5 ton vs 9 ton Mini/Midi Excavators - How big is big enough?

[@wi_ultra_farmer]

I went through the same exercise for my land and went with the Kubota KX080-5. When you’re shopping don’t forget to look at hydraulic flow in case you ever want to get a mulcher later.

[@Metromulchers]

Did you try the KX057 before the 080? I was originally thinking of getting the 57 but now I’m afraid I might not be as effective with the smaller excavator. Looking at the Cat 306 which would be in between the 57 and 80 but the price of the 80 might not be too much more than the 306.

[@wi_ultra_farmer]

@ yes I looked at the KX057 and really liked it. At some point I would like to get a mulcher and like the extra flow that the 080 has.

[@bossturbo]

I got a 6 ton class excavator (48hp) and wish I got the 9+ ton like an E88 for getting big stumps and whatnot. The only advantages were it was a little cheaper and I can tow the 6 ton ex with a SRW truck and without a CDL since total weight comes in just under 26,000. If it's never going to leave your property, it's a no brainer, get the 9 ton class machine or even bigger.

[@Ricardo-ii6xx]

Is there 12in and 18in buckets for the larger mini’s say an e60 or e88 ??

[@offgrid101]

@@Ricardo-ii6xx yes, trenching buckets.

[@dane9175]

When it comes to excavators get the largest 1 you can afford. Or the largest one you can transport an 8000 pounder seems to search update fit that limitation for a person with your average drivers license

[@offgrid101]

Good point. I was thinking some day I’d probably add an older 20-30 ton machine. There are some massive boulders on my land - 15-20ft diameter. For now, they’re staying put.

[@felixmartel1847]

im thinking of buying a small wheeled excavator wacker neuson ew65, im looking into putting a mulcher head on it since it has 39gpm on aux and no need to trailer arround, how dumb that idea is ?

[@Breakinlife007]

So many start out with the Bobcat brand machines till you grow in the excavator world then switch to one of the bigger companies or i should say better companies out there. I went Kobelco with a SK35 and then SK380. Now that i have the SK380 i dont use the SK35 much anymore. Great video though and i look forqard to seeing more of your excavator journey.

[@offgrid101]

@@Breakinlife007thanks for the input. There are lots of used Komatsu and Cats in my area. I’ve been considering a used 308c or d or a pc88mr. I haven’t looked at Kobelco at all. What do you like about them?

[@Breakinlife007]

@offgrid101 I have had the Cat equipment before. They are very good just pricey for parts and repair. Warranty is not the best either. On the positive side if a Cat breaks you can get a replacement part right away through their network. Kobelco is a Japanese brand that makes precision equipment that is highly reliable. I have not had any issues or breaks since using them. The cabs are spacious and heat / ac keeps up in the coldest or the warmest months. The hydraulics are strong and powerful. I'm using the Axxiss Tiltrotator on mine.

[@joshvanzeeland8324]

Lets compare a apple and a orange while you are at it... obviously the e88 is bigger and stronger.

[@offgrid101]

For me, it was important to try different size mini/midi machines to see what would fit my needs. There are plenty of apple vs orange (excavator vs backhoe, excavator vs skidsteer, etc.) videos out there - few talk about the pros and cons of different sized machines.

[@jordanmercredi3740]

​@@offgrid101cost of ownership and ability are huge too good video need more like this

[@tehaurai]

Stupid comment. Comparison is not only about size and power, it’s about being able to use smaller or bigger machines in specific situation, his video is more than relevant in many aspects.

[@tysonreidful]

It’s a taste test of an apple and an orange, both have different advantages and disadvantages, just helping decide which one you want

[@mistergolfer7]

Bro chill. I think a lot of people wonder what one size can do compared to the next. I think most people want to know that they will get a big enough excavator to do what they need to do but not bigger/more expensive