Bobcat or Volvo Mini Excavator. Which should I buy?

Taking a look at purchasing either a Bobcat E32i or a Volvo EC32C Mini Excavator. Pros and Cons....which would you buy?

[@TF856]

Volvo makes a lot better product than bobcat. Bobcats that I have operated were lacking in a future called "Dig to Blade" which means that the bucket won't get very close to the blade which means that when digging trenches you'll have to reposition more often and if you want to pick up objects pinched between the bucket and the blade that it will not pick up smaller objects that way. Without that feature it keeps the bucket at least a foot away from the blade. Also check the amount of wear in all of the pivot joints. I would also want a machine that I could turn the bucket around on. I have never seen a bobcat with that feature. It's also really nice to have a remote pin grabber on your machine so you can change attachments in a matter of seconds. This is extremely handy if you are on a job that you have to change attachments frequently. A hydraulic thumb is also a great benefit for many jobs, especially when doing demolition. Many bobcats also use the same ignition key as Case tractors do and possibly other tractors. Volvos are known for having a key that's impossible to duplicate without the proper machinery because they are side cut, not edge cut. Most places charge $50 for a Volvo key. The price alone probably keeps people from handing out keys like candy, like they do other tractor keys. some rental companies pass out tractor keys to everybody on the job that wants one, except Volvo keys. You also need to check to see if there's dealers close by that can give you service and parts as soon as you need them or not. Some companies are a lot better than others. Missing essential parts to keep you working can keep you off the job for days or even weeks losing lots of money.

[@arlingtonguy54]

We have a Volvo dealer nearby with an excellent service Dept. This one has CP thumb and quick coupler. The Volvo has a removable battery disconnect key also for theft prevention. It’s hands down a much better machine. Thanks for your input!

[@TF856]

Absolutely the Volvo.

[@arlingtonguy54]

It’s obvious 😉

[@WaynesAdventure]

Volvo because it has a cab. 👍

[@tonydigristina5631]

You can do a lot with the E 10 and you already own the machine there’s a big difference in weight with those other machines. if you need to do a job with the heavy machines just rent it that day . You already own a machine that’s capable of doing a lot for you and getting to places that those big machines can’t . unless you’re going full-time and into the excavation business then you better buy a bigger dump truck and trailer. Good luck with your decision and stay safe.

[@arlingtonguy54]

I’ve been considering stepping it up with a larger excavator truck and trailer. I’m getting a lot of support for that from Jerry in finding work so exploring how to make that happen. Thanks for your perspective.

[@pmtips4482]

It would be the Volvo. You know the man who owns it and you know he maintains his equipment. Plus the enclosed cab for mulching jobs.

[@arlingtonguy54]

Yes agreed. I’m negotiating now for it.

[@TheDavidarlen]

The cab is nice, but you get a better view from an open platform. No windows.

[@arlingtonguy54]

I got the cab for protection when mowing. Also it gets very cold in winter here and the heat and ac is great.

[@hey_youtubeim_back2159]

Rule #1 don't work over the drives. Flip them tracks around and use your blade to stabilize the rig

[@MegaTapdog]

it would be a no brainer for me, Volvo. you know the guy, seems like he takes care of it, nice enclosed cab. The rental scares me a bit, rentals get pretty beat up and i’m sure this guy would have a lot of good advise and help if you run into trouble with it. thanks for the video, i’ve been trying to decide whether to buy a skid steer or mini excavator and i’m leaning towards an excavator.

[@MegaTapdog]

*advice*

[@arlingtonguy54]

I fully agree. I have a handshake deal on the Volvo but have to wait for his new replacement machine to be delivered. I’ll make a video when I take delivery. I’ve never run a skid steer but see their value. I have a homeowner buddy that sold his skid steer to buy a mini excavator. They seem a little more versatile to me but depends on what you want to do I guess. 😉

[@GreenRiverRider]

Between the two machines and not knowing the price difference, I'd almost certainly go with the Volvo. That E32i rental machine frankly looks beat. Maybe it's just cosmetics, but torn seats and loose bolts indicate a hard life to me - and I think you're probably as particular about your machines as I am. I would steer clear of that thing. I think you'll be happier in the long run if you do the same. Cheers.

[@arlingtonguy54]

We are thinking alike

[@pointdoc1]

Go for the cab!

[@arlingtonguy54]

I did! Working on a video of it now!

[@ShaneBurrell1]

You gotta be close to me, I know the mcneellys rental logo. A 3.5 to 5 is the ideal machine.

[@arlingtonguy54]

Pisgah Forest!

[@ShaneBurrell1]

@@arlingtonguy54 I just went from a 2.7 canopy to a 3.5 cab. Night and day difference.

[@jasvan4359]

Volvo

[@tonydigristina5631]

Are you going to sell the E 10

[@arlingtonguy54]

Not now. I want to finish my trails and see what need there is in my business.

[@kenskip1]

@@arlingtonguy54 Allen, I have been thinking about your future purchase. Yes the Volvo is a great machine. However do you really require something this large? I was thinking about your Bobcat. Why not look into a larger one? I would think that a E20 or even a E26 would do. BTW, The Bobcats E26 E32 and E35 all have the same engine. Anyway with a smaller machine you will not run into towing problems for one. They are also easier to maneuver. Anyway this is simply an observation. Ken

[@kaseycasece1340]

VOLVO BEST MACHINE !

[@Will-tm5bj]

I've rented a similar machine from McNeelys lol

[@Will-tm5bj]

It's about time for another rental too

[@kenskip1]

Well, you asked for it. Rentals... Nobody cares about them. Customers abuse them. Rental companies only want there monies. Does the rental have any service records? If so, can you see them? If not, walk out the door. Upon opening the engine compartment door it is evident that no one has done any type of maintance to this piece of equipment. Look at all the grease fitting and see how many are broken or do not take grease. Please do not get me wrong, as Bobcat makes a good product and with proper maintance should give long time service. As to the tracks' if you go this route' they will most likely put the least expensive tracks they can lay there hands on. How about the oil level in the final drive? While on this track, how about the rollers. With the track off will they replace the worn out ones? On a positive note the man with the Volvo impresses me. He is well dressed and presents himself well. Honestly, I would go with the Volvo. Just for the heck of it I would pull the air filter out of the Bobcat. My guess is that it would be about 75% clogged.Ken

[@arlingtonguy54]

All points well taken. There’s no comparison really just the substantial price difference. I’ll probably bite the bullet and get the Volvo 😉

[@mp-xt2rg]

I don't have a cab. I come home some nights with a deep tan that washes away when I take a shower. A cab would be nice...

[@arlingtonguy54]

I especially like it in winter when I can turn the heater on or AC in summer.

[@loriford8159]

yes, price is the big question, i know you bought the volvo. never buy a rented machine with more than 10 hours on it. LOL

[@arlingtonguy54]

I totally agree

[@natester1064]

Buy the Volvo and keep the tiny bobcat for hard to reach places.

[@arlingtonguy54]

That’s the plan!