I have completed all my large projects and my LB330LX worked out great for clearing my property and digging around my pond but now I need (read want) to something smaller to finish off projects and maintain my property. So, I have searched the forums and found a little info but was wanting to get some input from folks on either getting a 2015 Cat 308E2 excavator with 8 hours for high $80s or a 2012 Cat 420E backhoe with 2000 hours in the mid $40s.
I already have a Kubota L45 TLB and it works for the most part but just will not cover all the bases. Most of my work will be cleaning up stumps and burying them, cleaning fence lines, trenching water and electric lines. I am leaning towards the 308 since I have a small TLB already. I know there are other small excavators that are good, but I have a cat dealer 4 miles from me and one of my issues with the Link Belt is the nearest dealer is 140 miles away, parts and service is just much easier with Cat being local.
I already have a Kubota L45 TLB and it works for the most part but just will not cover all the bases. Most of my work will be cleaning up stumps and burying them, cleaning fence lines, trenching water and electric lines. I am leaning towards the 308 since I have a small TLB already. I know there are other small excavators that are good, but I have a cat dealer 4 miles from me and one of my issues with the Link Belt is the nearest dealer is 140 miles away, parts and service is just much easier with Cat being local.