General info on Bobcat E26 excavator

[purplewg]

OK, so I picked up a E26EM mini excavator at auction. Well, going to pick it up early next week. I have looked and looked and can't find out what the EM stands for?

I have a farm that I need to clean up a bunch of ditches on and have gotten too old to be on the end of shovel for very long. I just plan to use around the farm for various tasks I can't get done with a tractor/FEL.

Anything I should be aware of as far as this model goes? Don't want to get into a brand war here. I have used Bobcat mini's in the past but rentals where I live get to be a PITA. I need it when I am dry enough to use it and hate to order one and have and inch or two of rain fall and a rental unit just sitting there.

Oh one more thing. It has a 24 inch bucket which I think is a bit much for this unit. Any good after market buckets available?
Thanks

 

[raptorterry]

I'm going to say it stands for "Extra Manly"!

Sorry, I don't know but I have some time operating one and I liked it.

 

[claitner]

My E35 has a 16" and 24" bucket. In damp material the 24" bucket can scoop all I want to lift so, yes, 24" seems a bit heavy for the E26. You can dig and fill only a portion of the bucket to improve the overall stability When digging. On the positive side, if you dig a ditch that you want to step into to level or connect a pipe, 24" gives you some room to work.
If you have the quick attach option then I would recommend a narrower bucket with teeth and a wider bucket without teeth for grading and ditch cleaning.