help on choosing an excavator.

[CAAM]

I like to know opinions of these 3 brands of excavators, Caterpillar, Komatsu and Daewoo. The model i like to choose is a "Cat 320C, japan made" or similar in the other brands.

Thanks.

 

[Tigerotor77W]

Welcome to the forums!

My first impression is that your choice of brands is somewhat interesting -- are those the three strongest dealers in your area?

The Daewoo machines have been acquired for North America production by Terex to some degree, so you will get a very similar -- but differently colored -- machine if you go with Terex.

As Tier III emissions come into full effect in 2006, you will see revamped lines -- certainly from Cat and Komatsu -- so be aware that the 320C (assuming you're buying new) will be phased out in 2006.

The Cat product has been doing very well in terms of reliability and production. Komatsu machines are very smooth and predictable, but of the three, I think the Cat is likely to be the best all-around machine. (That's an opinion, of course.)

I know I've only been giving very general information, but is there anything specific that you're targeting with the purchase of this machine? For instance... Will you be doing a lot of lifting? Will there be several operators on the machine or just a few? How much maintenance do you do yourself? Is a common brand a necessity for your operations?

 

[CAAM]

Thanks for the opinions.

I am from Osorno, Chile (almost in the very end of the planet, je je je), Whe have several brands here, Daewoo, Caterpillar, Volvo, Hiundai, Komatsu and some others. But I have to choose one of these.

Cat 320C, 2004, Used and imported from japan, aprox 1800 hours. US$100.000.-
Komatsu PC200, Used in Chile, aprox 2000 hours US$99.000.-
Daewoo 225, New, US$100.000.-

 

[Tigerotor77W]

Thanks for the clarification. I sent you a private message as well.

From here, it would appear that the Daewoo is the best buy -- new and comparable price to the Cat, and with better paper specs. However, I would strongly advise researching Daewoo history in your area -- is your dealer there strong? How have other Daewoo machines been holding up?

I'm not sure if the lower cost of the Komatsu is worth it. The advice I could give now is to pay particular attention to the relative condition of the machines.