Insight on buying a mini excavator vs renting

[Steppenwolfe]

I'm amazed at the responses.
I have an ARPS backhoe, and I am beyond what those old things are good for. Looking for a couple years for a small, not mini, excavator. I wouldn't try a septic system with a mini, after watching the neighbors get their's done with a full size. I have a lot of ditching to do around the barnyard and stumps to remove.

Just had a septic put in at the farm. They used a Case backhoe and knocked that thing out... I was amazed how fast the operator was on that machine.

 

[JWSharman]

Yes it's an engineered system in a pretty tight area because I have a lot of ledge and limited due to a stream and we'll on the other side of my property. Also just seems to be a higher cost area for doing things.

I priced renting for the week and with insurance it's going to run me about 2k. I will also have to take the week off to install it which I guess will cost me something.

The $20k machine appears to be in good shape, decent tracks, tight boom and buckets, fired up cold at 20 degrees with no issues. I am hoping it would be okay for a few years.

I'm just so torn on what to do here....I do want a mini which is playing into my decision thinking but that's not the smart way to make choices.

Hi - there is a simple process for making these types of decisions. Toss a coin. DON'T let the result of the toss decide, let your reaction to the coin result decide. For example, if you think "two out of three" then you are already on the way to ignoring the coin.

 

[gtbensley]

I'm amazed at the responses.
I have an ARPS backhoe, and I am beyond what those old things are good for. Looking for a couple years for a small, not mini, excavator. I wouldn't try a septic system with a mini, after watching the neighbors get their's done with a full size. I have a lot of ditching to do around the barnyard and stumps to remove.

This thread has created some great thoughts and conversations. Great group of people on TBN.

Septic with a mini shouldn't be a big issue. The field only drops 1 ft below soil and then get built up. Already replaced the line from the tanks once so know the digging won't be bad there. Who knows how digging the tank will go....

 

[gtbensley]

Headed to MB in the AM to see the U25. Thinking it might be too small but who knows. I'm drawn to it because it's a Kubota, newer, and 1k hrs on it.

 

[Hay Dude]

Just had a septic put in at the farm. They used a Case backhoe and knocked that thing out... I was amazed how fast the operator was on that machine.

Man up....use your little mini ex....:confused3:

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Hey... I got one at least. :thumbsup:

 

[Hay Dude]

Hey... I got one at least. :thumbsup:

Whats the good of owning it if you dont use it?
Afraid youll get it dirty

Bahahahahahahaha:laughing:

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Whats the good of owning it if you dont use it?
Afraid youll get it dirty

Bahahahahahahaha:laughing:

Don't worry about me ... worry about yourself.

 

[xgnslngr]

Have you tried looking at Ironplanet.com? They sell lots of used equipment for decent prices. You bid and if you win the bid, you are responsible to ship it. Mini Excavator's Utility vehicles, tractors , dump trucks etc. I'm looking at purchasing a mini excavator for 8k from them. You can buy this and pay it off doing side work for your neighbors...

Good luck with your decision.

 

[jjgurley]

I bought a gray market mini-excavator for a single project a few years ago and it's my favorite piece of equipment. I probably haven't saved enough yet to justify $17K for a newer Yanmar B6-3a, but I will eventually. It will save my back if nothing else. I bought my backhoe for a specific project, and it's seen untold duty. I also bought the JD 450C dozer for a specific task but the first time I built fire line around my house paid for it. I paid for a great welder in one project by building a log splitter.