Thank you for those of you who have provided information in my previous thread.

So now I am to the point of either buying one of bagging the idea.

Here is what I have come up with to this point

Mini excavator.
A used machine
under 2500 hrs. Less is better.
Would like to know some history and maintenance record.
Hp 24-42 give or take.
Needs a hydraulic thumb.
I would like to be somewhere before shipping $17-25k

I am thinking about the most common US brands. Bobcat, Kubota, Cat, John Deere, etc.

I have looked on Machinery trader, etc.

Here is where I could use some help. Finding a machine from a reputable source. I am in NW quadrant of the US. But think I could get a machine shipped to me from just about anywhere for about $2000. Less if closer to me.

If anyone has a dealer they would recommend near them that has a machine that fits my criteria please let me know.

Or

If you have any advice or where to look. Thanks Guys.

I would suggest that you contact your local equipment dealers and ask them if they have anything coming off their rental program that would work for you.
As mentioned in your last thread having a local dealer to service the equipment is very important. I bought 2 of my last pieces of CAT equipment that way. Both came with service records and have been very reliable.

I have to some degree and would need to pay a $10k-15K premium even after shipping which I can not do.

See quite a few in your price range on ebay,

https://www.ebay.com/b/Mini-Ex...hi=25000&_udlo=15000

Cat has a zero down 0% program 60 months, although I have zero idea what retail is on a 302 unit, guessing $40K, that would be $670 a month at zero pct.

You could put money down or invest your $25K might come out ahead with the new unit, warranty, etc.

I'm guessing renting when needed is out of the question? No ownership no maintaining, they have to replace or fix it if it goes bad during use. Will $25K buy enough rental hours?

Thanks HRK, I do not do the ebay thing. A new machine is probably out of my budget.
Yes I have been dealing with the rental aspect. And that is a good and probably the best way to go financially for sure. But having the machine at my disposal when ever I want it is a big factor. Also on a mini excavator the cost is low enough to probably justify buying a good used one.

Contact your local United Rentals.
They are always moving equipment.
I work for them and one of my many hats is going through machines that are sold and I'm picky to the point if I wouldn't buy it in the condition in in, it gets fixed right.

Yeah I get that, you might wake up one day and feel the need to dig a trench, drop a tree, and it's great to go whenever you want!

On the Ebay it was just to show you that there are units out there so you can compare prices, good to know what people are asking for Kubota or Cat etc.

Go into that search and set it to find some close to your area, you can always go see them before you buy it, even if you find it on ebay...

People post there now, easier to list it on line since folks are not out shopping or restricted by government rules..

Never know...

The business climate may be changing with the new administration. Get a good mechanic to help you preview a few equipment auctions.

Not sure where you're at in NW. Maybe a Ritchie Bros Auction may help.

I am familiar with a manufacturer you didn't mention, perhaps with intent, however Takaheuchi produces a solid product with support.

Some people here don't like Craigslist but I have bought and sold a ton of farm equipment on it. Never a problem.

Another thing to look at is your local Trader magazine. Gas stations and a number of restaurants carry them weekly and they are free. A lot of heavy equipment and auctions are listed there.

If you don't mind me asking, unless you’re going to be using it all the time, as in making a living with it, why not just rent one as needed? I don’t know, maybe you will run it a lot.

With the economy taking a beating, I’d be checking the banks and finance companies for repo’s.

Are there tax advantages or depreciation? You might speak to a CPA and see if that would help.


Best wishes to you.
.

quote:

Originally posted by Bassamatic:
Some people here don't like Craigslist but I have bought and sold a ton of farm equipment on it. Never a problem.

This would be my advice. Patience is key on CL. I would also look at eBay...you can sort by distance from you. Just because you've never used eBay before shouldn't dissuade you. Deals are to be found if you look in enough places.

This guy makes his living with excavators and has no qualms with picking up a high hour machine. Check out his other videos as well.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:

If anyone has a dealer they would recommend near them that has a machine that fits my criteria please let me know.

Or

If you have any advice or where to look. Thanks Guys.

They aren’t near me, but I bought our excavator & dozer from Musselman Equipment in Lewiston, ID. They were straight up, easy to deal with, and I use them again in a New York minute.

Thanks guys, some good thoughts and info. I appreciate it.

I can rent equipment for about $1500 a week. Vs have a good machine at my disposal all the time for about $30k. If the machine is in the 6-7k lb weight range I have a truck and trailer I could move it with. So I could use it at various locations. Which would be handy.

A 10k lb machine is probably more would I would like though.

slosig, from what I see it say's they are permanently closed?