The Mini Excavator I Would Buy If I Was Starting Over Today

[@bradleybays6736]

I am 71 years old and have operated excavators for 35 years. I owned a Cat mini for 14 years and it was great for tight places and my irrigation work. I have rented just about every make in several sizes. I have found for flat out digging strength and performance, I will take John Deere any day over the others. The power to weight ratio was outstanding.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Interesting, I grew up around guys that were big fans of both JD and Case, I miss those days. Equipment back in the 80's was just so cool. Maybe it was me being a kid. thanks for the comment!

[@bobhoward9016]

Good to know, I've used everything but a deer

[@MemphisMechanic]

@@bobhoward9016 depends on the size & models. I own a 35G and the KX040 is a monster compared to it. The Deere 60G is a beast compared to a KX057.

[@iridereallyslow]

@@MemphisMechanic 35G is unique because it's under 25hp, therefore having no emissions. The kx040 is 40hp and has a DPF filter and has to regen. Definitely something to consider. 35G is an awesome machine, but yes since Deere didn't want emissions restriction on that size, it is a little underpowered to some competitors.

[@MemphisMechanic]

@ the deere isn’t the only 3.5T machine that’s emissionless and 25 hp. Most of the others are. The 040 is the abberration here with far more HP than comparable machines. You made my point; in most sizes there will be a standout machine from Deere, Tak, Bobcat, etc which is stronger than the others. It is far from one brand across the line. In CTLs? Deeres are a hoss across the board. But a Bobcat excavator is stronger than a Deere in many sizes. No one wants to run them because they’re crude Doosan machines.

[@davidjett8160]

Excellent suggestions all. He mentioned one thing I have done. When I purchase anything I always go one size larger than I need. I have never regretted doing so. I have never thought I wish I had bought one size smaller.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Yep. Did that on my wheel loader and it was a great decision in the end. Thanks for watching!

[@jwg9338]

That works great, until you have to get past a fence gate lol

[@johnbodman4504]

I agree, I work out what I need and then go one or two sizes up. I have never regretted that formula.

[@DirtAndRocks]

@@johnbodman4504 You always seem to grow into them.....quickly

[@sdubb33]

This helps answer some things we are considering for our first ex. Ran a 305 for a week and loved it but contemplating buying that machine or sizing up or down from there. Came to the same decision point on towing.

[@DirtAndRocks]

My issue at the time was just the trailer. I should’ve upgraded the trailer for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@kubota33]

You can tell how good the operator is by no marks on the tail of the machine 😊

[@DirtAndRocks]

Yeah, someday I have to paint the 285, I hate looking at the tail of it, especially since they were not my scuffs, lol. Thanks for watching!

[@Bayoucityconstruction]

No tail swing no cutting edge needed on counter weight!

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Absolute nonsense😂😂😂

[@CRYMEARIVER-S4]

What if the operator is working in a tight area working next to a cliff? Does that mean he is a bad operator when his tail rubs?

[@DirtAndRocks]

The challenge is determining whether it was a mistake or a lack of care. That requires one to know what's in a person's head or heart. I am not the guy to make that call. My 4ton has a couple of mistakes on the counterweight, both of which were avoidable because I lost situational awareness in those moments. My TB285, I believe, was operated in it's youth by someone who didn't really care about taking care of the machine.

[@rp1645]

I like it you answer almost all the comments 😊 my mini excavator friend 😊 I like all your self question. YES, you are right on all of them. That new CAT is a wonderful size and great looking with that long Dipper arm. What maintenance/ wear parts do you have on the flayer head. What I mean is there are knives you have to change out. On the one I operated, it had knives that bolted on rings. I bought BIG to begin with my backhoe rubber tire (19000) pounder. It digs 19 feet deep. My property ( yard) is very small, but I have used her more than I thought. Even small jobs like my wife lifting me in front bucket to change bulb or night sense on yard lights up on poles.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Honestly I still cannot believe people watch my videos, let alone take the time to type out a comment. The least I can do is acknowledge it :). The mulcher has some grease zerks on it, and then the knives on the head are wear items. They are able to be sharpened and reversed too. There are also replaceable skid shoes on the bottom, which was a feature I really liked about it. It is the Cat mulcher (HM210). Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@branchandfoundry560]

Great insight. Thank you for sharing with all of us!

[@DirtAndRocks]

I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@johnw7587]

As usual a useful and entertaining video. Happy new year

[@DirtAndRocks]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@405musclecars5]

Mine wasn't so much the trailer (I actually bought a trailer specifically to transport the excavator), it was my truck, I have a 3/4 ton Chevy Duramax Diesel. I ended up getting a 4 ton machine because with the trailer, I'm close to max what I can pull with my truck. I really wanted a 6 ton machine, but it was just a tad too much, plus I have never owned or operated an Excavator before in my life and I was getting into the Land Management business and still needed to buy a mulcher. For me, I'm glad I started off where I did and I hope that in the next couple of years, I'll have this all paid off and I can look into getting a bigger truck, to pull a bigger excavator. Right now though I'm really happy with everything overall. Good video, You pointed out some stuff I really had to think about before buying my 1st one.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Hey the most important takeaway I got from your story is that you actually took the leap of faith and got started. It's so awesome that you found a way to get started and did it. Wishing you thousands of hours of profit and success! Thank you for watching :)

[@cowdiologist2759]

I had never operated an excavator either, however I have lots of hours on my TL230 S2 and love it. Some adjustments to remember, not to use the R joystick to move forward, that's the stick. after about 30 hrs am becoming more comfortable with the machine, but am a long way off from being an operator. A guy I spoke with recommended a new SANY as he says he would buy a used Track Loader, but never a used excavator. The SANY seemed like a good price/value (Chinese) but the service dept was 120 miles away. So I opted for the TAK TB260 as here in GA the TAKs are imported and assembled in SC. The SC dealers seem to have better pricing.

[@MemphisMechanic]

This is a common progression I wish he’d touched on in the video. Towing with a 2500 or 3500 and staying below CDL is a starting point for most people. That makes ~10k worth of truck and trailer the sweet spot. It’s why I started with a Deere 35G. Business grows. Then you pick up an F-450 or a dump truck, perhaps get a CDL, and your trailer and machine size grow to suit your increased towing capacity.

[@DirtAndRocks]

@@MemphisMechanic interesting idea for a video, jotting that down

[@MemphisMechanic]

@ everyone I know who got stsrting doing this had that progression, including myself. 😎

[@davidgenthnerjr4995]

Would you buy a 312 or 315 sized machine as a beginner machine for land clearing and truck loading for 14 to 20 foot logs? Mostly Fir and some hard wood logs.

[@DirtAndRocks]

315 is a very good size. I have run a 312 before, and it was a fine excavator as well, but I think if you can stretch to the 315, you'd be quite happy with it. As far as moving logs, either of those machines would get the job done. Thanks for watching!

[@dirtfarmer7472]

Hindsight is always 20/20 we learn from our mistakes, just don’t repeat

[@dirtfarmer7472]

All machines have their +&- repairs availability would be my first requirement.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Agree 100000%....Video about dealer support is already in the queue. Looking forward to sharing that experience with ya'll

[@rccolacc]

Great video. When I got started in excavating I got the biggest excavator I could move with my trailer- a 304. It’s also the perfect size for most of the work I do- drainage and culvert work, but there’s some times I wish it were bigger. Going by your advice- you would buy bigger and then pay someone to move it when you needed until you got a bigger truck and trailer? Just wondering what you would have done if you got the 12-15k machine with no way of transporting.

[@DirtAndRocks]

I had enough truck, I just should have upsized the trailer a bit. That was short sighted on my part. But yeah if I ever needed anything bigger than where I am now, I would pay to have it moved. Might not make sense on a 5-6 ton machine but I figure if I had a 15+ ton machine, I wouldn’t be moving it for a one or two day gig most of the time. For drainage and culvert, I think a 304 is a great pick. My kx040 comes up a little short on auxiliary flow, and that’s my main issue with it, otherwise it does a good job for me. Thank you so much for watching!

[@bobhoward9016]

The accessory pump hi flo for attachments is good advice 👌 i found out the hard way

[@DirtAndRocks]

me too. Thanks for watching!

[@jeremyj612]

Thanks for the video! Good advice for people to keep in mind before pulling the trigger.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope it helps some folks out there. Thanks for watching!

[@ModernCountryLiving]

I have talked to folks who had steel on the KX40 and wished for rubber...because of wear on small features of the steel tracks?

[@DirtAndRocks]

hmmmmm not sure. That is a new one to me. But I think that there is a matter of practicality and preference based on what kind of work is being done. I grew up on steel, and it is just my preference, rougher ride and all :). Thanks!

[@ModernCountryLiving]

@@DirtAndRocks Yep. I am not sure either. The gentleman who told me this owns several excavators from KX 40 to KX 057 and then some larger models. He said he had tracks on KX40 and it wore things out quickly. Something I never considered....but just thought I'd mention. I just purchased a BobCat E60 a couple months ago and have some videos on my channel. I went as large as I could go with being able to legally move with my truck and trailer. It is a super strong machine. The Kx57-5 was my other choice....but the E60 is actually more powerful.

[@bradmchenry5880]

If you’re doing road building, the 6 way comes in handy. If I had a way to haul 080 would of upgraded.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Thanks!

[@toplinek990]

What truck or category of truck is best for this large of a machine? I have an old 2007 F450, so what is the thoughts on that? It was under $10k….. so far.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Machine is 21,000 lbs, I would guess a 30k trailer would be needed for pulling it, and trailer + machine would be every bit of 28,000 or 29,000 lbs. I think my Ram 5500 would pull it fine, but I use an F750 to move it.

[@toplinek990]

@@DirtAndRocks an f 750 and 30,000 is clearly in CDL territory. Not sure where the line is, but farm tags only go so far.

[@carlmclelland7624]

A VERY informative video! I have about 400 hours on a KX057-4, that my nephew has on his ranch. It's a good machine, but as you say, steel crawlers would be better, more capacity on the hydraulic pumps would be an improvement, and the list goes on. I appreciate your honesty regarding the machines, and subscribed to see what else you've produced....

[@DirtAndRocks]

Very kind of you to take the time! Thanks so much for the sub, and hopefully we have some more good stuff coming up for you in the near future :)

[@billupstateny9151]

TB 370 is the dream machine 32 GPM high flow. 🗽🇺🇸

[@DirtAndRocks]

Came very close to buying that one, but the dedicated auxiliary pump on the 309 ended up winning me over. Thanks for watching!

[@motejacob9]

I have been shopping for a KX057-5 and this video was quite informative. Also looking at a Takeuchi TB260 or Bobcat. I realized I had watched a few of your videos and had not subscribed so I did. Looking forward to more good videos and content on all things dirt, rocks and yellow iron. Thank you for your time and efforts.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Really appreciate that! I don't think you'd be making a wrong choice with any of those. Love my Takeuchi, its a 2012 with 6500+ hours on it, still great. Started in the 90's with a 7000lb bobcat, it was a solid machine too. thanks for the sub!

[@cowdiologist2759]

Love my TB260, just got it for 85K w/ 5y 0%. Very smooth machine

[@DirtAndRocks]

Congrats!

[@MichaelHolland-w2h]

The TB260 is a very well built machine! Elite earth works on KZbin has done many reviews as the hours go up. I have no complaints!

[@alangraham8926]

Self criticism is though, says a lot about you, top shelf stuff.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Much Appreciated. Thanks for watching!

[@dirtfarmer7472]

There’s 2 people that you don’t want to lie to 1 is yourself, the other is the Lord

[@DirtAndRocks]

@@dirtfarmer7472 Sage Advice Right Here ^

[@PremiumFuelOnly]

Since I dont have a CDL, I started with a 4.5 Ton machine, but im realizing now, most of the demand seems to be for the smaller residential jobs that wont tear up a lawn, like a stand on skid. But I will grow into what I have.

[@DirtAndRocks]

One thing I found that unexpectedly helped me on my 4ton to not tear up lawns as bad was a tilt bucket. The ability to have more options on how to angle the bucket had a pretty significant impact on the amount of tracking around I needed to do. It also really helped me with placing material more precisely and cutting down on hand raking and shoveling. Just food for thought. Thanks so much for watching!

[@jjw5186]

Been running excavators for over 20yrs, As many comments before had them all. Kubota minis are great workhorses they get the job done, Yanmar definitely higher quality machine and brand of choice for 6t and under. Kobelco 12t and up. Forget Cat in anything under 20t. Hitachi close second to kobelco in the 12-20t range. Komatsu 20t and up solid diggers precise smooth machines.

[@DirtAndRocks]

That’s a great summary, thanks for sharing!

[@VanillaAttila]

What about smaller komatsus

[@jjw5186]

@ Smaller komatsu are great machines down to 4t under that 100% yanmar. 12-14t range solid machines but you do pay for it.

[@VanillaAttila]

@@jjw5186 my dad has purple pc28 komatsus from 1990 and barely ever had an issue

[@westtrumpet7]

im thinking of leasing a cat 305 cr tier 4 stage 5 45hp and then buying out after 3 or 4 years. i think its like 6.5 ton machine but i think it would be big enough for little land clearing and smaller demolition jobs such as concrete driveways and slabs and single story houses

[@DirtAndRocks]

I like the 305, I have run a few of them over the years. I did a few videos a while back on a 306 that I rented as well, which was also a nice machine. Thanks for wathing!

[@bradleybays6736]

I like Bobcat and they have great service but I had a big irrigation job with 4" mainline. I had to dig 24" deep and make production. The renter only had a Bobcat which I tried for an hour. It simply did not have the breakout power nor speed so I had to go back to the JD.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Thanks for sharing and watching :)

[@tujuprojects]

I avoided all your mistakes and got used Volvo ecr58d. Only thing missing is pipes for hyd coupler but i can add it later. It’s a good machine with steel tracks, plenty of power.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Great machine! Thanks for watching

[@tujuprojects]

@ especially the steel tracks in that size machine are rare but worth of it. I just today used in icy snow. Sometimes those tracks slide a bit sideways :)

[@tujuprojects]

I did some job with it but also to get it hot and remove all condensated water from oil and engine that would rust camsaft and other untreated steel parts.

[@Thisnamewillwork213]

We do residential tree work. I’m looking at adding an excavator with a rotating grapple to the fleet. Was looking at getting a u55. We have a 5000 pound wheel loader and a 4000 pound stand on skid steer. Do you think I would be happy with the strength and power of a u55 for material handing? Also considering a Vio55.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Great question. I like the U55. That's the same machine @iDigit4 runs his mulcher with, and I know @cotontop3 had (or maybe still has) a KX057 and did tons of stuff with it. I think that class of machine is definitely worth serious consideration. Thanks for watching!

[@osagejon8972]

About half of my work is tree service and half is light excavation. When the time came to purchase a mini excavator it came down to the Vio55 and NewHolland e60c or Case equivalent cx60? I would have purchased Kubota 057 without demoing the others (many other brands as well) but the dealer didn't seem overly interested in getting me numbers and financing. The Yanmar machine was perhaps slightly better in some aspects but the NewHolland had such a nicer cab and much more room (I'm 6'3" so I don't feel like a trained bear at the circus running it). Remember that virtually ever hour the machine runs you are sitting in the seat and that is a big deal. The dealers were pretty even between the Yanmar and NewHolland but I had more history with the NewHolland dealer so that was an edge to consider too. Good luck and enjoy the new machine!

[@ExtremeRC4x4]

I have a Deere 50G with all the options about 12,500lbs. It’s been a great machine and very versatile for the size. I haul it on a 16k bumper pull trailer behind a dually pickup which makes it easy to move. I’ve been very happy with the 5 ton size.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Nice, that sounds like a great set up

[@DirtAndRocks]

Interesting how a dealer interaction can steer you off a decision you had pretty much already made. I have had similar experiences with that.

[@bradmchenry5880]

Own a Kubota KX040 with 6 way blade. Love it. My second one.

[@DirtAndRocks]

out of curiosity how much use do you get from the 6 way blade? I have the angle blade, and like it. Have wondered if the 6way is worth it's salt

[@kelvinelrick807]

@@DirtAndRocks I actually built one for a CAT 302. A 6 way. I've ended up using it way more than I thought I would. It was initially built for building and maintaining hiking and biking trails for a summer camp in Colorado. But It's been used to backfill trenches, grade a new one lane road, refinish some driveways, cut in ditches, and a lot more than what's coming to mind right now. The grade control you get is outstanding especially since we don't have a tilting attachment for our skid loader. I think that would be more cost effective and would be faster since the skid loader is almost twice the size of the 302. But the roads and things aren't the reason it was built to begin with.

[@DirtAndRocks]

That’s a great story. Thanks much for sharing it!

[@fr4301]

I have a Komatsu pc50-mr2 , originally I was not very interested into zero tail because I thought it may shake me and also expected it to be less balanced . I got this one available to purchase , but I must say it has the added counter weight option. Finally I am extremely happy with the zero tail. It happens often to be working around houses, and really it helps me so much : I work faster because I can dare to go in places a conventional would not. The pc50 is only 2 meter wide (tracks) and that’s ok for a lot of jobs. And I found the machine does not shake me too much (I have lumbar problems so I am very sensitive) Steel tracks, it had steel tracks and I hopefully quickly change them with rubber because I was already chewing my property entrance gate rail, my ramps, so was upon the destroy also customer’s. Soo happy the the rubber. Also on this machine, the steel type has half the number of shingles that rubber has, so the steel type shakes a lot when rolling. The rubber moves very softly in comparison. I’m not working in the woods though.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your story! I agree on the additional counterweight, I had one put on the 309 because I had the same concerns, especially with the mulcher. Thanks for watching!

[@Brian-gw6di]

Best excavator I have operated is a Kobelco just love them.

[@DirtAndRocks]

I had an SK60 that I bought new in 1996. It was solid, but it tended to overheat once in a while which I thought was weird. Otherwise, I liked running it. Thanks for watching!

[@clay.redlineadventures]

Great video! Curious how you are hauling your 309? Can you do it with a tandem duel gooseneck trailer behind a pickup?

[@DirtAndRocks]

20 ton tilt deck pintle trailer, pulled with an F750. Its about 21,000 - 22,000 pounds, you I think you'd be looking at a 30k gooseneck trailer with a 4500 or 5500 type truck to pull it if you were going that route. Thanks for watching!

[@clay.redlineadventures]

@ gotcha! Ya were In the dirt and forestry business out west, always wanted a 309 as they’re such a neat machine. But it’s too big for our typical pickup trailers for the minus. And if we’re hauling with a dump truck or lowboy it seems like we should just haul a 313 in.

[@DirtAndRocks]

@@clay.redlineadventures totally makes sense. have a great day!

[@keithsuggs7935]

Keep your eyes out for a Gradall with some life left in her. I got one from a dealer that I used to do business with and got it cheap. It'll pick up almost anything and manhandle a fair size tree. When I got it no tag. I called DOT and a supervisor said it didn't have enough digits in the V.I.N. to be a road worthy vehicle. Put a slow vehicle triangle on it and drive it. Having a 40,000lb machine has been very helpful for $$$ jobs. With a 5' wide bucket, you can move a lot of material in short order.

[@DirtAndRocks]

That's a great tip, thanks for sharing!

[@jamesward5721]

Used run a small fleet of fully owned excavators - so the bills were all my bills. Takeuchi, Kubota, Yanmar, Hitachi - in that order, would be what I would buy if I had it to do again. then again, that's what I did first time around too. Hitachi for the 6 ton plus stuff. No small Hitachis... noupe... I'd kinda dodge off the heavier Takeuchis too - small Taks only. The bigger ones aren't in their wheelhouse & can give issues. Same as small Hitachis can suck, where the bigger ones are mint. If I had to pick just one machine to own, as my full time "living" I would buy a 3 ton Kubota & fit it with a selector grab. It would never see a bucket. I would hire that machine with a driver (me) to demolition companies & waste processing companies & use it to segregate waste streams. No dirt would be dug with that machine - everyone digs dirt. Be different. Think different. Any time we'd land a new contract that required an excavator/excavators, I'd go buy a scruffy used Takeuchi/Kubota/Yanmar/Hitachi, chuck it into our workshop & quickly get it running/looking like a watch, do the contract & then immediately put it up for sale. That eliminated plant cost from the equation as we ALWAYS sold the machines for more than they cost us coming in - not once did we lose a penny on a piece of equipment & we paid zero hire charges. If it was a heavy machine, we'd sell them off the jobsite the minute the contract was done - that saved the cost of hiring a lowboy to move them somewhere & there was never a shortage of buyers. Anything bigger than 6 ton scared me witless as I knew how the costs could become crippling for repairs - the second they did the last bit of work, they were up for sale & a cross was made after them as they rolled away. Bye now.... But that 3 ton Kubota with the selector grab - that would be my purchase if I could only own one. I'd armour it up for demolition work, set the daily rate at sensible, put in 12 hour shifts & she'd be a business all of herself. My 2c anyway.

[@DirtAndRocks]

That's a really cool story, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to share it. Lot of good information in there. I think this is one of the coolest things about doing these videos, hearing other people's stories and experiences in the comment section. Thank you again!

[@donaldjordan8832]

We all have a budget. My takeaway is, we will make mistakes, but that is ok. Get up and go to work. Evaluate what work is available. You need to get into a market that isn't all ready crowded. We never want to race to the bottom in pricing, because the established company has the advantage. Back to the budget. Match you fleet to your work and upgrade when the time is right. Rentals are great for short term and machine Evaluation. Parts and servicing can make or break you.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Great observations! thanks for watching :)

[@skandia4x4]

I have a 30g , great machine but would have liked a 35 or 50 . Still i am impressed with what it will do

[@DirtAndRocks]

Totally get it, and I agree...I really like my KX-040, get a ton of use from it. But I am in the same boat, I think the 057 or U55 would have been a better fit......hindsight being what it is....lol. Thanks for watching :)

[@runninggoldseals6999]

My 304 seems to be week on the right track. have you notices that one track is more powerful than the other? on any of your machines.

[@DirtAndRocks]

I have seen that yes. Sometimes my Kubota feels like it veers to the left. I think it can be adjusted. I know on the next gen cats, you have trim settings in the computer that allow you to mess with it.

[@anthonyjohnson100]

I still recommend that you buy the biggest machine you can haul yourself. 12,000-14,000. Then rent a larger machine whenever those big jobs come up where it makes sense.

[@DirtAndRocks]

That’s a great way to look at it, thank you for sharing that! In my case my bottleneck was just the trailer. I should have just upgraded it and for whatever reason, didn’t. Thanks for watching!

[@MontanaJim419]

Thanks!

[@bdhabets3250]

Bobcat 337 best machine I have ever owned hands down and still pull behind a truck. Get something that will load a truck or you’re too limited.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Yes! Great point. The ability to load a truck is important for me for sure, and it wasn't when I bought the 4 ton. It will do it, but not as well as I want it to. I rented a 306 a while back, and it rocked at loading my single axles. Thanks for watching!

[@bdhabets3250]

@ my next replacement of our bobcat as it has over 6k hours will be the Komatsu 55. Great machine and has everything I want. We have other Komatsu excavators and they have been great. Nice video keep it up

[@DirtAndRocks]

Thank you! Have a great week :)

[@stephengmeiner3264]

So you have 3 different brands, any preference?

[@DirtAndRocks]

Cat's service is turning me into a big fan lately.... more on that in a future video :)

[@bradmchenry5880]

Built road with KX123. More work to camber road with 4 way blade.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Cool stuff. Thank you!

[@kwmiked]

Youll use the U40 down the rd at some point, we have 2 older kx121-3, we thought they were small at the time, we run them almost every day, they have over 12k hrs on them. Not as comfortable as the Cat or Volvo, but they definitely made mony back over and over again. I like the Cat stuff, Idk Volvo stuff has been emissions nightmare, and parts are much more then Cat, when people say Cat is expensive, they never owned a Volvo and a Cat at sametime

[@DirtAndRocks]

"they never owned a Volvo and a Cat at same time". This made me audibly laugh. Thanks for watching!

[@donaldjordan8832]

My dealing with Volvo service turned me off from them. Cat wants my business and always comes through. 😎

[@DirtAndRocks]

@@donaldjordan8832 My experience with Cat has been the same. Top notch service.

[@coryhiatt9152]

I have a yanmar sv100, yanmar vio-17, cat 306, kubota kx080, bobcat 314, and a bobcat 317, I even had a terex TC-50 (biggest piece of crap in the universe), all have their good points, but if I was doing it all over again, I would stick with the Yanmar for one big reason, they are the only ones (that I know of) that have a factory installed hydraulic multi grabber coupler, I use the yanmars the most just because of this, also they have been very dependable machines, but like I said, the differences between these machines isnt huge, it becomes a matter of preference for most guys (other than terex, they are the worst by far)

[@DirtAndRocks]

Yeah I know a couple of guys with Yanmar's and they love them. I personally don't have any experience with them, but that is great info! Thanks for watching.

[@jamesoncross7494]

Why don't you have steel tracks now?

[@DirtAndRocks]

My kx040 has rubber tracks, but have not had to replace them yet. Tb285 has steel, 309 has steel with street pads. Thanks for watching:)

[@jamesoncross7494]

@@DirtAndRocks I didn't know they made steel tracks with pads. That seems like the best of both worlds.

[@DirtAndRocks]

yep, I agree. The pads are not cheap to replace, but the are much easier to handle. Thanks!

[@gumboot65]

For me . Being able to mobe it is critical. So a machine of less than 10,000 lbs is mandatory. I'm thinking a 303.5 CAT would be all I need . I have a firewood business and deal with small logs. Being able to pin the buckets on backwards to use it as a shovel instead of a hole. For some of the things I will be doing . That will be Huge ! Has a useful dozer blade . Easy on fuel.

[@DirtAndRocks]

I think you'll be very happy with it, I have handled a lot of my firewood logs with my kx040.

[@junkyarddd1]

Glad to see you !!!

[@DirtAndRocks]

Thanks! Took a little time off for the holiday to recharge. Appreciate the comment :)

[@TheWestAspen]

Quite cautious with the head, making sure not to touch the earth. Lots of relatively large branch material on the ground, this must not be a paying job (on your property)..;)

[@DirtAndRocks]

It is my property yes, and honestly I only have about 10-15 hours on a mulcher. Just trying to learn it and get the feel of without destroying the attachment. Thanks for watching!

[@aljordi4223]

Having operated CAT Hoes 345 and 365 series I agree with everything you say, but I am at a loss why you would use this time and fuel consuming attachment when you could be using something much more efficient .

[@DirtAndRocks]

Works better on the terrain for me than a skid steer mulcher. This particular area is pretty flat, but not the norm for me most of the time. Thanks much for watching!

[@IvenM5]

The problem I’m faced in Germany is that you’re not allowed to to more than 3500kg on a normal hitch behind a car or truck. For everything more you really need a semi. A pickup truck is not a great option in Germany because gooseneck trailer’s are very hard to come by and pumper pull even on the f450 is still 3500kg. That’s who in Europe the most sold mini ex size is from 2500-2800kg with the trailer you’re right at 3500 again.

[@DirtAndRocks]

That’s interesting. It is a similar calculation that people have to do here in the US with getting a commercial driver’s license. Thanks!

[@Hunt0qt]

Should of bought a John Deere 85P. That machine is in a class of its own when compared to the CAT 309 Specifically.

[@DirtAndRocks]

thanks for watching!

[@Rok_Piletic]

Mecalac?

[@DirtAndRocks]

Interesting concept. Their dealer network doesn’t cover where I am. So that would be a big minus for me personally. Thanks for watching!

[@cowdiologist2759]

I've got a TB260 which just under 13K lbs. It will do almost anything and boom pivots for close quarters.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Great brand. Never run a 260, but love the hydraulics on my 285. Very smooth

[@cowdiologist2759]

@@DirtAndRocks The Tak brand seems to be have very precise positioning. I have a TL230 S2 and it is the bomb. Very powerful pre REGEN. Love it.

[@cowdiologist2759]

Oh yeah, just looked up the specs on the 285, great machine. I looked at the 290 used but it seemed suspicious with 400 hrs, the guy wanted 85K. For the same price i got a TB260 new w/ cab. Small farm with lots of work.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Yeah, it was the generation before the 290, its a 2012 with no emissions stuff on it, I have been very happy with it.

[@tuckt6180]

❤❤❤

[@DirtAndRocks]

Thanks for watching!

[@apostema]

Too much is always enough.

[@DirtAndRocks]

heheh, love it. Thanks for watching!

[@anm4rdfcsmrydtgmbhsmirf989]

TB290 has hi flow and will run circles around a CAT. Taks have all steel exterior. No plastic. Made in America

[@DirtAndRocks]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mike-c7e1p]

I bought a new e42r. 1st price of equipment. Personal use in woods an rock an ledge. So there some learning marks for sure but I'm turning land into property. So it may look used now but worth every penny. For a machine under 5 ton I have done a undiscribeable amount of work. So for me, Bob Cat is #1. The machine you can afford is always your # 1...your not renting

[@DirtAndRocks]

I started on a Bobcat 331 back in the 90's. Great machine. They make good stuff. Thanks so much for watching!

[@bradmchenry5880]

I’m a Cat guy but couldn’t justify price difference 10k more plus yellow parts are expensive. Lol

[@DirtAndRocks]

I am a recent Cat convert...brought on mostly by my local dealer....that video is upcoming :). Thanks again!

[@donaldjordan8832]

Waiting for parts cost money.😎

[@steveivy8675]

Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@DirtAndRocks]

Same to you as well!

[@daddydings3174]

Mulching with skid steer is much faster

[@DirtAndRocks]

agree, but this is what I have :). Most of my work is slopes and ditches, excavator mulcher is a better fit overall for what I do. This property is a bit of a one off. Thanks for watching :)

[@JeffreyWindley-n4i]

Yanmar sv100 is a good machine .

[@russellking9762]

Can't comment on that size but Yanmar is a dam good machine. Thumbs up!

[@DirtAndRocks]

They seem really good for sure. Thanks for watching :)

[@stevenivy8123]

Great video , would watch you pump fuel. You would find a way to make it interesting !!!

[@DirtAndRocks]

Haha! Thanks for watching! I appreciate that.

[@technicalitems731]

So buy the 309 Cat

[@DirtAndRocks]

yup, I did. Thanks for watching!

[@justinbrown2093]

My biggest mistake i made was buying komatsu 5 tonner , never trust salesman, when I asked how good was the Air conditioning, he said Best in the market, what crap , very poor a/c and no sump cover and very poor cheap seat , kubota, kobelco , or Hyundai are machines i should have looked at , my old Hyundai has nearly 7000 hours and is excellent. Do not buy Komatsu

[@DirtAndRocks]

interesting, I have never run a Hyundai. Thanks for the info and thanks so much for watching :)

[@bruceduncan2346]

Hope the crowd on the 309 is better than the 308. The 308 standard stick is terrible.

[@DirtAndRocks]

Interesting. That is the one thing I find weird is that the stick doesn’t crowd in as much as I would have thought. It is a long stick, but yeah it is a comedy show watching me get it into the shop