OT- Buying a Mini Excavator, Tips Appreciated

Hey Gregness, I'm sure you know this already but avoid anything you can't pronounce. Lol. Neighbor bought one, I have no idea what brand, all the writing is in Aisian? It was great till it broke down then he had a nightmare getting parts. It was however handy as a shirt pocket when it worked.

I would also recommend a boom that can offset. They sure are nice to dig up along a building or somthing.

Keep in mind I'm not a professional hoe operator, and my opinion is worth what you paid for it.

Good luck with your search!

Bruce P

One of these days I am going to have take a MC ride down your way so I can see your cool cats in person!

I am thinking Cat, JD, Bob Cat or Kubota for an excavator names I am familiar with. I like your suggestion on the boom.

Greg

[quote="Gregness"]One of these days I am going to have take a MC ride down your way so I can see your cool cats in person!

I am thinking Cat, JD, Bob Cat or Kubota for an excavator names I am familiar with. I like your suggestion on the boom.

Greg[/quote]

Anytime!

BP

a 303 cat is the size you want.
I would make sure it is made for your country and not gray market

Hey Gregness,

In the mini class of excavators, I've owned Cat 305.5s, a John Deere 50d, and a Takeuchi 125 & 135 models. My brother Pat had a 145 model. I'm buying new Cats currently. The John Deere was fare, their bigger excavators are better. The boom broke on the 50 model. I did a good repair on it and sold it to a farmer. The Takeuchis are doing fine. I bought the 125 model with 25 hours on it 10 years ago. It's doing good still. I have a few people in line waiting to buy it when I buy another new Cat. The 135 I bought at an Auction used. It had a bad engine. I put a new motor in it and 9 years later it's still running strong. All have thumbs, and have swing booms. Off set double knuckle booms I have on JD 80 and Caf 314 models. For small project the 125 holds its keep.

[quote="7upuller"]Hey Gregness,

In the mini class of excavators, I've owned Cat 305.5s, a John Deere 50d, and a Takeuchi 125 & 135 models. My brother Pat had a 145 model. I'm buying new Cats currently. The John Deere was fare, their bigger excavators are better. The boom broke on the 50 model. I did a good repair on it and sold it to a farmer. The Takeuchis are doing fine. I bought the 125 model with 25 hours on it 10 years ago. It's doing good still. I have a few people in line waiting to buy it when I buy another new Cat. The 135 I bought at an Auction used. It had a bad engine. I put a new motor in it and 9 years later it's still running strong. All have thumbs, and have swing booms. Off set double knuckle booms I have on JD 80 and Caf 314 models. For small project the 125 holds its keep.[/quote]

Thanks Glen- How is parts availability been for the Takeuchi's?

Engine-wise they should be good as I think they run Yanmars, which I think are the greatest small diesel made (bold claim...)

Hey Greg,

Parts are ok. Nobody in the tractor world can stand next to Cat for parts. Takes like 3 days compared to next day for Cat. But for your intended use you should be ok with a couple of days wait time for parts.

I'm not sure how to pronounce Takeuchi, :noidea:, but judging by my neighbor 's, I would recommend one. ..nice machine, has the thumb, offset boom,etc. He isn't exactly known for being easy on equipment, but it has held up well.