Mini Excavator - Buy, Rent or Hire? - 1 Year review of Kubota KX71-3

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Over the last year, "Precious" has been a big part of developing Piney Grove. If you enjoy mini excavator content, we've created a playlist of all our excavator projects here: kzbin.info/aero/PLG5yS75HLzo0v6LnCFxPlQOxbi6tlXdB0

[@JohnnyCashOriginal]

How much was that machine used?

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

@@JohnnyCashOriginal Under $30K

[@JohnnyCashOriginal]

@@PineyGroveHomestead thanks. Yes that is a good price. :)

[@CliffsDad]

Finally! Someone who gets to the point and stays on point!

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks...sometimes it's hard for us content creators!

[@CliffsDad]

@@PineyGroveHomestead I bought a mini-x today at auction for $3,000 based on your excellent treatment of the value proposition. I will definitely get my money out of it. Thanks for the assist.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

@@CliffsDad If you get 1/10th the enjoyment out of yours that we get out of Precious, you are ahead of the game! Good luck.

[@adamdeshon1275]

Great video! I did the same math and ended up purchasing a used TB230 excavator for about half of a new one. Love running it and have about seven projects lined up when the weather gets better. Oh, and you definitely need a dump trailer. Makes all the difference getting rock & hauling off material!

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

We will have a dump trailer soon. Thanks for watching!

[@Blast357]

needing an excavator every 5 years worth renting it... but when you need 50, 75, 100+ hours yearly... make sense to buy it... and also... when you rent, its a 8hrs maximum and my brain try to use the 8hrs of course so its a LONG LONG day of work and i could find other work just to use the 8hrs.... when you own it... you can uses it 3hrs and park it, continue the next day...etc... I really agree with your review!

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

That's the point I was trying to make. There's a lotta value in having something when you need it. And also they don't depreciate quickly if cared for. Thanks for watching.

[@garyreardon11]

Love the fact that you named it Precious. Great video as always!

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

I don't know why but it just seemed right at the time. 😁 Thanks for watching! Brad&Deb

[@MegaRiffraff]

I bought a new 2750 John deere tractor in the 80s , used it hard logging and farming for 12 years , sold it for $1000.00 less than I paid for it , So I didn’t complain.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

That's the way to do it!

[@logmeindangit]

Really well done video, the narration, the number crunching, and whether or noy a purchase could be justified. Thank you. I'm thinking of getting a small mini, the kind that can pull its tracks in, to navigate tight spots, trails, etc.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks for the kind comment. We have a long list of things to do with our machine!

[@daved7024]

I agree 100% with your assessment of owning an excavator 😀👍

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

We have zero regrets buying this machine! Thanks for watching.

[@tangoseal1]

I am on the ropes about getting a KX040 but .... only of the Lord Allows me too! But I dig it and could use one for our 30 acres.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

We haven't regretted buying ours. I think we can own it for 10 years, and get all our money back. Here's all our excavator projects: kzbin.info/aero/PLG5yS75HLzo0v6LnCFxPlQOxbi6tlXdB0

[@flat6fever680]

Liked and subscribed. I couldn't agree more. I need one for about a year and the monthly rental is $1,500 per month. I found a nice used 2016 Bobcat E20 and paid 20k for it. New they are 40k currently. I could sell this unit for 25k right now. I will use it for a year. Get all the projects I need to get done completed and then reevaluate whether or not to keep it. I have a Bobcat skid loader to do most of what I need and would never give it up but there are many retaining walls and small excavating jobs I need to do that the skid loader can't do. I need the bucket with thumb to lift and set rocks and so much more. I will most likely keep the unit but in the mean time it is money in the bank. I keep my machines serviced at the actual dealer and keep records for my own use and for resale value and keep everything I own in pole barns and out of the elements.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

It makes sense over time to go ahead and buy it if you are going to need it regularly. I can see a time when our farm doesn't need an excavator and I think we'll be able to sell for as much or more than we paid. Thanks for watching we have an excavator playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLG5yS75HLzo0v6LnCFxPlQOxbi6tlXdB0

[@josephmcmanamy4699]

I agree it's fun I have a tiny one ton So fun to operate

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

They are awesome!

[@jamesscroggins3486]

Awesome review, you justified ownership especially when your developing your own property

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks. It can be intimidating buying an expensive piece of equipment but the numbers make sense especially when you factor in your time and the convenience of having the machine to do the job WHEN you need it!

[@matthewburns8556]

Awesome!! Absolutely love everything you guys do!! Many many kudos!

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks for the kind comment. We have several new videos using Precious this spring!

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

Great review! Looks like Precious has been invaluable to the development of your homestead. I enjoyed the flashback to everything you e accomplished with it.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks Lucas...it really has been the machine we didn't know we needed. The big question now is: What is the #3 piece of equipment that Piney Grove needs? 🤷‍♂🚜🚁🛩🚛

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

@@PineyGroveHomestead Ventrac?

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

@@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead Seems like something to mow quicker would make sense. We'll see in '23!

[@nate2838]

Had the opportunity to use one for a few days. They are FUN :)

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

It brings a smile on my face whenever I use it....like yesterday!

[@robc6310]

I love ours and look for excuses to use it. They are so handy. Much more than just excavating.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Totally agree...but kinda slow for joy riding around the farm!! Thanks for watching. B&D

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

It’s a great investment for what you need to get done on your homestead 🙂🙋🏼‍♂️👍🏻. Have a great weekend B&D 🙂🙋🏼‍♂️👍🏻

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks Luc. It's making sense so far! 👍 Take care.

[@brandonb5818]

I'm considering it. I've got trees that need to come down, stumps that need to come up, culverts that need to be dug, septic tank hole and water line trenches, and I'm sure other things I'm not thinking of. To hire all that out is going to be 5 figures. If I buy an excavator, and I sell it right after the home build, there's no way I lose even half that amount...Seems like the way to go

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

I agree! Here's our excavator project playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLG5yS75HLzo0v6LnCFxPlQOxbi6tlXdB0

[@dre04mach]

Keep in mind for your calculation that most "daily rentals" come with an hour limit on the machine - so if it comes with an 8hr limit, you're looking at 12+ rentals @ 300 bucks a day to match the 100 hour usage... that's 3600 bucks right there, plus fuel... You can pretty much write off the oil/filters with the fuel you'd use in the truck to tow the 12 trips back and forth. Way i see it, for my tractor for example, a 300 bucks a month payment, if I use it once a month, it's paid for itself. Same for something like this... I'm just looking for / doing the research on the cheap gas chinese ones vs the name brand ones...

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Agree with all you said! Used the excavator today for an hour, then put it away. Got some work done...had some fun...put back in the barn! Thanks for watching. Brad&Deb

[@michaelmactavish4445]

kubota just only went up just 5% and deeres went up 36% and cat went 45% more in there cost wich kubotas saves alot of money

[@codetech5598]

If you rent equipment by the month, it is significantly less expensive than by the day.

[@spevakdesigns]

First piece of equipment also depends heavily on the mix of terrain and how developed your land is to start with. We bought nearly 20 acres with about 3/4 of it being forested, and only 1.5 acres of the remaining space already cleared and somewhat developed. Even within that space there is substantial regrading and demolition work to do. I talked to a lot of local guys doing similar work and ultimately just went straight for a tracked skid steer and mini ex that I found locally in very good condition with low hours. I plan to use those for about 5 years doing development work and then should be able to resell for 60-75% of what I have into them and buy a tractor to handle the lighter duty work in the future. Or maybe I'll keep them and start doing work for others in the area if I'm finding I still like the work at that point.

[@MontanaGrizzsky]

Someone who actually talks about the subject..:lol, I don’t care about people’s life stories🤣 Thanks man

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks for watching.

[@mustache2295]

Hello, question about practicality here. To keep in mind, my home is in city limits so small property but I reviewed the dimensions and it should fit through my gate. I was thinking of renting this mini-ex from Home Depot to address a few things in my newly owned backyard. I wanted to address some grading and leveling, but also to remove a large stump (estimate of 2.5 foot in diameter), 3 sago palm stumps and remove some unnecessary chain link fencing (there are about 12 posts). To fully address grading I will have to also remove some concrete path ways the previous owner had. I hate to remove the path but it is from what I can tell the highest in the yard. Further, my backyard appears to have a higher grade than my neighbors. I called Home Depot and determined it will be $250 total for pickup and drop off and then about $330/day of use. The reason I want to rent one of these is because it seems to be the "Jack of all Trades" and I can complete each of these tasks with it alone instead of renting the specific tool for each of the efforts I hope to complete. Anybody care to chime in?

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

This size excavator (6300) can do everything you want to do. They dig fast but move slow so while they can pick up concrete and fencing, you don't really want to drive it too far (time and tear up your lawn), so I would have the dump trailer or dumpster close by so you're not tracking as much.

[@scott5747]

At Machinery Pete, they show this unit used going for $16,000 to $47,0000 depending on hours used. A new one is going to be higher. That's a lot for using 5 times a year as I think you grabbed your numbers from.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

New is around $50K. We bought used with low hours. Thanks for watching.

[@YourUncle8501]

Awesome video. Just subbed. Cant wait to see more!

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks for watching. We put all our excavator content in a playlist if that's what you enjoy. Brad&Deb

[@toddallison4390]

I completely agree with you on the merits of a mini-ex. I am a couple weeks away from picking up a KX040 for our piece of property. Similarly, we also have an L-series Kubota and I love that thing. Where in the panhandle are you? We are in the Destin area (our property is out of state though)

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

KX040 is a nice sized mini. We are about an hour from Destin. Thanks for watching. Brad&Deb

[@rogervancleave8670]

What is your thought on an excavator attachment for your tractor vs buying the second piece of equipment? I think it depends on the number of projects you might have as to whether you have a dedicated machine or not.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

If you can get your projects done with a backhoe, that's a cheaper way to go but the differences between an excavator and backhoe are pretty big. It's slower and less maneuverable but if you have plenty of time, you can get a lot done with one.

[@aaronburford5701]

This is great content and information! Very informative, I like excavator usage as well! What is your lease and favorite equipment? Where projects do you enjoy the mosrt?

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Least favorite.....I like running all sorts of equipment and attachments but I struggle with box blade grading and hooking up a 3 point hitch can be frustrating! I think I like brush hogging and mowing the most!

[@aaronburford5701]

@@PineyGroveHomestead thanks for responding..... Your transparency is a breath of fresh air! I pegged you right!

[@abhimanyusingh787]

Nice job done

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

so yummy

[@randy4134]

Your numbers seem pretty accurate. I bought a 2020 John Deere 1025r new and over the last few years the value has only dropped about $3,000 ($10/hr). Combine that with a 0% interest loan and it seems foolish to rent or hire someone. This doesn’t include all the profit I made from hired work. I’m currently looking for a nice used mini ex.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

We love the fact we can use it anytime we have a spare few hours vs trying to combine multiple jobs and feel rushed. Thanks for watching!

[@randy4134]

@@PineyGroveHomestead exactly, and it’s a ton of fun! Keep up with the good content.

[@WaynesAdventure]

Great video with good info. New here 👍

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Welcome aboard! We have a playlist of excavator videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLG5yS75HLzo0v6LnCFxPlQOxbi6tlXdB0

[@calvinw.smith.97]

What size is this mini ?

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

25hp. 6300# They still make this model.

[@timvins]

Bought not long after our so called “lockdowns” 🥴🤨, payed $$$ way over because everything was in demand, would love to upgrade but I can’t face the hit 🥴😩

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Yes, they were going for a premium for awhile there! We love this machine! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJTImWWGib6aptU

[@PhilScordato]

Correct me if im wrong, but as i understand the tables Renting 3x a year in order to even out with the 1000 hours of use for each example would mean you are getting something like 33.3 hours of use per rental ? 33.3 x 3 = 100 hours per year x 10 years would get you to that comparable 1000 hours. That's at bare minimum a 2 day rental to actually fit in 33.3 hours of on the machine work ... but let's be realistic that's probably like a week long rental at that point because after 2 to three single day rentals you are close to the week long rental rate anyway... and a 5 day rental at 6.66 hours on the machine each day depending on the project type is a pretty realistic way to get to 33.3 hours per rental. In my area for a similar machine that would be about $1,000 per rental not including fuel. So at that rate 3x a year for 10 years 30 rentals at 1,000 each I would be closer to about 30k give or take than 11k for renting and still getting 1000 hours of actual time running the equipment. Maybe my numbers are off but I'm trying to compare 1000 hours of run time to 1000 hours of run time apples to apples and with renting I'm not sure how else to better break down a realistic actual 1000 hours of physically running the machine. I know I can't get 33.3 hours from a 1 day - $300 rental.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

The bottom line is that if you use an excavator fairly frequently, the residual value and time saving are worth buying one.

[@PhilScordato]

Agreed! Thanks.

[@KUBBI7488]

now im looking to buy U17

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Go for it. They are so useful!

[@johanrunfeldt7174]

4:25 Who doesn't love a carousel ride?

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Mrs. Piney Grove definitely agrees.

[@tommycoates2981]

How much diesel have you used in a good days work ?

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

8 hours is about 5 gallons.

[@robertadcock8971]

I love that about my kubota mini-ex. Very fuel efficient

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

@@robertadcock8971 You can get a lot done with a gallon of diesel!

[@jtbro7644]

I bought a sub compact tractor with a backhoe. It will dig. But the excavator is better.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

You can get a lot done with a backhoe! Thanks for watching.

[@jtbro7644]

@@PineyGroveHomestead you can to a point. I have both. The excavator to me is better for what it is for. I would not give up either need both tractor and mini excavator

[@shaneross7428]

That was awesome thank you

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks for watching. We have lots of videos on using our mini around the farm: kzbin.info/aero/PLG5yS75HLzo0v6LnCFxPlQOxbi6tlXdB0

[@dhansel4835]

Buy some land, pay XXX amount of Taxes on it, clear it and make it look good and your taxes go through the roof. It's called improvement of the property.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Death and taxes......

[@sk00t3r8]

interesting

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

The machine we never knew we needed! Thanks for watching.

[@codetech5598]

Why don't you have a backhoe on the tractor instead of the excavator?

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Backhoes are very versatile but they can't do what we need to do like dig in our pond.

[@codetech5598]

@@PineyGroveHomestead Why would you dig a pond with such a small bucket like that excavator has?

[@keantho1111]

i have both a kubota kx71-3 and a takuchi tb-025 both the same class of machine , the kubota can not even compare to the streangth of the takeuchi , the kubota is alot weaker and alot more tippy

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

That's good information to know.

[@kdegraa]

Excavators are very expensive. If you have the money get one. If you don’t have the money, write a list of tasks needed to be done with an excavator, hire one or get an operator in to do a few hours work, and save the money. Otherwise buy a cheap Chinese excavator.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Thanks for watching.

[@AR-oh5ho]

I am excavetor operetor. I want job. Plesse help me.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

With all the construction going on, I would think that's a good career to have.

[@TF856]

Some of us would rather hear the equipment instead of that useless music!

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Some don't.

[@TF856]

@@PineyGroveHomestead just keep in mind that only one out of every twenty-seven people that don't like something will ever complain. That means take every negative comment and multiply it by 27. Most people are afraid to say anyting . I thought you just might appreciate an honest helpful comment. Maybe I was wrong. People who don't want honest comments should turn off the comments all together. People who only want to hear positive comments are lying to themselves. Just a thought.

[@KalikoTrapp]

For the record, I like the music. Now multiply that by 27 too. :)

[@bcmineresearch]

​@@KalikoTrapp I dont like the music. That's another 27 people.