What to look for in a mini excavator

[galaxie428]

I have been looking around for a used excavator to use around my property and maybe a few odd jobs here and there. I was looking for something around the size of a 331or so.

I own a b/c compact tractor but have never used an excavator let alone know what to look for or be aware of when buying. I was hoping maybe some of you could give me some ideas on what to look for and what to stay away from.

Also, how many hours is getting to be too many for an excavator? I know this probably depends on several factors like maint/care and environment it was used in but generally, at what point does maint increase?

 

[yankeerider]

Some people will tell you to stay away from a Bobcat mini.

I recently added a Cat 303 to my stable, so I'm a newbie to mini-ex's. I searched a number of forums and concluded that I wanted something with low enough hours that if I sell it it will still have less than 3000 hours. That seemed to be the consensus on when the value drops tremendously. Under 1000 hours, sellers seem to think they're worth close to a new machine, or at least a good bit north of $20k.

I operated mine before buying, and was impressed by the smoothness of controls, reasonably tight pins, no signs of leaks, no indications of amateur repairs or maintenance. It had just under 1500 hours and while I wasn't thrilled with the condition of the rubber tracks, they will likely give me several years service at the frequency I'm able to use it.

Search machinerytrader.com to get an idea of prices. (That's where I found mine). I think Iron Planet will give you summaries of actual prices paid at auctions. For technical discussion, read through the compact excavator forum at heavyequipmentforums.com.

And you'll probably get more responses down on the Construction Equipment forum of TBN.

 

[atgreene]

I've had two Takeuchi's, and ran hundreds of hours on Kubota's and Bobcats.

I prefered the Taks over every machine I tried, just personal preference.

Whatever you buy look for service and don't hesitate to buy aftermarket parts. There are dealers out there that will sell you most everything you need from aftermarket suppliers. I've learned my lesson and buy everything I can from aftermarket.

As long as you can get parts, go with the machine that you prefer.

 

[galaxie428]

Thanks Yankeerider, I was beginning to wonder if I was going to get a response.

I think I have about decided to just go with a hoe on my CT230. While it does not have near the digging force a mini would have, it will probably be sufficient for what I will use it for. A mini would be another machine to maintain and more importantly pay for.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Pain Cow]

I've had two Takeuchi's, and ran hundreds of hours on Kubota's and Bobcats.

I prefered the Taks over every machine I tried, just personal preference.

Whatever you buy look for service and don't hesitate to buy aftermarket parts. There are dealers out there that will sell you most everything you need from aftermarket suppliers. I've learned my lesson and buy everything I can from aftermarket.

As long as you can get parts, go with the machine that you prefer.

Takeuchi for sure. If you like getting thrown around like a rag doll all day then get a bobcat. Takeuchi is the smoothest machine I've ever operated.

 

[some zilch]

id take a bobcat mini over any other mini. they are bullet proof little machines. some people like to talk poo about them, but they have been the industry standard for years. the ideal machine to buy would be one from an owner-operator whom knows what they are doing. i'd have no problem buying an ex-rental unit. they are very well maintained, always repaired when needed, and most customers arent really beating them as they need it to work to get a job done.
the worst machines to buy would be:
-a company where everyone and their brother operates it and doesnt care.
-a happy home-owner who has no idea how to use one, how to maintain it, etc
-something from a quarry......:confused2:

 

[rutwad]

A hyd. thumb is a valuable option.

I would say Kubota over BC, but not sure about Tak.

 

[some zilch]

A hyd. thumb is a valuable option.

I would say Kubota over BC, but not sure about Tak.

your gonna have a hard time finding a "lower priced" kubota ex, as they are still too new to be very cost -effective for home owner use. i have bought several bobcats for less than $5k. the bobcat will have a kubota engine, though

 

[avex]

I got my BC 430ZHS. I found it on CL. I did make a steal, 15K 793 Hours. It is an '06 model. This machine is the best decision I have ever made. I believe it has a 43 HP, maybe 48 HP kubota. It is one stout little machine. Easy to operate and does surprising well for its size. The only reason I bought the machine was because of the shape it is in. I recognized a great deal when I saw it. I think I have only 809 hours on it now. I have used it for a couple of trenches. I really do like this machine. Unfortunately it just sits in the barn, taking up space and collecting dust! LOL It is nice knowing it is there if I ever need it though. I would say take your time, if you can afford too. Check SearchTempest - The EASY way to search Craigslist. That is a, "blanket" CL search. You will find one.

 

[Dargo]

I've had two Takeuchi's, and ran hundreds of hours on Kubota's and Bobcats.

I prefered the Taks over every machine I tried, just personal preference.

Whatever you buy look for service and don't hesitate to buy aftermarket parts. There are dealers out there that will sell you most everything you need from aftermarket suppliers. I've learned my lesson and buy everything I can from aftermarket.

As long as you can get parts, go with the machine that you prefer.

I agree with you on Takeuchi machines. I also have to agree with all the guys who say that Bobcats are okay for skid steers but not for mini-excavators. I had 2 and both gave me trouble were really weak on power compared to a similar sized Takeuchi. I do like the Kubota and Case minis too. Still, when using them and looking at how they are built, I gotta stick with the Tak machines.

 

[garagewizard]

I work for a rental company in southern Maine and I have 3 Yanmar vio 27-3 and during the peak season we lease 3 bobcats. Although the 425 is a zero turn it is by far the most stable of the bobcats that we have. the 329 will leave you needing a kidney transplant by the end of the first day if you know how to use the machine. all of the contractors that rent from us request the Yanmar's and love them. I have found personally that the Yanmar has a much more powerful arm and breakout force, that and I don't need a heating pad for my back when I get home.:laughing: We are a Takeuchi dealer and I love their equipment. I have limited seat time on their Mini's But so far I love them. if you ever have the chance try out on of their tb 160's. I do believe it is the smoothest track drive skid steers I have ever run.

 

[some zilch]

I work for a rental company in southern Maine and I have 3 Yanmar vio 27-3 and during the peak season we lease 3 bobcats. Although the 425 is a zero turn it is by far the most stable of the bobcats that we have. the 329 will leave you needing a kidney transplant by the end of the first day if you know how to use the machine. all of the contractors that rent from us request the Yanmar's and love them. I have found personally that the Yanmar has a much more powerful arm and breakout force, that and I don't need a heating pad for my back when I get home.:laughing: We are a Takeuchi dealer and I love their equipment. I have limited seat time on their Mini's But so far I love them. if you ever have the chance try out on of their tb 160's. I do believe it is the smoothest track drive skid steers I have ever run.

boy, i have to disagree on the yanmars. we have a yanmar vio something at work, and it is an absolute gutless, underpowered, no-hydraulic-powered, pile of poo i have ever operated. it is comparable to a bobcat 430 in size. it is aggravating to use in that it really cant even run an dipper/boom function and move the tracks at the same time. i can honestly say it is the worst excavator i have ever operated

 

[Dargo]

boy, i have to disagree on the yanmars. we have a yanmar vio something at work, and it is an absolute gutless, underpowered, no-hydraulic-powered, pile of poo i have ever operated. it is comparable to a bobcat 430 in size. it is aggravating to use in that it really cant even run an dipper/boom function and move the tracks at the same time. i can honestly say it is the worst excavator i have ever operated

I've run a few Yanmar machines and dozens of Takeuchi (Yanmar powered) machines and they have been some of the most powerful and smooth machines I've ever operated in any size class. The worst machines I've operated were the two Bobcat minis I owned. For the most part, that is the same opinion on the heavy equipment forums. Case minis and Kubota minis are also very well respected, with the Case also mostly Yanmar powered.

 

[mattellis2]

I got my BC 430ZHS. I found it on CL. I did make a steal, 15K 793 Hours. It is an '06 model. This machine is the best decision I have ever made. I believe it has a 43 HP, maybe 48 HP kubota. It is one stout little machine. Easy to operate and does surprising well for its size. The only reason I bought the machine was because of the shape it is in. I recognized a great deal when I saw it. I think I have only 809 hours on it now. I have used it for a couple of trenches. I really do like this machine. Unfortunately it just sits in the barn, taking up space and collecting dust! LOL It is nice knowing it is there if I ever need it though. I would say take your time, if you can afford too. Check SearchTempest - The EASY way to search Craigslist. That is a, "blanket" CL search. You will find one.

i don't know anything about mini excavators, but that search engine is AWESOME. thanks for the link.

-matt

 

[Redgoatea]

As usual budget determines all. But if ya can swing it my Kubota kx121-3 is an awesome machine. 7

 

[Punk]

I've got a Kubota KH 033, and man it's a beast. It cuts through the ground like a knife through butter. I think it's about 20 years old. Great machine.