Mini Excavators Queries

[Nick Drew]

Well yesterday we went to look at a .....wait for it .......Daewoo mini digger up in Kellands yard in Bridgewater Somerset, Now I have never been a fan of Daewoo equipment to be honest, as I have had some bad experience's with 13 tonners in the past so it came as no suprise that these used mini diggers were just awful It was like stepping back in time inside the cab, very basic!! it wouldn't track in a straight line and there was a lot of play in the dipper arm pivot.

I just had to go and see it though just in case it was ok as the price was quite reasonable,
and the Cat rep I have been speaking to says they do not have much to offer me on my budget

It is now looking like I will go for the Volvo EC25 that I originally looked at if it hasn't been sold

Any way here are some shots of the "shake, rattle & roll" Daewoo!!

Nick

[Robban_C]

Some play in the dipper bushing is a minor problem as long as it has not worn through the bushing but a mini that do not travel straight should be avoided at all costs if you ask me.
And look at the engine hood. One corner is broken. How do they do that?

A used Volvo is probably a better choice. Not a perfect machine but most surely a long lasting machine with pretty good performance.

[Nick Drew]

A used Volvo is probably a better choice. Not a perfect machine but most surely a long lasting machine with pretty good performance.


Yes Robban I agree, at the end of the day I know that the Volvo will do all I need it to do around the fields at home, it is not really my intention to go out on hire on it on a regular basis

I cannot believe how difficult it has been to get a deal going at the right price for me

The Volvo is not a done deal yet but hopefully tomorrow will bring some more positive news

Nick

[Nick Drew]

Hi all,

Well the Volvo deal ran into some problems mainly as a result of a less then helpful and rather rude salesman at their Duxford headquarters, firstly they refused to deliver it for me without a charge and wanted me to pay £350 to do it, then when I asked them to fit a radio once more a charge of £150 was qouted Finally after this guy left a rather snotty message on my answer phone I decided to cancel

Anyway that is all water under the bridge now as today I finallised a deal with local plant sales company Plant & Engineering Services to purchase a used Hitachi Zaxis 30, this machine is a 2005 model with only 1149 hrs on the meter and comes complete with 4 buckets.

I must say a MASSIVE thank you to their salesman Mike Murphy and his Wife Carole who treated us very well this morning. They were very nice people to do business with

You can find out more about this sales company by visiting their website http://www.pesplant.co.uk

All things being well the machine should be at home with us by next weekend

It will then be available for hire either operated by Nick or on a self drive basis to suitable competent hirers

Here are some shots ....

Nick

[Nick Drew]

While at Plant & Engineering services depot yesterday I was given the chance by Mike to take some photos of other machines in the yard and also in the workshop.

PES plant are main dealers for Ausa, Volvo Compact range, Benford/Terex, and Cormidi to name a few.

Here are a few shots ....


Nick

[Robban_C]

Some comments:
The EC55B has a VERY good reputation. Very smooth to drive and almost never any failres. One of the best compacts Volvo has made.

That EC25 seems to have the long dipper.

Is it just rubber inserts on the 88 or do they change to rubber tracks?
If they change the complete tracks to the other type they have to move the bottom rollers to the alternative holes or the machine will be very uncomfortable to drive.
Or was that on the ECR58? No, I think it was on the 88. Or maybe both?

Nick, you can always have a "stiff" bucket and a separate tilting device like I have. If the customer accepts the extra cost you bring the tilting device. If they do not accept that extra cost do not use it.
And of course if you work at a fixed price you use it.

[IBH]

The EC55 should be going cheap soon as there is a C series version on the way to market.

[SRB]

Thats a nice looking mount you got yourself there Nick, are you going to invest in a quick hitch?

Just needs some signwriting on her and your away!

SB

[Nick Drew]

Thats a nice looking mount you got yourself there Nick, are you going to invest in a quick hitch?

Just needs some signwriting on her and your away!

SB

Yeh Thanks Stuart,

Shame the Cat guys couldn't get on the case But never mind maybe next time eh !!

Yes I will be looking for a quick hitch but I will have to save some pennys again first as I have spent more money on this machine then I really wanted to

Sign writing will also be on the to do list at some point after I have touched up some of the paintwork

Also if anyone knows of a place where they are breaking one of these machines I would be interested to know about it, as the bonnet is the only thing that lets this machine down as you may of noticed there are no photos showing the bonnet it has a few dents in it nothing drastic but enough to p**s me off !!

Any ideas guys ??

Nick

[Nick Drew]

Ok, The machine was delivered to home on Friday night by PES salesman Mike and his Wife Carole.

This morning I done a bit of touch up work to the orange paint work, sadly I do not have any spray facilities here so a bit of brush work was the best I could do but from a distance it looks ok

Then it was down to the lake area to do a bit of clearing up from a recent visit here by the tree surgeons and a bit of playing about

Here's a few shots!!

Nick