Insight on buying a mini excavator vs renting

[Steppenwolfe]

This is why I gave up on looking for a used mini when I bought mine; in the end, I gave up some size to go new. 25k would be a nice down payment on a new machine.

 

[gtbensley]

This is why I gave up on looking for a used mini when I bought mine; in the end, I gave up some size to go new. 25k would be a nice down payment on a new machine.

Yes but I'm not really keen on a payment. New ones are twice that cost no?

 

[Hay Dude]

Yes but I'm not really keen on a payment. New ones are twice that cost no?

Payments or repairs
Pick your poison
One thing I will say, bank loans are dirt cheap now. I have paid off a few older loans. Its a relief

 

[gtbensley]

No doubt there are two sides to this.....but hoping to not get 25k into just repairs owning one.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Yes but I'm not really keen on a payment. New ones are twice that cost no?

I paid 40K for my KX-71 in 2016. Everything used I looked at was 25K +... What's another 15? But... I did give up on the size, and no cab... No complaints though, I made the right decision, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's still worth 35K or more.

 

[4570Man]

No doubt there are two sides to this.....but hoping to not get 25k into just repairs owning one.

I gave 35k for my used Kx040 and 1000 more for another bucket. Mine had 1200 hours, a quick coupler bucket, hydraulic thumb, 4 way blade and cab.

 

[gtbensley]

Stretching the budget definitely may get you more but I dont plan on keeping it over two years. I don't think a new kubota can be had for 40k anymore....unless it's tiny. I need at least a 6k machine

 

[Tomtint]

Payments or repairs
Pick your poison
One thing I will say, bank loans are dirt cheap now. I have paid off a few older loans. Its a relief

When I bought me KX121, I didn't really "need" it..but I was casually looking for the right one to come along. My machine has hours on it 6400 ish and that concerned me at first. Then I got the giant book of service and maintence records the original seller kept. ..It had a mechanic doing things to it it's entire life with no expense spared. That gave me comfort. Thus far in the 3-4 years I have owned it, I have maybe put a couple hundred hours on it at the most..it gets things done so fast.. the hours just don't add up. I have maybe spent another 500-1000 on it in that time, not on repairs but on maintence items. Oil and filters, added a few D rings, replaced the act and fan belts etc. No breakdowns thus far at all. I think the Kubota and Cat machines are pretty bullet proof..wouldn't hesitate to buy either one. Parts for Cat equipment is always a day or two away at most and they have places everywhere.

 

[Muhammad]

How about this Kubota U25?

Kubota U25 For sale

 

[gtbensley]

I'm thinking that's too small? I'm also really want to spend 20k not 25. But that might be worth investigating some