What can they do?

[Avondale]

I am confused by the sizing/model numbers of the Kubota Excavators. Is there a decoder ring that would guide me to finding the right size of machine for what I want to do. Mainly interested in cleaning up my fence lines around 137 acres, removing some hedge rows, shifting the stumps that might be in the 20" dia range, as well as some drainage work. How much machine would be required and how do I relate the kubota model number to what it can lift/break free, etc? Thanks in advance for whatever help is available. Bob

 

[RedNeckRacin]

only thing you can do is go to the website and look at their specs. This would be for the new models, ritchie specs might get you close on the older units.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

The -4 series has the base machine weight in metric tones as the model number.

Given what your doing, I'd look at a mid-range machine. U25-U35-KX71-KX91.

 

[Avondale]

The -4 series has the base machine weight in metric tones as the model number.

Given what your doing, I'd look at a mid-range machine. U25-U35-KX71-KX91.

Thank You, Is there a guide line on how much weight you need for what you can lift/break free/shift?, (i.e. to lift a known weight such as one half of a metric ton, you need a machine that weighs X times as much?

Also, you mention the weight, what about the preceding letters, (i.e U and KX)?

 

[Steppenwolfe]

U is zero tail swing. KX has more of an overhang in the rear. From what I have read, the KX series offer greater stability than the zero swings, but I can't prove that. U's cost more, I believe. Home owner situation... go with the 71 or 91. The 121 is a big machine.

 

[Code54]

If you go to the Kubota website and select the Mini Ex you are interested in they will have a SPEC tab under each model. Under that is a chart for each one that will show you what each machine will lift. The lift chart gives you info for the lift at different distances from the center line of the machine, the height and over the blade vs over the side.
The 71 and 91 are fairly close in size, 91 gives stronger breakout forces, a little more weight and a hair more digging depth but adds about 8-10k to the price tag. The 71 in my opinion seems to be a good value, good breakout forces, just a hair shy of 10' digging depth, and can be had for under 40K. As Steppenwolfe said the 121 is a big machine (with a LOT of power)

 

[Avondale]

Thank You

 

[mikesee]

IF you can I would suggest that you rent a couple of size Kubota excavators and see what works best for you on your property. Price go up a lot as size increases. The bucket size you choose will be important too.

 

[Gary Fowler]

You will be surprised at what a small excavator can do. You may not need as big a machine as you think. I think a rental unit for a weekend would be well worth the cost to determine what the small machines can do. Remember, as you get more proficient with the machine, you can do more with it, much more than a first time user.

 

[Code54]

They are right, a smaller machine can do a lot of work. I rented a 7K machine last year and in 10 hrs:
Dug out a hill - 3' deep for about 40'
Cut a shallow 4' wide trench that was about 20' long in for my wife to use as a "dry river" in the landscaping
dug several 4' deep trenches for downspout drainage (not very long)
dug out 2 stumps that were about 15"
dug out one tree that was close to 80' and pushed it over
fixed a small retaining wall (had 2 blocks that were sort of sliding out so I pressed them back in with the Mini)
and a few other little things.
I was totally amazed at what I got done and this was my first time on a mini Ex (have owned and ran backhoes before)

This is the reason why I am looking to buy one - they are super handy! Expensive to buy but they do hold their value if you keep it up and are a major work saver.

 

[Rustyiron]

Bigger is better. Get as big (heavy) a machine as your budget allows, with a thumb! "Reach" is a big plus that comes with a bigger machine & scratching around with only 10-12' of reach in your fence rows will leave you jockeying the machine around all the time.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Bigger is also more expensive to repair, burns more fuel, and is alot harder to get unstuck. For a homeowner I would want something I could still haul around just in case. You can do alot of work with a 12k lb mini, most of them have comparable or better specs than a full size backhoe.

 

[Avondale]

Thanks, I had planned to try before I decide but was looking for some idea of what these can do so did not waste time/money on the wrong size.

 

[LarJea]

As far as digging 20" diameter stumps go, I am now using a 6 ton excavator and think that is about as small as I would want to go. I will admit I am spoiled cause I use to have a 12 ton that I used for such work.
I used to have a 6 ton backhoe (Case 580) that I used for digging stumps (not as fun as an excavator) but if I had 137 acres of fence line to maintain I think I would go with a backhoe.

 

[mike69440]

As far as digging 20" diameter stumps go, I am now using a 6 ton excavator and think that is about as small as I would want to go. I will admit I am spoiled cause I use to have a 12 ton that I used for such work.
I used to have a 6 ton backhoe (Case 580) that I used for digging stumps (not as fun as an excavator) but if I had 137 acres of fence line to maintain I think I would go with a backhoe.

Excavator out digs a BH 3 to 1

I hate to say what follows:
My Excavator is mostly a yard ornament now the farm more or less is established. I went from putting 600 hours a year on it to 30 last year and this year maybe 20.
if you do mostly digging, get a digger, but a TLB is a much better Swiss Army Knife.