Buying a mini ex

Builder · Dec 26, 2008

OK, I've decided to buy a USED mini ex to add to the fleet.

List of requirements:

Comfortable cab w/ heat & air
rubber tracks
pilot controls
aux hydraulics for hammer or thumb
approx 10-12K lbs
quick coupler for buckets

would like to stay under $30-35,000

Looking at Case, Deere, Kubota and Bobcat but am open to other brands

Recommendations based on first hand knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

atgreene · Dec 26, 2008

I rented a Kubota, Bobcat and Takeuchi before buying a Takeuchi. I ran that one for 3 years then bought a new Takeuchi 135 with all the extras.

I did a lot of research and Tak had the best specs. Kubota was close, but track power was weaker and parts availablity was an issue.

Everything I have ever needed for the Tak the dealer always asks, overnight, next day or regular shipping. My first Tak had a homemade thumb from the rental yard I purchased from, first day out the outer boom snapped in two. They had welded across the boom creating a weak point. Tak sales said they could have me a new boom in under 24 hours from GA for $900. I about fell over. I had it repaired, but the idea that I could get a major component in 24 hours floored me.

The Kubota I was renting blew a track motor, Kubota said 4-6 weeks for a new one. My father has run 3 Kubotas, all new, and had issues with parts.

I will say, Komatsu makes a nice machine and I will look at them next.

Other than that, I hated the rubber tracks, they tore up grass worse than steel. Mine lasted 1200 hours before tearing, I bought a used set of steel and they work much better for what i do (lots of rough ground and rock).

Thumb is a must for handling wood and rocks.

I also got the tilting grading bucket. Amazing how much work that saves, I'd never own a machine w/o one.

Hope this helps.

Kays Supply · Dec 26, 2008

Don't forget Yanmar. I have had a used one and a new one. Mine is smaller than you want but the hydraulic quick coupler is enough to sway me to another one. I can change buckets in a couple minutes, no bull. I can't say much about parts, I haven't needed any. My contractors I work around have had Bobcats. They all were sloppy and weak in less than 1000 hours. Not impressed.

Builder · Dec 26, 2008

Another requirement would be that it can load over the sides of a 8' high dumptruck bed with a wide loading/grading bucket. Don't know if a 10-12K unit can do that. My dump has pretty high sides.

I have the backhoe & my CAT Challenger loader to do the loading, but I figure there might be times when only the mini-ex will be on the jobsite. Versatility is a must.

atgreene,

can you post a few pics of your 5500? I really like them and just like looking at pics of them. Thanks.

atgreene · Dec 26, 2008

My 135 would load my 7 yard Topkick and I have loaded 14 yard wheelers before. The wheelers you need to use the blade to raise up a little, but it does work. My 5500 is no problem to load or scoop out of, but that has a landscaper body.

rtdiggr · Dec 26, 2008

Builder i on occasion use a Deere D27 that is a 3 ton unit but it is nice, and has alot of power. I can't speak about the parts because it isn't my.
I am actually thinking of buying it.

Shane

Builder · Dec 27, 2008

Thanks for the replies guys. Big help.

landrake1 · Dec 27, 2008

hi, i am a new member today, I own 4 yanmar vi0 45. that run 12 hour days hard work, we never haver any problems with these machines,only regular maintanance. the machines weigh 4.5tons and can reach over a large wagon. plus they are zero tail.
they are not the cheapest machine but you only get what you pay for. we have had bobcats and jcb but they never last.i hope this is some help.

Barrettseq · Dec 27, 2008

I sell Yanmar Excavators in Florida and have sold around 100 of them in the last 5 years. To this day I have had 5 warranty claims for all 100. A B15 with an electrical short, Vio 35 with a noisy pump (replaced), Vio 15 with broken swing motor gear (customer fault), and a couple of other warranties that Yanmar paid but should not have. The bushings will out last any other brand, parts are no problem based in Chicago and they burn less fuel. Right now they offer a 3 year or 3000 hour warranty. You may not buy one but you should at least check them out. barrettseq.com

rtdiggr · Dec 27, 2008

Builder said:
Another requirement would be that it can load over the sides of a 8' high dumptruck bed with a wide loading/grading bucket. Don't know if a 10-12K unit can do that. My dump has pretty high sides.

I have the backhoe & my CAT Challenger loader to do the loading, but I figure there might be times when only the mini-ex will be on the jobsite. Versatility is a must.

atgreene,

can you post a few pics of your 5500? I really like them and just like looking at pics of them. Thanks.