[cslynger]

I'm a small landscaping company considering (heavy on the considering) purchasing a mini excavator. I have yet to run all the numbers as far as rent vs. own, so this post is kind of premature, however I think I need a few questions answered before I even take it to that step. So, can you guys give me some insight into the following:

1. If your company has (or was going to have) a mini-x, what size would you opt for, and give a few reasons that size.
2. Has anyone mounted nursery jaws (either mfg. or homemade) on a mini-x for planting large B&B on steep slopes.
3. How often do you wish you had a bigger x and conversely, how often do you wish you had a smaller x for a given job.
4. Do you find it easier to simply utilize a good sub for minix/full size excavator needs?

I have quite a bit of work this coming season involving dirt and large boulder placement, but my brain is telling me to utilize subs given that the housing excavation market is slowing, and subs will be readily available.

Thoughts??

Thanks,
Chad