Ground Trades Xchange - a landscaping forum

Go Back   Ground Trades Xchange - a landscaping forum > Landscape Services > Hardscaping
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 11-10-2007, 06:29 PM
Gold Oak Network Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Highland, NY
USDA Zone 4
Posts: 395
AZTLANLC is on a distinguished road
Mini Excavator

I'm in the market for a mini excavator I rented a bobcat 334 and was very impressed by the digging force of that machine.
I'll be using this machine mainly for digging to install retaining walls and drainage it has to weight under 8000 lbs.
Which models would you guys recommend.
Couple things more has anyone deal with iron planet before I have look at their web site and looks that almost all excavator they have for auction have very low hours and look in decent shape.
I'm trying to stay within 20k for this purchase you think I can find something decent at this price range.
I know the bobcat 334 has a 40hp engines but have being told by some people that some of the takeuinchi or yamner mini's with less HP perform the same or better.

Thanks
__________________
"Any husband making shape and color decisions has to show written consent from wife" no exceptions
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 11-10-2007, 09:46 PM
4seasons's Avatar
Gold Oak Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Millersburg, ohio
USDA Zone 5
Posts: 437
4seasons is on a distinguished road
I like the tacheuchi mini myself. We usethe 135 (I think) all the time. Weighs right at 8000lbs and has a 60hp diesel.
__________________
Bruce Davison
Davison's 4 Seasons Landscaping
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 11-10-2007, 11:03 PM
Matt Kulp's Avatar
Gold Oak Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: South East Pa
USDA Zone 7
Posts: 391
Matt Kulp is on a distinguished road
We have a Bobcat 325 mini and love it. Ours will be ready for retirment soon and we will def. go with another Bobcat.
__________________
Matt
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 11:05 AM
Gold Oak Network Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Highland, NY
USDA Zone 4
Posts: 395
AZTLANLC is on a distinguished road
What you guys think about this machine looks like pretty decent.yanmar v35
__________________
"Any husband making shape and color decisions has to show written consent from wife" no exceptions
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 11:44 AM
prapoza's Avatar
Gold Oak Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
USDA Zone 7
Posts: 120
prapoza is on a distinguished road
We have owned a Kubota 121-3 since 2003, we love it. I tested the Takeuchi 135 and the Kubota. The Takeuchi was very smooth but the digging depth, reach and HP was less than the 121-3 and the Kubota was also less $$. All things being equal I would have taken the Takeuchi but they wern't equal.
The Kubota is very quiet, comfortable, powerful and trouble free. Good luck, demo a few brands as closely together (time wise) as possible, so you can compare.
BTW- we also have a hydraulic thumb. Spend the money and get one!

Last edited by prapoza : 11-11-2007 at 11:52 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 11-11-2007, 10:54 PM
Acorn
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
USDA
Posts: 32
jazak is an unknown quantity at this point
Check out CAT. I ran one & liked it MUCH better then the Bobcats.

That one on eBay is pretty cheap.
__________________
Evergreen Lawn Care:
eXmark & Snapper Mowers
Redmax Trimmers & Blowers
STIHL Blower & Chainsaw
Classen & LESCO Turf Equipment
JRCO Mower Attachments
Toro Snow Equipment
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 11-13-2007, 08:20 AM
prapoza's Avatar
Gold Oak Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
USDA Zone 7
Posts: 120
prapoza is on a distinguished road
Here is our Kubota:
Attached Thumbnails
mini-excavator-equip-001.jpg  
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 11-13-2007, 12:26 PM
ADLSCAPES's Avatar
Acorn
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
USDA
Posts: 7
ADLSCAPES is an unknown quantity at this point
I have recently tested a few different machines (bobcat, Mustang, cat and new holland) and i have found by far the New Holland machine was the best. They tend to be alittle expensive but are deffinitly worth the $$. There are a lot of attachments (goes for all) but the New Holland performed the best.

JB
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 11-14-2007, 04:40 PM
cgland's Avatar
Acorn
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
USDA
Posts: 22
cgland is an unknown quantity at this point
Try looking at the CASE 36hp machine. I demoed one and fell in love. Smooth, powerful, fast, awesome. I have used every mini on the market and the case is by far the best/most features. It runs 3 pumps rather than the usual 2...meaning more hp where you need it. Believe me, I'm a CAT guy through and through, but the CASE is hands down a better machine. I'm getting one in the Spring.

Chris
__________________
www.cg-landscaping.com
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 11-16-2007, 09:59 PM
Acorn
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
USDA
Posts: 32
jazak is an unknown quantity at this point
Quote:
Originally posted by cgland
Try looking at the CASE 36hp machine. I demoed one and fell in love. Smooth, powerful, fast, awesome. I have used every mini on the market and the case is by far the best/most features. It runs 3 pumps rather than the usual 2...meaning more hp where you need it. Believe me, I'm a CAT guy through and through, but the CASE is hands down a better machine. I'm getting one in the Spring.

Chris
What was the model CASE? I ran a 303 & 305 CAT and loved them. The Bobcat & NH didn't come close. IMO
__________________
Evergreen Lawn Care:
eXmark & Snapper Mowers
Redmax Trimmers & Blowers
STIHL Blower & Chainsaw
Classen & LESCO Turf Equipment
JRCO Mower Attachments
Toro Snow Equipment
Reply With Quote
  #11 (permalink)  
Old 11-16-2007, 10:05 PM
cgland's Avatar
Acorn
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
USDA
Posts: 22
cgland is an unknown quantity at this point
I believe it was the cx36b. The 36 is equivalent to the 303 and the cx50b is equivalent to the 305. Look for the closest CASE dealer to you and request a demo. You won't be sorry.

Chris
__________________
www.cg-landscaping.com
Reply With Quote
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 11-17-2007, 01:57 PM
Acorn
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
USDA
Posts: 32
jazak is an unknown quantity at this point
Quote:
Originally posted by cgland
I believe it was the cx36b. The 36 is equivalent to the 303 and the cx50b is equivalent to the 305. Look for the closest CASE dealer to you and request a demo. You won't be sorry.

Chris
Next time I need one I'll be sure to ask for a demo or rent one if possible.
__________________
Evergreen Lawn Care:
eXmark & Snapper Mowers
Redmax Trimmers & Blowers
STIHL Blower & Chainsaw
Classen & LESCO Turf Equipment
JRCO Mower Attachments
Toro Snow Equipment
Reply With Quote
  #13 (permalink)  
Old 01-24-2008, 12:32 AM
Acorn
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
USDA
Posts: 7
jamo1911 is an unknown quantity at this point
I have a Kubota KX 121-3 and love it. I have nothing bad to say about any other brands. Whatever you get I suggest getting a hydraulic thumb for as well. It is amazing how productive it is.
If you are looking for 4 ton and under machines you can try the Kubota KX 91-3 it weighs in at 3.5 tons. I see you are local (kinda) to me, feel free to call me at 845-283-8787 if you'd like to check the 121 out.
James
Reply With Quote
  #14 (permalink)  
Old 01-24-2008, 12:51 AM
Gold Oak Network Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Highland, NY
USDA Zone 4
Posts: 395
AZTLANLC is on a distinguished road
Thanks James I end up buying a Cat 303 cr, but maybe we can have lunch sometime, nice website and projects by the way.
Attached Thumbnails
mini-excavator-excavator.jpg  
__________________
"Any husband making shape and color decisions has to show written consent from wife" no exceptions
Reply With Quote
  #15 (permalink)  
Old 01-24-2008, 08:02 AM
tjl's Avatar
tjl tjl is offline
Gold Oak Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Roanoke Area
USDA Zone 7
Posts: 35
tjl is an unknown quantity at this point
I have a Kubota KX-91, and strongly recommend the thumb. I wish at times I had the KX-121 with the option to rotate the blade, but this one fell into my lap, (I got it for a great price).

It is a must tool for anyone who is installing hardscape products. I have used a tractor mounted backhoe for years and I am now selling the backhoe because I never use it anymore.

Of course once you buy a bigger machine, then you need a bigger trailer, and then you need a bigger truck.

Tom
Milestone Landscape
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How does a Ramrod mini skid have such a higher capacity then the other mini's? syzer Landscaping Tools and Equipment 18 11-22-2006 02:15 PM
Mini Excavator Boxer bx-10 ? TriCountyLawn Landscaping Tools and Equipment 11 11-11-2006 01:37 PM
BOXER Mini track loader vs. BOBCAT Mini track loader yardscapes Landscaping Tools and Equipment 3 11-09-2006 11:44 AM
Mini excavator vs. Backhoe start2finish Landscaping Tools and Equipment 5 05-06-2006 06:04 PM
Avant 313S Mini Loader mrgreen_perth Landscaping Tools and Equipment 1 11-13-2005 11:19 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:58 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.1.0
Copyright ©2003-2007 Ground Trades Xchange, LLC