Kobelco Deere or Kubota

just_Dave · Feb 14, 2007

Ok I should have posted sooner but Im looking at getting a Kobelco 50-3 Mini Excavator.

Anybody own or run one?

Its a used unit with about 400 hrs anything I should watch out for..

thanks

Dirthog · Feb 15, 2007

we have several of them out at our dealership along with hundreds of 45sr and 35sr they all have been very trouble free I myself have a older 35 that is not short tail swing and the only thing I have done to it is replace some pins and bushings in the boom-arm

Boondox · Feb 15, 2007

Dave -- The title of your thread led me to believe you had some questions about the other brands...or maybe I'm just confused. Which other models are you looking at? How do the dealers for each brand compare in your area?

Pete

just_Dave · Feb 15, 2007

Boondox said:
Dave -- The title of your thread led me to believe you had some questions about the other brands...or maybe I'm just confused. Which other models are you looking at? How do the dealers for each brand compare in your area?

Pete

Well I have just about every dealer around, and most seem to be pretty friendly. I supose I should just buy a machine and not worry.. I just don't want to pick a bad machine. I supose I can look at specs until im blue in the face but what I'm really after is first hand knowlage from actual users

be it one of the brands I mentioned or other brands that one might recomend.

coopers · Feb 16, 2007

They're all good, but again I lean towards Kubota any time.

Blake
WA

Boondox · Feb 16, 2007

just_Dave said:
Well I have just about every dealer around, and most seem to be pretty friendly. I supose I should just buy a machine and not worry.. I just don't want to pick a bad machine. I supose I can look at specs until im blue in the face but what I'm really after is first hand knowlage from actual users be it one of the brands I mentioned or other brands that one might recomend.

I think it's difficult to make an excavator decision based solely on brand. The dealer is certainly part of the equation, but even within brands there are big differences. I like the Volvo EC35, but it handles entirely differently than the 25 and 45. I like the Kubota KX91 and 121, but not the 71. Some of it is based on the feel of the machine, some on the relative ease of maintenance, and some on the creature comforts or ergonomics.

If you're new to excavators like me, the best advice would be to try several before narrowing your search. Also check with users on sites like lawnsite.com (in their heavy equipment forum) to learn about potential issues. I was all ready to buy a Bobcat 331 till some owners told me it wasn't as reliable as I'd been led to believe. Ditto for the Kubota U35; owners report it's best used on flat ground which I have very little of. And of course the dealers are going to be friendly; that's how they sell! The trick is to see behind the smiles and learn how good their support after the sale is.

Hope this helps.

Pete

Tags · Feb 17, 2007

I currently own a Kubota 161-3 and it has been a great machine and I believe it has the most bucket breakout force in that class. I believe the Kobelco 50 you are eyeing is in the same class. The only bad thing I have heard about the Kobelco mini's is that if it doesn't have a/c, it is almost un-runable in the summer, due to the fact that you are basically sitting on top of the motor and it gets rediculously hot in the cab. I actually bought my 161 from a buddy of mine that bought a new Deere 50D mini, he loves it and has no complaints.

Dirthog · Feb 19, 2007

A/C is avabile in the mini we have several sitting in our yard with it.

Tags · Feb 21, 2007

Just figured I'd add this too...if you are really hot on the Kobelco 50 mini, I am 99% sure it is the SAME machine as a New Holland or Case. It may just give you more leverage if you have those dealers close and can bid them against each other...just my .02....