Road Trip Shopping For a New Excavator

[@1000kmckinney]

That John Deere hat on Hyundai lot , Priceless 🤠

[@pjs5191]

Nice video as always. Can’t wait to see what you end up with and see it in the dirt.

[@siduramaxde]

Vavlo has bigdeal18 as a brand ambassador ....Cat has Jpaiddirt....Hyunday could have Dirt Perfect to represent them.

[@TrevorDennis100]

There you go. You've spotted a hole in the excavator market right there, and an opportunity for Mike. :-) It was _very_ interesting that Mike was able to point out disadvantages with the Volvo when speaking as a non bias and independent equipment elevator. You can't help but think that Chris Guins would not have pointed out those same issues.

[@DirtPerfect]

Sound like a plan to me

[@sonnyblazer5504]

Oh WOW, so exciting and YOU'RE paying for it. I love this shopping and you paying the bill. I have no idea what you should buy and it all depends on your need and usage. That said, I WOULD NOT SKIMP on something you need in the machine because once you pull the trigger, your butt will work hard in that seat and anything you do without, you'll regret. You can always wait. We wish you the very best, in your end result and smart doing all your research. Good luck & God bless! Sonny (CT)

[@mischef18]

Enjoyed this video bro so thanks for letting us tag along. Safe travels

[@DirtPerfect]

Glad you enjoyed

[@cooperwilkes7219]

Good luck can’t wait to see what happens

[@TheSnakeman3]

Great research to assure you are happy with the large purchase. I wish you luck and hope you get what you need.

[@richardgray7447]

I like the “ Linkers “ bud … We have one ( it’s been painted so I’m not sure on the actual size but it’s about the size of a Komatsu 220 ) and that Link belt is a smooth, very responsive( but not touchy or jumpy ) , comfortable seat and great power.

[@brucehuff5566]

Wow great video. The amount of research incredible. It always comes to the budget. Sure hope you don't have to settle for your second choice. Stay safe

[@f250ford2004]

Thank for the ride a long! got to do what you can be comfortable in and afford

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks tony

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Right out of the starting gates... had to play the man card... “I’m driving the van... only because...”. Well played sir!!! Too bad those two Excavators are so far apart... would be nice to breed them together and get just what you need! Looking forward to the big reveal.

[@pyawallah7080]

that blade on the volvo would win the argument for me

[@ronalddavies2488]

Your money your choice, you are the one who will be paying and using the machine, make the right decision.👍👍🇬🇧

[@DirtPerfect]

Very true

[@tb91506]

Go with the dealer you have the best relationship with.

[@jonsobieck1893]

Good dealer support is important.

[@QuantityEngineers]

Which one has the best service? Parts available in stock, time to show up on job when called, close by to pick up parts.

[@michaelmactavish1728]

@@jonsobieck1893 it's like kubota and case dealers wich were planing deal with better then deere and cat dealer

[@NotJustaTool]

I heard you say "I'll take it", with the Hyundai. Hope you get the financing straight. But either machine is an improvement. Good luck with it Mike. Congratulations. Cheers!

[@Crewsy]

Poor Captain Kleeman. 😢 The only way to get past the broken mirror will be when Mike breaks one. 🤣😂

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol hope is a while before that happens

[@jbritt2549]

Needs to take them off before clearing

[@Bazza1973ify]

Lol Kleeman's never going to live the mirror incident down ..... & Quite rightly so Lol 😂😂

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol

[@brandonring7400]

Komatsu is hands down best on the market. I own a small demolition company and we have tried them all. I like other brands but even with the premium Komatsu get for their product,you end up saving money in the long run because they hardly ever go down. I have a couple of cat next gen tractors ,they are really nice but I don’t see myself owning them once they are out of warranty. On the other hand I have one pc158 that I have put well over 7k hard hours on and only had to preform p/m and replaced one alternator. Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps. P/s run away from JCB I have two and the unit’s are decent but the company’s policy’s suck. My JCB dealer is great but corporate keeps their hands tied.

[@DonkeyinOZ]

I think you want the Hyundai but can afford the Volvo

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol

[@DonkeyinOZ]

Well what did I win.

[@andrewshullick4319]

You just like playing on all of them. Just pick one. Thanks for sharing it

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol I do

[@1summitcity]

Good afternoon buddy. Looks like you are traveling right past my area Fort Wayne. Great videos keep it up !

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup went right thru there

[@luckeychuckey70]

Hope you had a good experience driving through Toledo LOL love your videos! Should have tried Buck and Knobby on 23 they're pretty decent.

[@DirtPerfect]

I did and thanks

[@geobert7637]

I am impressed with the spread sheets and the amount research you have done. Love the equipment buying vids. Especially as I buy more machines this spring

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@anoq4028]

Get what ever makes u happy but that machine looks very nice and also like all the lables for the parts

[@bobcatron609]

Link belt is built by sumitoto group. Been building machines for many years. Smooth controls, beautiful cab and joysticks

[@chickenman1524]

i saw you in logger wades video of pulling out the truck looked like fun keep the videoes comming

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@jameswilson322]

Welcome to Michigan buddy , let's dig don't have any problems clearing with his machine. I think I would go with the volvo .

[@jameswilson322]

Ya your probably Wright , I was just thinking about the long term, volvo Ben around a long time. I don't know anything about the Hyundai

[@williammatthews2948]

I really like the Hyundai HX145LCR but it needs wider tracks and a hydraulic thumb. It also needs a crate of replacement mirrors. (Cue the Captain Kleeman music.) Lol. Good luck in finding what you're looking for. I hope you get a good deal. Have a blessed and safe weekend.

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol agree

[@bigjim5723]

i have to say the Hyunda sure looks easy enough to work on-IMO. that always is good. is the HX have as long of track body as ur JD? ur JD looks to be longer? hey buy once and be happy. buy a used one and cry every time u get in it to work them days. it took me a yr to convince myself to buy my jd 835R gator at its price. heck i even went out to Ohio and down in WVA looking at them for different prices, so i had a road trip too. ended up in MD to buy mine. and then i pimped it out with just about everything i could get on it. ha! buy what u really want.

[@johnstegall4119]

Check parts availability and priceing freight and down time are as inportant as any considerations.

[@seanpierce7673]

That 145 was a sweet machine. But we know witch one.you got! Lol

[@bertrutledge4546]

Very informative, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the different machines. You have done your homework and put in countless hours but it is an expensive decision and one you have to work in everyday. Quality is expensive but go with what is best for you.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks for watching

[@garywest8901]

Thanks for the road trip buddy. Man I give you A+ for research and going the extra effort looking at each one. It's hard when money is largest factor in final decisions. Always been my problem on the farm lol. If you can pull it off get the one you want. Your a hard worker and great people person , I believe your clientele is only going to grow. Heck it's not like your buying a bass boat or some worthless Harley D. your buying something to work with. If you got a work , and we do, might as well have little enjoyment . Still love the 120, ol faithful.lol.

[@justinmills8084]

You can widen the blade on the Volvo. I know you already knew that though. Lol

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol thanks Justin

[@cwgreen1938]

I think the Hyndaui suits you the best, no doubt if you like a machine you are going to take better care of it and if you take better care of it, it will last longer and give less trouble. If you are satisfied with the service and parts availability for the Hyndaui then the price difference probably won't make that much difference when you stretch it out over three to five years time. You may be able to do your jobs faster and better which might mean you get more jobs to do and you can double up on the payments some months or at least pay on the principal a few times and get it paid for a little quicker which will make your credit look good. I would go get that Hyndaui if I were you. Good luck and keep the videos coming, I like watching you work all the machinery.

[@73DiamondReo]

that hyundai looks pretty close to our Case cx160c the way its layed out. One thing i like to look for is how the tracks react when operating other functions. the type of work im involved in we use the machine more as a crane than for actually digging. The 145 we rented for a month was terrible at that but they might have addressed it by now

[@lakesideranch]

Nice job on the trip video Mike! Take your time, make sure you're comfortable with your decision. I'm betting on the Hyundai, you seem to have reached a practical, wise choice based on your research and feedback from the dealers. Good luck with your decision process, you're the BOSS for a reason. Keep up the good work, upgrade your equipment and efficiency! Work safe, stay warm. Enjoy your weekend buddy. Doug@ the "ranch"

[@brandonclark513]

In my experience when I've had my mind set on one and go with something else I always end up regretting it. Dont regret your decision get the one you really want

[@leol1682]

Like the video Mike and like the exc.too .

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks buddy

[@jbritt2549]

A guy had a Hyundai at my pit yesterday and I loaded a couple loads with it. I was impressed with it. Good working machine.

[@DirtPerfect]

I loved it

[@jbritt2549]

@@DirtPerfect so thats what you gotten

[@makingithappen9722]

Thumb without bucket, looks a little fun.

[@richardgray7447]

Service and parts availability is one of the top factors we always consider when buying a new hoe. If we can’t get a service tech out when we need one or we have to wait for several days to get a part shipped in … That’s obviously a major factor in our decision to buy new … because as most of us know , if you have a $300,000+ piece of equipment sitting broke down for a few days waiting on parts !!! That’s a major problem. We need these things up and running so they can continue to make the money that pays for themselves.

[@farmershelper6203]

That's funny you're wearing a John Deere hat but not looking at a John Deere equipment

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol 🤷‍♂️

[@NewDeereMan]

Never really caught what boom/arm specs were so out of wack on the Deere?

[@mikeseguin6443]

I have never operated a Hyundai but it is well laid out.Great visibility and ease of maintenance.

[@vaughnhill3437]

I do like the fact you can see all the way around it from the seat. Lower profile on the hood. You cant hardly beat a perkins. They been. Around forever

[@DirtPerfect]

Agree on both

[@johnwarren-649]

That handa would be my choice so far on what you've showed us. Looks to have the best user friendly lay out. Unless I'm missing something

[@DirtPerfect]

No I agree

[@doncoiner8128]

I hope you can get the one you really want. Good luck.

[@DirtPerfect]

Me to

[@Hatya05]

Not sure how big you want to go but I just got the Kobelco 170 in the spring of 19 and we love it. My excavator friend owns a huge company full of Deere and hitachi and he was impressed with our Kobelco. We have it set it with the full trimble 2d system. I’m about 2 hours straight north of Indy on 65 if you want to come check it out.

[@crazygsxr1]

One thing about the Hyundai I noticed,it had a single travel pedal that is nice for loading , long travel distances in the machine like I’ve seen you do a lot and unloading off the lowboy so you don’t have to try to perfectly get the travel pedals exactly right on full throttle. That does usually come standard on the most of the bigger machines I do like that Hyundai setup. Can’t complain there all nice, 20th century here you come lol

[@DirtPerfect]

The Volvo 140 has that as well

[@livinindamitten8025]

No way I just stumbled across this video. I drilled in a sewer right along the road you found that Volvo on, I bet you missed us by weeks!

[@DirtPerfect]

lol interesting

[@joelshuman9243]

I have the Komatsu 138 with a blade , it’s built a lot like the Hyundai. With the zero tail swing if you’re on any bit of a slope your tip the machine up without the blade. I do a lot of retaining walls and setting binblocks you have to have a blade , you need to demo that excavator on a little bit of a slope by the time you put a thumb on and bucket you’ll regret not having a blade. Good luck but I would keep that in the consideration with a zero tail machine. God bless and happy new year

[@timothyball3144]

Very impressed with the lay out of the Hyundai. The only downside is that computer location right under the DEF. It would need some kind of cover over the top of it. Wouldn't want to enclose it since it needs airflow for cooling. The thumb on that Volvo sucks. That thing wouldn't last a month in rock. You can fab extensions for the blade to make it work, but the thumb needs to go in the scrap bin.

[@DirtPerfect]

Agree with the def 100% disagree with thumb it very well built

[@cntslesfabrication]

Hyundai hydraulics we're very quiet unlike the Volvo equipment

[@DirtPerfect]

This is true

[@richardgray7447]

Our Link Belt is an older model and is not obstructed like the new ones are. I can definitely see that new Link Belt being a little aggravating with the limited view on the right like that. Sure , You always have limited view on that side but this LB was extremely bulky and limited.

[@f150bc]

Funny how you don't even have Cat in the running for the next machine.Things have changed

[@vaughnhill3437]

The volvo has the push blade is all i see going for it. If you coulsd get a long term warranty on it you may get some of your money bac . Good luck bud.

[@makingithappen9722]

Perkins engines are reliable. But Linkbelt looks fast and steady. Miint 👌

[@DirtPerfect]

Agree

[@toddreynolds8875]

Perkins. Are good reliable engines. , they do like to drink a little extra fuel , and should now have good fast parts service, since Caterpillar bought perkins several years ago

[@makingithappen9722]

@@toddreynolds8875 U got that right. MiH🙋

[@CMDSR]

Yep that’s a road trip 👍

[@williamuskoski1385]

Parrish excavation has the 145 link belt and he loves it. Biggest cab in it's class if I remember right

[@bandit600irl5]

a bit of advice from a digger driver The zero swing are handy around construction sights but when your digging ditches and pulling trees on side track you will miss the balance of an non zero swing good luck with the search

[@carlwilliams8354]

Man that Zero Tail Swing LB makes my knuckles hurt just looking at the poor serviceability! Link Belts are pretty nice, my brother is a pipeline inspector and has a contractor that runs them in his fleet.

[@23cummins68rfe]

145 hyundai is a good machine. the one i run has deleted def , runs better no issues and i move tons of dirt plus concrete with that machine comfortable as well. back up camera helps alot to

[@HootakaBJ]

Praying for you, I know it’s easy for a lot of us to SPEND YOUR $$!! But I “was” on the Volvo side of the fence.... but U won me over on the Hyundai!! But did the 145 have a thumb... the 160 did...

[@chrisgarland9381]

Hey man. Just found your channel. We bought our first Hyundai 300 this year and I’ve always been a Volvo cat guy. I will say we will continue to buy the Hyundai’s. There’s a lot of stereotypes for them.

[@DirtPerfect]

I agree think they are a great machines and still hope to have one one day and welcome to the channel

[@georgedoolittle7574]

"not interested unless you have a dump truck for sale too." Simple as that.

[@5point3LitersOfLove]

I love my Hyundai mini 35 series and my buddy has a 80 and 160. All three amazing machines for us. Like you stated they are really engineered strong and easy to work on. My dealer support is amazing. I called for a filter kit on my first service. They are 45 minutes away and had an employee that lives in my town drop it off the same night. Dealer support is key. Also in the numbers game they beat others by far. Others offer 0% financing but are 5% more on total price. There is a 2016 Hyundai HX145 LCR with 1285 hrs on it in Orland Park Illinois for $110,000 with WB thumb and quick coupler. Much cheaper then the new one you looked at. Just some food for thought.

[@DirtPerfect]

Great information thanks

[@larrymeyers6913]

Welcome to michigan and i would like to personally apologize to you for our bad roads lol.

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol

[@livingstonexcavation732]

I have spent a lot of time it cat,deere,komatsu, Volvo, and one linkbelt. I went down to my local Hyundai dealer which is about a hr from me a sat down in a hx140 and for the money it is absolutely worth making a payment on. I agree they are built with the mechanics in mind also. I have a lot of work coming up this year I will be making that purchase soon

[@maggern12390]

Im actually a volvo lover, but that hyundai sure seems pretty decent. And by the looks of the volvo I wouldnt buy it.

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

Would it be any help if your prospects could be rented or trialed out for a short bit ? Nothing like actually using one in real practice, in my mind

[@MrJimsparky]

Did you have a look at the Doosan DX140LCR Machine? The Volvo, Hyundai & Doosan look to be all very similar build/designed machines, They are all build within a stones throw of each other in Korea. I do a agree with the the other guys, Service/aftersales is your main thing, no point having the dealer 3hrs away to get parts etc

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes and not even close to being the same machine

[@Florian5120Pro]

I think you should test the machines, wich are on the top of your list, on an jobside. And you should check the coasts of spare parts and the time to get them.

[@The_blindpizzaguy1300]

I’m glad that you made the choice that you did with the Volvo. I particularly found that death tape thing in the Hyundai a little alarming. Because those computer units are not cheap to replace. Now they’re a little easier on you than say cat or bobcat equipment, but $579 to me is nothing to sneeze at

[@The_blindpizzaguy1300]

Of course that’s only for the controller and if you were to install it yourself, that doesn’t include installation and labor costs

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Alex

[@jbritt2549]

I will tell the blade is a big plus. I got one on my tb260 and use it all the time. You would be suppressed how good and how much you'd use it also stabilizing the machine

[@AndrewOborny]

We looked at a few Volvo excavators ended up going with the Hyundai HX160l because it came with a dozer blade and i agree with you the monitor is very user friendly. Great video!

[@DirtPerfect]

Awesome

[@toddreynolds8875]

Heated seat too. I figured that out 4 yrs later, i like the 140 over the 160. For speed and timing. Own both. Been decent,, dealor support aint cat or deer. But there cheap to buy. And also of course cheap on the resale.

[@DirtPerfect]

I agree

[@kennymysak2079]

Hyundai sounds like a nice machine but you need to go with what fits the wallet and the best dealer support Is the main thing. Keep up the great videos

[@Crewsy]

Well it certainly seems like you have great dealer support on the sales side at least with the Hyundai but I also know how much you said you would like to have a blade on the next one as well. I guess we’ll all have to wait to find out which one you had dropped off at your yard last week. My guess is Hyundai. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@clydeacor1911]

I don't know much about the newer Perkins engines with the emissions but my older Cat skid steer and some of our other equipment had them and they were great on fuel and lasted forever! They're basically The European version of a Cummins.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup agree

[@clydeacor1911]

@@DirtPerfect Ya on my 2001 cat 262 skid steer with a Perkins and it had like a 15 gallon tank and I could run it for 2 days on one tank, then I rented a new 262D cat skid steer with the Kubota engine and it had like a 35 gallon tank and I'd have to fill it every day and it was always giving me emissions problems.

[@joshcunningham9082]

Hopefully you ended up getting the one you really want

[@martywoodrow131]

Does the thumb get in the way during general digging

[@larrylittletonjr.5305]

Nice sany!

[@vaughnhill3437]

The link belt looks a little harder to work on and its probably 20 k more. I like the lay out of all the accessories on the hyundaii

[@DirtPerfect]

I agree

[@JerichoRally]

literally brand new to your channel (transplant from letsdig18 - he mentioned you in one of his videos) and I am loving what you're publishing right now! Keep up the great work!

[@DirtPerfect]

Welcome and thanks appreciate the feedback

[@frankbirkemose4967]

There's a local contractor here that's used a Hyundai 140 with blade and hyd. Thumb for years. He loves it

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Whichever machine you get, I hope it'll suit you for a long time! I like the thoughtfulness of build of the Hyundai, and like you, I wonder about the abuse the Volvo may have suffered! :-) Good luck with your choice though! :-)

[@roperdirt7178]

We just bought a Hyundai 145 with a blade. We compared the Hyundai side by side with the link belt. The Hyundai will lift more than the link belt and is a faster machine. The only think the link belt has over the Hyundai is the smoothness of the controls.

[@DirtPerfect]

Good info thanks

[@mitchs323]

I can't speak bout excavators, but before I retired, the WVDOH bought some Hyundai loaders,. My biggest complaint about the loaders was there wasn't enough hydraulic power to do two functions at once. You could either raise the bucket or turn the machine, bit not both at the same time. Just my 2 cents.

[@DirtPerfect]

Interesting thanks

[@jamesbergfeld5923]

Welcome to buckeye country you are in my neck of the woods.

[@DirtPerfect]

Awesome love everything but the traffic

[@richardgray7447]

We have a 2016 Volvo EC300EL … I love that hoe and it performs very well. It’s balanced well and all the controls are very responsive but not jumpy and it has power for days … I love using this hoe when we have a lot of linear feet of trench to dig and there’s gonna be some intersecting utilities crossing our NatGas line or other Nat Gas lines running along with our new trench. Really anytime I’m gonna dig around live Pipe , I like to use the Volvo or our Komatsu 220. They are both tight and precise which is obviously needed around Nat Gas Mains and especially when I’m dig around a High Pressure main line … that’s when you really want the precision of a nice tight hoe and I usually pick the Volvo

[@BentTreeFarmPa]

Ok, MIke, I see what you're doing there, show up to a demo and sales pitch wearing a John Deere hat, that way they give you one of theirs! Smart man. (it works, I have a Kubota and a Massey hat to prove it) :D

[@DirtPerfect]

😜😂

[@Bazza1973ify]

The big advantage the Volvo had over the Hyundai for me was the blade, on certain jobs (small jobs) it could be the difference between having to haul the dozer & not. But that's just my opinion, it's your machine Mike & you make the decision 👍

[@QuantityEngineers]

The wider tracks might be an optional add-on. That makes the blade not as wide as the tracks. That's a pain if you're trying to level a place to sit. Is the entire drive train strong enough for wider tracks than the stock size? Less ground pressure with wide tracks just means less traction not less sinking.

[@Bazza1973ify]

@@QuantityEngineers the wider pads wouldn't be a Volvo option if the machine wasn't up to it & there's blade extensions available that fold out on hinges & back in for transport, that machine has either not been fitted with the extensions or has had the wider track pads fitted at a later date.

[@thomasjonesjr9704]

That Hyundai sure is a Purdy machine!

[@DirtPerfect]

It is

[@johnteelsexcavatingjohnnys7095]

I own a small Hyundai, mini ex, and I love it, runs like a champ, it’s a 2011, glad I bought it

[@DirtPerfect]

Awesome

[@jamesdiehl8690]

Does it have enough cupholders?

[@bajabandito1855]

Go with the Hyundai. Just add some better lights so you can work it in the dark and get another 10 hours of billing time. The more you use it... the quicker you pay down the loan. BaaaHaaa Good luck. The Captain can do the night shift. LOL

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks buddy

[@chadsmith14]

I can't stand the foot pedal auxiliary for the thumb, or the 220 I ran was that way. Ran a 210 lx4 link belt w fleco hydraulic thumb and 48 bucket. It had the buttons on the right joystick. I disnt get maybe 50 70 hr on the link belt cause we rented it but it handled the 48 bucket fine and was very quick and smooth and comfortable. I would like to get more time w link belts. I really really liked that 210

[@DirtPerfect]

Both machines had push button

[@kenzodrow9604]

which one is balanced better just adding the bucket makes a difference

[@DirtPerfect]

Both are good

[@randallparker8477]

What about the push blade on what your looking at? Do you prefer having a push blade? Thanks for the road trip! It's a lot better on this end... pause and hit the head, get some coffee and let the dog out and in and finish the road trip. Thanks Mike! I know you'll have to discuss things with the real boss, but good luck with your decision.

[@DirtPerfect]

lol thanks

[@gdotone1]

you know, it would be pretty hard to run off with an excavator. lol, lol