Things to think about and consider when buying a new or used excavator.

[@DirtPerfect]

This video was also filmed in April thanks for watching

[@JasonWorksAlot]

This comment was written in November. You are welcome.

[@Crewsy]

@@JasonWorksAlot You know what happens when you poke a bear? 🤣😂🤣😂

[@williammatthews2948]

@@Crewsy You end up with a baby bear? Lol. Sorry, I'm a bit off my meds this morning:)

[@Crewsy]

@@williammatthews2948 🤣😂🤣😂 Oddly that outcome never came to mind. I must be a little off too.

[@makingithappen5178]

​@@Crewsy Poke a beer?

[@46rambo49]

30 years working on them and this is THE BEST overall rundown I ever seen, way better even than some of the factory training videos. I will recommend it for all the guys. Thanks for sharing

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks appreciate that

[@KenFullman]

The explanation of the different types of thumb was excellent.

[@dougyurecko6500]

I have been thinking about buying a excavator to use on my place to clean up after the logger. I'm using a 953 cat loader, not the ideal machine for stumping. Watching this video will certainly help me decide. Your explanation of the thumbs makes it a no brainer decision. Thanks for the great videos, stay safe Michael.

[@michaelkoop6731]

Wonderful information. Thanks Mike. Thanks Reco for letting DP use and give his thoughts on this. Thank u Mike again for these videos.

[@iamcharliew67]

Great video! I'm trying to decide what I want in an excavator and this has helped me decide on steel tracks and hydraulic thumb. Thanks again!!!

[@DirtPerfect]

Glade it helped

[@casycasy5199]

i loved the way you showed the thumb and how they work

[@Dan.Whiteford]

Very useful direct comparison especially for potential purchasers with comments based on your own experience. Well done.

[@AdamSmith-uv6kr]

Extremely informative, when your going over a machine your facts are facts and opinions are opinions. That is why I enjoy and learn so much from your channel. Yes opinions are important because it’s the operators experience but you don’t shove your opinions as the “my way or the highway” like some. Keep up the strong work and I hope you have another big year for 2022.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks appreciate that

[@littlefinkle7757]

Dealer support, dealer support, and dealer support! We only have access to Komatsu, Cat, Deere, bobcat, and Kubota here. My cat sales rep will bring me oil, grease, filters, hats, shirts, and buy lunch anytime I call him. I have never been to get parts or attachments, they always deliver. All that service and until last Friday I only owned a Cat 289 CTL. Friday they brought me a new 306cr excavator. I love the service and enjoy the equipment. I have demoed many of the others as well, but when asking about service I couldn't find any complaints about Thompson Cat. They have 2 dealers within 1.5 hrs from me but I haven't visited them because all I have done is call my sales rep. Enjoyed the video!

[@dansevern3291]

That was a very good video. With all due respect to people who sell equipment, input from an operator, who uses different makes and models of equipment is the most important information in making a decision. Most times, even "asking a friend" about equipment doesn't get input as good as this, because you've had time to compare and think things through, try things and see what works. Really appreciate this one.

[@jimwesselman]

Perfect video! I now have a better understanding of the workings of a thumb on an excavator. Years ago working in a Pediatric Burn Hospital, a patient needed a thumb transplant. The large toe is the obvious choice. The doctor gave an in service on why the thumb is important, basically for the same reasons that you described. Try holding a Pepsi can without a thumb or a log, pipe, brush etc.! Thank You Mike for sharing!

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol interesting

[@darrendennis4866]

Absolutely an awesome video man, appreciate the content and explanations on the different features on both machines, well explained and definitely will help me on purchasing my new machine here shortly, i never looked at the thumbs on these machines the way you showed the differences in them Thanks for the honesty.

[@JasonWorksAlot]

I also like the long reach of my stick. And agree it’s very important.

[@blackdogexcavator21]

Size does matter

[@papaw5405]

The reach of my stick and the length of my thumb are about equal. Is that bad?

[@johnking1428]

LOL

[@Crewsy]

🤏🏻 🤣😂🤣😂

[@JasonWorksAlot]

@@papaw5405 as long as you take a xxl glove I think you’re good!

[@johncambra9332]

Nice job explaining the different machines and what to use for as well as where to use them. Tracks are also important to consider on job sites.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@scottlurken9667]

Nicely done ✅ Advise I will certainly use when buying my new, (and first) machine.

[@llanman81]

Very informative, thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge! Nice to hear the reality that there is always something in your way, wish more folks who plan projects would have that mindset.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@billyshumate853]

Good morning Mike. Interesting and informative video. Should help people with picking one they want. Take care and have a blessed week.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks billy

[@markkenes4848]

Very informative again. DP you should have been a teacher. After 30+ years of running tonka toys I have learned a couple new things by watching your vids!!!! Never to old to learn my friend. Keep up the awsome work !!

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol thanks mark

[@farmerbill6855]

Best bet? Rent one with a guy like you in it. After inadvertantly tearing the corner off of a barn running a water line with a rental trying to save a few bucks. I've learned a lesson. Being a carpenter by trade, the time it took to fix the barn, working for someone else, I could have easily made enough money to pay you. Best regards from Boone county.

[@jaquigreenlees]

A lot of the factors you listed for making a decision I remember being talked about while you were looking for a second machine. The close radius being dead useful if most jobs have tight working space and not always a benefit. Even now, after you showed how the volvo's hydraulics failed at lifting a rock the deere lifted I would pick the volvo over the hyundai if my jobs were as yours are. If buying a pair of machines, and have the options to have them set the way desired, brand isn't important really, I would get one close radius or zero turn and one conventional, but I would also only go with the wider steel tracks. Knowing a particular job site will have you spending time tracking on pavement other than gravel, taking along some 2 foot wide lengths of plywood to keep the tracks from ripping the pavement up is easy enough. Just make sure if the job will have you only on pavement the client knows the surface will be demolished by the machine and they can afford to pay to repair it. ;)

[@frosty6720]

Recently got a 'used' (315 hrs) Kubota KX040 w/ 6-way blade. Interesting about the thumb differences. This little machine will do me good around the farm, irrigation ditches, fencing, etc. Now if I can get it to do what I want - LOL! Learning curve for sure.

[@samuelbacon1596]

Mike very informative video about the excavators I learned a few things thank you for the information and you know what you’re missing one key thing a man behind the scene........ You didn’t need the Captain all.........but you need the man behind the scenes.........keep up the great work love all the videos stay safe enjoy the winter junkman do

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@jcadult101]

You could also do a couple more videos on inside the cab and maintenance/access. Also, maybe come from a different angle, what ruled out the many other machines out there. You mentioned 'what your needs are', maybe cover that more in depth. Everybody grows from something, shovel & rake, mowing/gardening, renting minis, maybe owns a backhoe. Where does the payoff start to move up, what is needed/better/more efficient where type of thing? Moving the machine seems a big part of all that. Just some thoughts, thanks for keeping us sane/entertained!!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks appreciate the feedback

[@RedBoneCoonHound47]

I think it also comes down to the dealer. Location, parts availability and quality of their service department. Having a bad dealer really sucks.

[@ohiovalleypondandexcavatio2114]

To me the service aspect is as important as brand and features

[@brownwarrior6867]

I would tend to agree if you are buying new or almost new but with older equipment that you are like Mike Servicing yourself then the Internet is the biggest parts warehouse on the planet. You can often source parts cheaper if you shop around.

[@rawblow4512]

Just getting into the business i hope. My friend and i will be equipment shopping soon. What do i need to look for as far as dealers being good vs bad? With vehicle shopping i would always buy from the dealer that didn’t bother me while i was looking on the lot LOL I’m sure its a lot different with equipment.

[@sandy1653]

I always figured the primary purpose of the blades on smaller excavators like those was to serve as a way to level up the machine. My company mostly rents rubber tracked close swing machines like that Hyundai because we’re always doing fiber optics in utility ROWs. Anyway thanks for another video Mike.

[@JSomerled]

Interesting to hear your opinion on the machines.Pretty fair thoughts on options and usages..

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@pettyfogger2305]

Excellent content; great insight into those areas of excavator design that most of us "sidewalk supervisors" are clueless about. If I can make a suggestion unless you have covered it in an earlier video I have yet to discover; how about a rainy day tutorial on the common terms and limiting factors about excavators. You used about a dozen terms on this video which seemed targeted to entry-level contractors, many being self-explanatory, but for those of us who borrow our kids' Bob the Builder hard hats to secretly wear when you put up a new video, I think lots of invisible operator and machine physics and limitations would enlighten the rest of us! Have a safe & productive week.

[@blackdogexcavator21]

You hit the nail on the head DP. Figure out what your needs are and get the machine that meets those criteria. Stay safe brother.

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup thanks buddy

[@laveturnerjones3954]

at work we use E50 bobcat excavators at work. we have even moddified the dozer blades so they stick out 1.5meters from the front of the tracks. without extended doze blades the machines are useless. and we are working on getting the upper parts (boom and cab) from a e50 on a E85 chassis.

[@Graveltrucking]

With the 140 Kobelco we have I find using the blade to level the machine or use it for stability. You’re guys pin grabber system changes the bucket geometry compared to the wedge couplers we use here in Western Canada. Thumbs here ride on the same pin at the end of the stick. A friend of mine really likes pro link thumbs it makes building rock walls easier..

[@richied6319]

Well Done! Lots of things to consider!

[@BA5168NCA]

Hello from the UK 🇬🇧 awesome 😎 vids. Keep up the good work fellas

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@oby-1607]

That's better than nothing describing the weld-on(add-on) thumb. Biggest thing I have a problem with in thumbs is when picking up large boulders and damaging parts. Sounds like the Volvo is crying for grease.

[@DirtPerfect]

Ok

[@CMDSR]

Good side by side comparison.

[@TimmyMoza]

Thanks for that. Good advice and highlights.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Tim

[@KirtH27]

On the Volvo with the progressive thumb. Do they travel together or were you curling the bucket and moving the thumb with the thumb control? They were pretty equal travel speed when curling and tipping the bucket out and in

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes

[@DirtPerfect]

You have to move them together

[@KirtH27]

@@DirtPerfect gotcha

[@richardhedrick5601]

Good explanation of both machines

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@kevinbooth2063]

Mike, Great information

[@chrishelms1967]

Also which one has "Unbreakable" mirrors?? Asking for a friend ....😜

[@DirtPerfect]

lol

[@blaketerry8569]

😂😂

[@theycallhimd1702]

When rolling the bucket in does the thumb move automatically or do you have to control both simultaneously?

[@DirtPerfect]

Both

[@kidhenderson8260]

Does the bucket overcome the thumb pressure when curling backward or are you controlling the thumb with the bucket? On my excavator the thumb will stop the bucket from curling back.

[@jimmydickson8854]

Thank you that’s a fair assessment

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks for watching

[@alexosborne5629]

A fairly comprehensive comparison Mike, still don't think I will buy either, will stick to my shovel for now...... it is parked up for the winter now, in the shed ready for next year !!!! 🤭

[@DirtPerfect]

lol thanks buddy

[@tray8411]

Great info vid..This is why I follow u

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@Feub69]

Thanks for this very informative and interesting video, here in France we almost never have thumb on the excavator so i learn a lot. Why does this april video only came now?

[@leonardbartley5670]

Hey Mike what does a brand new Volvo like yours cost brand new. Enjoy your videos I like the running commentary its very informative . Really enjoy the videos working in the shop.

[@DirtPerfect]

140k

[@johnking1428]

Great video and comparison, progressive link thumb way to go👍, also the blade for size of machine, but size up drop blade for sure then the job is bigger.. have a great day

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks John

[@Gary67242]

curious of which track has better traction in icy conditions....steel vs rubber

[@DirtPerfect]

I think steel

[@glennhunter7018]

Good video again good job on your 50k you deserve it because the videos are good and one more time thanks for the shout out my friend thanks for Tell us how the excavator work that was interesting be safe my friend

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Glenn

[@matthewclarke7993]

Great video and thanks for breaking it down for us

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@gregcothrum4045]

Great video y'all have a great week and stay safe 👍

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@gaffer6846]

Did you know you know you can get rubber mounting for your tracks. I’ve seen it today on the exact machine as yours. They clamp around the edge of your tracks. So you could think about that. Great video.

[@butchbailey965]

Great evaluations.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@andredeladurantaye7520]

why keeping the volvo ? you seemed to find more desavantage since all summer compared deere and hyndai

[@dmalloy96]

Great explanation on both machines

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@michaelmullins1290]

I could've sworn you had a, learn how to grease lesson with Letsdig18. Lol. I couldn't help myself. Good equal walk around.

[@marteinsks6979]

its 65mm Pin on bucket for quick coupler for that size Excavator in Europe :-)

[@DirtPerfect]

Interesting

[@Jamieclarke88]

Thanks for the tips on what to look for in a excavator do you think you will do a review of the 140 after nearly a year of ownership??

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes I plan to

[@Jamieclarke88]

@@DirtPerfect awesome can’t wait thanks mike

[@reiserconst.3316]

Those who don’t like a blade are flat landers never set on a steep valley hillside all day

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol true

[@chrishelms1967]

I've never operated any thing bigger than 975 or was it 973(I cant remember, it was the 80s) Bobcat, never will I buy any equipment.... but you made this entertaining .....

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks Chris

[@makingithappen5178]

Is there no possibility of having some type of longitudinal pattern on the steel tracks? Of course with the transverse ones left. It looks dangerous when the digger slides sideways.

[@DirtPerfect]

Would not allow it to turn

[@makingithappen5178]

@@DirtPerfect Ok. Thanks for a quick reply. I did not think of that possibility.

[@joedoakes8307]

Did you purchase the Hyndai from a rental company ?

[@DirtPerfect]

No

[@joedoakes8307]

Thanks , was just thinking you had replaced the machine you had previously !

[@mikeensor9012]

Do you have to manipulate the thumb and bucket at the same time or does the bucket override the hydraulics on the thumb. I have the version on the Hyundai. I wish mine had the progressive.

[@DirtPerfect]

Depends on the machine

[@clydeacor1911]

Some have a pressure bypass valve that you can set at different pressures so when curling your bucket the bypass valve will release allowing the thumb to move open and by adjusting the valve you can adjust the pressure sensitivity of the thumb opening. Now if it doesn't have a bypass valve you can actually bend or break your hydraulic cylinder or thumb and boom.

[@davidhaley7053]

Nice job on the video Mike!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks buddy

[@paulr5875]

Thanks for the info Mike!

[@me-pv4fn]

2 excellent pieces of kit never the less and abet they have already earnt there keep that is all that matters cool vid

[@jcgoogle1808]

Good video. This is pre- 140 vs 120 issues at the lake, right?

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes

[@davidwoermansr]

Moral of the story is know what you need and shop for a machine that fits what you do not what works best for someone else

[@ROTTK9]

hypothetical: what you know now about the Volvo, are there things you would check test differently before deciding to purchase, like a different brand of progressive link thumb to see if it offered more leverage and holding power etc.

[@waltermattson5566]

Are all the manufacturers having the emission troubles that you are having with the Volvo? Is that something you would do more research on next time you bought one?

[@DirtPerfect]

Yes and yes

[@georgetucker336]

Thanks for the tip.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks for watching

[@danabbott2398]

North American market usually uses the long dipper, European market uses the short dipper.

[@Brennor21]

Great video! I'm looking to get an excavator within the next six months. Has anyone had any experience with the brand Sany ? I'm looking at the SY35U to be specific, its an 8500lb machine. Any input would be appreciated.

[@DirtPerfect]

Don’t know much about them

[@SLCFarms]

Just here looking for did you buy the hyundai comments.

[@donnajarrell7615]

Love that your knowledge of your equipment and your application of them Oh my name is Henry I’m just my wife subscription

[@DirtPerfect]

lol thanks Henry

[@davesilvia9711]

that volvo thumb is whats up, what a diffrence.

[@derrickpettit3489]

The thumbs that Chris\letsdig18 uses is the way to go, grab alot more, an the teeth go between each tooth, works good for pulling on trees an pushing trees with the thumb knuckle that sticks out

[@DirtPerfect]

Your welcome thanks for watching

[@tbix1963]

Nice video, is this to prepare us for another Hyundai coming to visit? Possibly setup as you would prefer this time. Three way comparison, always a interesting and good deal for all involved.

[@DirtPerfect]

Stay tuned

[@Bazza1973ify]

No names sprang to mind honestly Mike, when you said about a rookie operator 🤣😂🤣😂

[@DirtPerfect]

lol

[@CrazyEye75]

You nailed it by saying the machines dont move themselves to the jobs for free. We pretty much go by the same mentality here and alot of times use what we have and do tons of grading just with a hoe. Blows me away the jobs Chris will do and have everything there. Having a hoe, skid steer, dozer and grader for 1 job is a little overkill. Also not all reduced or zero swings are created equal either. We have a deere 245 zero swing and its quite tippy as youd kind of expect yet our link belt 225 zero swing is probably one of the more stable machines I've ever ran. More stable than most of the standard swing 210s I've been in

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup I agree

[@Insayshabull]

have both ... only takes deep pockets ... one can make a small fortune doing what you do, if you start with a large fortune ... chuckles

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Give me smooth, powerful hydraulics and a quiet, reliable powerful engine and I'll be happy. In reality, there's very little between brands any more - not like the '80's when the Japanese machines were head and shoulders above CAT and everyone else. CAT and JD and the rest capitulated and ended up sourcing their machines from Mitsubishi etc. Volvo is Samsung. Deere is Hitachi.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Mikey... that was a good overview... finally someone did a side-by-side comparison of the two thumbs. Although I understood the concept... I hadn’t seen how they worked that well. I have a manual thumb on my baby backhoe. The couplers may not reduce your lift and breakout force as badly on a larger excavator. But they are significantly affected on mini-exes where every inch of lever arm increase progresses from arithmetic to geometric effect... or so it seems in my limited experience. One thing you missed on this was a review of the Pepsi holders. Are they convenient? Are they insulated and deep enough to keep it cold? Will a coozy fit in them? Do they have two wells so you have a place to store the empty can? Sorry Mike but I’m gonna have to downgrade this review to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!

[@dansevern3291]

Excellent questions on the cup holders.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@dansevern3291 of all the options available, it seems to me that Pepsi holders would be pretty high on Mikes list!

[@lloydholt6511]

Great comparison.

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@aleldon9085]

Sorry may I cut it short and ask who is a winner? South Korea or South Korea? I can not work it out. Thx for video!

[@DirtPerfect]

Did you watch the video has nothing to do with that sorry don’t understand your comment 🤷‍♂️

[@aleldon9085]

@@DirtPerfect I am sorry. I forgot to put this - )))))) Both S. Korean factories. Sorry for inconvenience and bad joke))

[@DirtPerfect]

Lol👍😁

[@carlosschafer8697]

What brand of thumb is on the Hyundai

[@DirtPerfect]

Not for sure

[@henrymichaelwilson8107]

Hello pay dert. I think you miss understood what a gummy bucket was a week ago. It is a bucket without digging teeth. Henry Wilson here from Clitheroe Lancashire England

[@DirtPerfect]

Yup have one

[@dougackerman4182]

Hey Mike how come you didn’t go with a newer Deere 120 instead of the Volvo 140

[@Crewsy]

He’s mentioned several times about how bad the Deere dealership is in his area.

[@DirtPerfect]

Hate the new Deere’s

[@dougackerman4182]

Ahh good information

[@reverandhale863]

A grading bucket would eliminate the need for a blade or a dozer

[@DirtPerfect]

No it’s dose not at all not even close have both

[@reverandhale863]

@@DirtPerfect im just saying that if you couldn't afford a dozer and didn't have a blade, a grading bucket would do the job.

[@recon532002]

Thank you

[@gurueddy]

Two thumbs up for that video! 😜🤦‍♂️ (dad joke)

[@kdexcavation4887]

We run Deere due to the amazing dealer support .... not many Volvos around they look like great machines .... My hoes run tag thumbs .... its a main pin on style .... almost has as much travel as your progressive style .... great video

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@randallnottingham799]

Mike you need to just go ahead and purchase it because you love that 145

[@forky-reviews-and-rants]

Letsdig18 Would go Volvo all day every day I reckon...great informative video...Stay Safe DP

[@stuartandrews4344]

+1

[@DavidJones-smiley]

Well said well said

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@brucehuff5566]

How has the overall running of the volvo been. I know you have had some issues just curious. Stay safe

[@DirtPerfect]

Ok comfortable to run for sure

[@GeneralAnesthesia1]

Another great video Mike, I like the content when you talk about other aspects of work just as much as the stick time videos!

[@DirtPerfect]

Thanks

[@benmeyer3962]

One day I'd like the side by side JD 120 and the Volvo one day .

[@inekelassooij840]

Groetjes uit Holland. 👋🏼 Een goede uitleg 👌👍