So after doing some research I am thinking that something in the 8K to 10K range is probably what I am looking for. It seems like a good size to do most miscellaneous tasks without being to big.
I am most likely looking at used excavators, although new is not totally out of the running yet. I do have an offer for a 2009 Cat 304C CR with 2300 hours on it for $22500. The only problem with the excavator is that it needs a door (which I am told is 2K). Supposedly they took it off for some reason and an employee of the guys ran over it. Anyway, obviously if I buy the machine I will take it to a dealer or other person and have them go over it with a fine tooth comb. I also know the Cat rep for the local dealer and he has offered to run the serial numbers to confirm no major repairs or maintenance issues.
Assuming everything checks out what kind of price is $22500 for that machine? It looks pretty good based upon what I see on machinerytrader.com but I have been told that the prices there are very inflated and not good comparisons.
What other excavators do you recommend I consider in the 8K-10K pound range? I have looked at Kubota but the used ones seem to be in the 30K to 40K range. What Bobcat or Takeuchi models should I be looking at and comparing to?
Lastly, if you are talking about new machines, is there a general hierarchy of prices for Cat, Kubota, Bobcat, and Takeuchi? In other words, if I look at a reasonably similar 5T machine from each brand, are they going to be similarly priced when new or are they much different?
Thanks for the help!