Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelican
I'll preface this by stating I don't own a mini-ex, but I have considered one for my business. I think it makes sense to get the largest machine that you can transport easily, which in my case would be about 7 tons. What is the maximum weight that you are currently equipped to transport? That's a factor you should consider.
|
I am very similar to you in that regard. I currently could haul a 7 ton class machine. The question then becomes, how often is a 14k machine not large enough, and how often is a 14k machine too large. I believe I read that stonehenge only rents excavators to place the right machine size on each job. That seems to really apply w/ excavators as each job's needs can vary so much. One day you might need to place a 3 ton boulder w/ great access, and the next day you may need to dig a footing for a retaining wall in a backyard w/ gated access. It seems like a no win situation. Similar to skid steers.
I'm sure all of us have different reasons that we buy and different reasons that we rent, but ultimately, we are here to make money. I just cringe at putting out thousands of dollars in rental when that may very well make sense to put into a capitalized equipment purchase. On the other hand, adding another piece of equipment equals more headaches as far as keeping someone around who is proficient at running it (aside from the fact that I love to run excavators, but that is another topic all together). So in that regard, from a production standpoint, subs win out because I can get the right machine with a good operator...and in my area some guys seem to be priced lower than I could justify running my equipment for.