Cat 310 or KX 080

[HomeGamer]

Looking for information regarding these two excavators. I've narrowed my selection down based on what I can afford, current purchase incentives, distance to dealer, and the capabilities of the equipment. If I've missed a great competitor that would be good info too, I've got JCB and Deere/Hitachi dealers nearby but between financing and price they don't seem competitive.

There are a lot of positive reviews on the Kubota all over the internet, a lot of youtube videos demonstrating its capabilities. The Cat is a newer machine, there aren't a lot of reviews out there or youtube videos. I don't see that I will ever need a swing boom, and it looks like it puts a lot of weight forward of center of gravity compared to a conventional boom. The Cat costs about 30% more, and most of the specs are about 30% higher than the Kubota (at least on paper). I got a ballpark price of 105 for the Kubota and 135 for the Cat - does that sound right? Standard blade, 1 bucket, thumb, ripper tooth, steel tracks for both.

I'm a homeowner with 100 acres in NH. A lot of boulders, 99% forested, the ground is chock full of rocks of all sizes. I'm planning to build roads and trails, clear areas for small scale agriculture (gardening, apples, maybe chickens), and expand our lawn and landscaping.

Anybody with first or secondhand experience with the Cat? Anybody been disappointed with the Kubota (like I said everybody on the internet seems to love them)? Any must have attachments given my situation? Any recommendations on what size bucket for digging in rough ground? Any other information I should know?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[OWTM]

You may want to check out the Kubota KX057-4, I ran an 80 for about a month and half last year and it was a great machine, plenty of power and reach. However I then bought a new KX057 and to tell you the truth theres not much difference in performance. I was afraid after running the 80 I would think the 57 would be lacking. That wasn't't the case at all. Plus the 57 feels a little more stable on sidehill when swinging with a loaded bucket.

 

[Cataclysm]

You may want to check out the Kubota KX057-4, I ran an 80 for about a month and half last year and it was a great machine, plenty of power and reach. However I then bought a new KX057 and to tell you the truth theres not much difference in performance. I was afraid after running the 80 I would think the 57 would be lacking. That wasn't't the case at all. Plus the 57 feels a little more stable on sidehill when swinging with a loaded bucket.

I agree with Mike on his assessment of the 57/80. Nothing wrong with either Kubota.

I make a living with a Kubota U-45. I used to make a living with a CAT 420D and still have it.

However, I would buy the CAT if I could afford it. The difference is in the hydraulics design of the controls. You can feel the difference. Smooth, accurate and won't tire you out.

 

[4570Man]

I’ve never sat in the seat of a Kubota 80 but I own a 40. I’d buy a Kubota because I like them and I don’t think the yellow paint is worth it. But personally I wouldn’t buy an 80. One of my buddies has one. It’s not big enough to be a real trackhoe and too small for a mini. I’d personally buy a 40 or a 120 with a blade and a thumb. The same thing I said about the 80 could be said about the 120 but much bigger than that and you loose the blade and thumb and those are nice options. I’d rather have my 40 with the quick change bucket, blade, and thumb vs a machine twice as big without that.

 

[gtbensley]

The Kubota 057-4 is a pretty darn nice machine. The 080 is large for sure but I do not believe its that much more stronger then the 057.

Cats are nice.....but I would rather a Kubota.