a slow process that chews up serious daylight time and thus must be left for last. Whatever is left over from this week will be passed down to next Spring to tackle then. Must go and get back at it in today's rain.

 

[scoutcub]

Assuming you rented the ex for a week....or did you buy it?

 

[Haoleguy]

Assuming you rented the ex for a week....or did you buy it?

Rented it. It's a clean current spec Case CX130B with 1100hrs.

Despite the driving rain, love that cab, got a good days of work in burying large rocks and moving others to stage their burial under the road. A lot more logistical thinking than I expected....where to put topsoil, subsoil, and rocks when making and filling roadway trench. I'm exhausted each day from the intense concentration on the project and equipment. Need to find the heater fan switch for tomorrow's colder weather. I would definitely loose money if I did this for a living. Cheers!

 

[DarrylH20]

Rented it. It's a clean current spec Case CX130B with 1100hrs.

Despite the driving rain, love that cab, got a good days of work in burying large rocks and moving others to stage their burial under the road. A lot more logistical thinking than I expected....where to put topsoil, subsoil, and rocks when making and filling roadway trench. I'm exhausted each day from the intense concentration on the project and equipment. Need to find the heater fan switch for tomorrow's colder weather. I would definitely loose money if I did this for a living. Cheers!

Need pictures

 

[ustmd]

This question is always my justification for buying as opposed to renting tools/equipment.

My justification/rationalization is that the first few times, I will be so slow (because of the learning curve ) that I will end up paying more in rental fees than it would cost me to buy.

Also with buying you have the additional flexiability of working when and at the speed you want as opposed to when the tool is due back.


Of course all of this is just my rationalization to keep buying more tools and equipment...:laughing:

 

[wedge40]

Owning one of these would be great if you got $50-$60 GRAND :shocked: lying around to purchase one. I didn't realize how big it was till I went looking online. There are times when economics dictate you rent. There are a lot or construction companies that needs these and only rent the equipment.


Wedge

 

[scoutcub]

I had the same dilemma.....needed an excavator to dig out a LOT of stumps....but I've done so much more since I've bought it, I figure I've already earned 4-5K in rental fees.
There definitely is a learning curve, but talk about some fun stick time!
I shopped around, and got a killer deal on mine. I should be able to sell it for what I paid for it.

This thing is like a swiss army knife, you never realize the versatility.....!

 

[20 20]

I have to agree with the shop around and find a good used one{you can find them cheap if you take the time}. IMO an excavator is worth it's weight in gold if you have a lot of work to do. I have rented in the past {even for a month at a time}, and still find there are jobs to be done when the rent time is over. My last monster that I bought{20ton plus) was old and worn out, but still paid for itself before the engine blew. I do own a nice small unit that Has paid for itself over and over, it may be small and take more time then a big one, but it does get the jobs done. Once a person learns the tricks to operating an excavator even a smaller one can do amazing work. Of course if there is just one small job to do and the weather is on your side then renting may{???} be the best way to go.

 

[20 20]

Haoleguy; I forgot, if you're interested in buying check out machinerytrader. Once you get into the site find what you looking for truck, excavator, dozer, etc. click on it then when it goes into the search there will be a place to reduce your search to area, price range, make, hrs etc.

 

[wedge40]

Haoleguy; I forgot, if you're interested in buying check out machinerytrader. Once you get into the site find what you looking for truck, excavator, dozer, etc. click on it then when it goes into the search there will be a place to reduce your search to area, price range, make, hrs etc.

That is where I went to get guessimate on prices.
I love that site. Nice to dream about what you buy if you were rich.

Wedge