Hey everyone,
First HEF post here! I have been reading the forums for the last few weeks, and I have to say that this is a great community of knowledgeable and friendly people!
So I'm in the market to buy a new Mini Excavator around 10,000 - 12,000lbs. I know every machine is expensive to buy and operate, but I just want to see what would be the best bet regarding machine to general cost of ownership ratio. I'll probably be owning this machine for at least 5 years.
We would be using this machine for small excavation jobs, concrete demo with a hammer, and concrete removal with bucket and claw.
Since it's the end of the year many of the manufacturers are offering 0% or low interest financing so I'm trying to buy this machine in the next week or so.
After countless hours of research and dealership visits, I've narrowed my choices down to the Kubota KX57, Bobcat E50, Case CX 50B or 55B, and the CAT 305.5 E CR. All dealerships are within 1 hour drive of me.
I'm right now leaning towards the Kubota KX57. It is the cheapest machine out of all the machines I got quotes on. It is about $6,000 less than the Bobcat and Case, and at least $10,000 cheaper then the CAT, and Kubota is offering no payments until April 2013 and 0% financing for 5 years.
I was quoted on each of these machines with the following options. Cab with Heat/AC, Angle Front Blade, Rubber Tracks, 24" bucket, Hydraulic Thumb, and Quick Bucket Coupler.
I was curious out of those machines, how are the prices for parts and service? Who are the most expensive/least expensive for parts? I would consider the Bobcat, Case, or CAT, in that order, even though the machine is $6,000-$10,000 more up front if the machine will cost less in the long run.
Right now though, Kubota would be my pick considering the initial cost, 0% for 5 years, and also no payments until April. The no payment until April is definitely a plus for me. I don't have the work for the machine right now, but I will have a couple of jobs starting right around then.
Thanks again guys, and sorry for the long post!
-Spacecase
First HEF post here! I have been reading the forums for the last few weeks, and I have to say that this is a great community of knowledgeable and friendly people!
So I'm in the market to buy a new Mini Excavator around 10,000 - 12,000lbs. I know every machine is expensive to buy and operate, but I just want to see what would be the best bet regarding machine to general cost of ownership ratio. I'll probably be owning this machine for at least 5 years.
We would be using this machine for small excavation jobs, concrete demo with a hammer, and concrete removal with bucket and claw.
Since it's the end of the year many of the manufacturers are offering 0% or low interest financing so I'm trying to buy this machine in the next week or so.
After countless hours of research and dealership visits, I've narrowed my choices down to the Kubota KX57, Bobcat E50, Case CX 50B or 55B, and the CAT 305.5 E CR. All dealerships are within 1 hour drive of me.
I'm right now leaning towards the Kubota KX57. It is the cheapest machine out of all the machines I got quotes on. It is about $6,000 less than the Bobcat and Case, and at least $10,000 cheaper then the CAT, and Kubota is offering no payments until April 2013 and 0% financing for 5 years.
I was quoted on each of these machines with the following options. Cab with Heat/AC, Angle Front Blade, Rubber Tracks, 24" bucket, Hydraulic Thumb, and Quick Bucket Coupler.
I was curious out of those machines, how are the prices for parts and service? Who are the most expensive/least expensive for parts? I would consider the Bobcat, Case, or CAT, in that order, even though the machine is $6,000-$10,000 more up front if the machine will cost less in the long run.
Right now though, Kubota would be my pick considering the initial cost, 0% for 5 years, and also no payments until April. The no payment until April is definitely a plus for me. I don't have the work for the machine right now, but I will have a couple of jobs starting right around then.
Thanks again guys, and sorry for the long post!
-Spacecase