WVH1977
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2017
- Messages
- 716
- Location
- Richmond, VA
- Tractor
- Massey 2860M Cab, Gravely Pro-Turn 560
I have been wanting an excavator for about 10 years now. I have been trying to figure out how to afford to buy one for 10 years as well. I have rented a mini-ex several times to do work and clear land but always dreamed of having my own. I finally ran into this Hitachi EX100. It is grey market and a family member owned it. I am extremely lucky, thankful and grateful for this family member letting me have this.
They were done with it and did not want to invest any money into it to fix the hydraulic leak.. It was right down the driveway from my property and had been sitting for about 4 years with briers growing up around it. I would ride by it all the time and never think anything of it. I was wanting a newer mini-ex. I also thought it was probably no good. I was wrong. It cranks right up and purrs like a kitten. It does need some TLC. As of right now I have $ 1500 in it. Had to have the rotary valve assembly rebuilt and put new hydraulic filters in it. I used it today to dig up some stumps and knock down a few trees. I am a happy camper.
Items that I will be fixing/maintaining in the near future are changing engine oil, filter, coolant and new exhaust (rusted out). It needs a throttle cable/motor but rigged up right now to work. One of the boom cylinders has a leak and I am going to address that next week (just seen this). It is going to need new track tensioners but my mechanic said it will be fine for now. Also, will be replacing hoses as necessary. I am new to this world of excavators and have a lot to learn. I am estimating probably spending about 10 to 12 grand total to get it where I am content. I have a heavy equipment mechanic helping me because I don't have the knowledge or skill set yet to fix things on this. Also, a little intimidated by the size of it but excited as well. It has 5700 hours on it and came with a 2 buckets.
They were done with it and did not want to invest any money into it to fix the hydraulic leak.. It was right down the driveway from my property and had been sitting for about 4 years with briers growing up around it. I would ride by it all the time and never think anything of it. I was wanting a newer mini-ex. I also thought it was probably no good. I was wrong. It cranks right up and purrs like a kitten. It does need some TLC. As of right now I have $ 1500 in it. Had to have the rotary valve assembly rebuilt and put new hydraulic filters in it. I used it today to dig up some stumps and knock down a few trees. I am a happy camper.

Items that I will be fixing/maintaining in the near future are changing engine oil, filter, coolant and new exhaust (rusted out). It needs a throttle cable/motor but rigged up right now to work. One of the boom cylinders has a leak and I am going to address that next week (just seen this). It is going to need new track tensioners but my mechanic said it will be fine for now. Also, will be replacing hoses as necessary. I am new to this world of excavators and have a lot to learn. I am estimating probably spending about 10 to 12 grand total to get it where I am content. I have a heavy equipment mechanic helping me because I don't have the knowledge or skill set yet to fix things on this. Also, a little intimidated by the size of it but excited as well. It has 5700 hours on it and came with a 2 buckets.