Second hand mini digger choice

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essexpete
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Second hand mini digger choice

Post #1 by essexpete » Thu Jan 29, 2015 5:56 pm

Hi all

I would like some opinions on the best and the ones to avoid. I would like a machine under 1500hrs preferably 1.7/1.8ton but not really any larger.

Makes that spring to mind:

Bobcat
Case
Cat
Hanix
Hitachi
JCB
Komatsu
Kubota
Takeuchi
Volvo
Yanmar

Currently run a Yanmar B15-3

What are the thoughts on zero swing on this sort of size and extendable tracks.

I had thought recently a full cab would be nice but for the most part, with what I use it for, it would probably be a pain.

Thanks Peter


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Re: Second hand mini digger choice

Post #2 by essexpete » Sat Jan 31, 2015 3:19 am

No one have any ideas then?

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Re: Second hand mini digger choice

Post #3 by widget » Sat Jan 31, 2015 10:33 am

Me being a tight wad :lol: would do a little research on the price of parts and the availability, service hours ease of maintenance and operation............all the usual stuff !!

I can only comment on Kubota, JCB and Volvo( Pel Job) as these are the only mini machines I have worked on in the past and to be fair the only machines we ever purchased to go on hire because of the above.

These 3 makes what ever size were very hardy machines in the hire market with very few issues, easy to maintain and parts readily available from either dealers or pattern parts from factors and were more than capable of any task set for there size.

I think all makes offer the same or very similar when it comes to zero swing, offset boom, extending tracks etc but if i had to choose one make I would have struggle, but if forced it would be Kubota...... they tick all the boxes for me.

Peter please bare in mind that I haven't worked on any of these machines for over 10 years and the market will have moved on but I am sure someone will offer a more recent opinion....... just thought I would try and get the ball rolling for you ..... :thumbup:
I want to rust out not wear out

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Re: Second hand mini digger choice

Post #4 by XS650 » Sat Jan 31, 2015 11:58 am

At work we have had a JCB 801.4 for years with no probs, certainly isn't flat out all the time tho.
The internet ranters seem to rate the Japanese makes more highly .

Craig
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Re: Second hand mini digger choice

Post #5 by essexpete » Sat Jan 31, 2015 12:46 pm

Thanks for the input guys.

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Re: Second hand mini digger choice

Post #6 by usedjcbdave » Sun Feb 01, 2015 3:27 pm

The JCB 8018 with controlled tail swing and expanding tracks is a very popular seller with added stability and bigger engine than the 8014s


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Re: Second hand mini digger choice

Post #7 by bsbplant » Sun Feb 01, 2015 5:19 pm

So will your Yanmar B15
be for sale soon ??
Any photos ??


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Re: Second hand mini digger choice

Post #8 by bigkit » Sun Feb 01, 2015 6:07 pm

U15 and U17 Kubota's are great!


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Re: Second hand mini digger choice

Post #9 by essexpete » Mon Feb 02, 2015 1:50 am

bsbplant wrote:So will your Yanmar B15
be for sale soon ??
Any photos ??


Yes if I find the right machine. 2002, 2300hrs (approx) it runs well. It has some wear in the bucket bushes and king pin but it has been like that all the time I have owned it. Very good tracks, paint a bit scruffy. I just want to up grade a bit. 2300hrs (approx)


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