KUBOTA K008-3 Super Mini Excavator used prices & capabilities

[orangeelmo1]

New member here. Been reading the posts on & off for a few years now - finally joined. I have a few ??? about super mini excavators. I'm leaning towards a K008-3 but i've looked at JCB, Bobcat, Takeuchi, IHI and Yanmar. Brand recognition and abundance of dealers puts KUB top on list but they're all excellent units. The JCB seems to be the largest\most capable of the group; I'm sure it could handle what I plan to use it for but it carries the highest price tag and the closest dealer is almost 100 miles away. I'd step up to a 3500# machine if some knowledgable people out there convinced me that the 2000# machines are useless. Intended uses are small stumps (5" or less) transplant shrubs\saplings, trenches, dig footings & piers 42" deep, small area grading, backfilling, move rocks, etc. time is not an issue - I won't be on the clock. Previously I had a 6.5' hoe on my tractor which served my needs but was slow and awkward. Could any owners or operators give me an honest opinion on the minis (K008, Bobcat 316, Takeuchi T108, IHI 7j, Yanmar SV08, etc.). Do these small machines function better than a small 3ph hoe. Anything you could tell me about their capabilities, resale value, what i can expect to pay for a 1 to 5 year old machine with less than 1000 hrs. would be greatly appreciated. If or when I get a machine I will follow up with my results.

 

[Trackks9]

I have a IHI 7j Mine is a 2001, I have 581 trouble free hr's on it. It is
used to do pretty much what your planning to use one for. one of the
nice thing's, is the light weight make's for easy transportation, I may
install a thumb. What part of the country are you in?

 

[Lynkage]

I priced the K80 new and it was a wopping 89K. It sure was a nice machine tho!!

 

[Botabill]

I'll be interested to watch what replies you get. I have a KX 41-3 that is about 3500# Bigger than what you're looking at. The only reason I bought the 41 is that it will fit in my garage. It's done everythnig you want and more. I would have bought a bigger machine but for some situations smaller is better. You can't have everything. To compare a 3PH backhoe to an excavator is cruel. The excavator of an equal size will be better than the backhoe in 9 situations out of 10.

 

[orangeelmo1]

I have a IHI 7j Mine is a 2001, I have 581 trouble free hr's on it. It is
used to do pretty much what your planning to use one for. one of the
nice thing's, is the light weight make's for easy transportation, I may
install a thumb. What part of the country are you in?

I live in CT. near the shore. Just can't imagine a super mini doing any real digging & dozing but I desperatly want all the owners out there to convince me otherwise. It would save me the cost of another trailer W\dbl axil & brakes for a 3500# machine. The KX41 and similar sized machines would be ideal.

 

[Trackks9]

Botabill is dead on in comparing a 3ph backhoe to a excavator. you may want to demo several unit's,

 

[Ronster]

Orangeelmo1, did you buy an excavator yet? I'm almost sold on the Kubota U15. Just wish it came w/ factory thumb.

 

[HighLoader]

orangeelmo1, I have a K008-3. It is a great little machine. I have used it mostly to dig trenches....about 950 ft so far, anyware between 2-4 ft deep. Some of the ground is real hard and it takes some time to get though. Those are the times I wish I had something bigger. It is also great for lifting things and pushing things with the dozer blade. It is also very easy to transport. I have never owned a back hoe. I decided to get the k008-3 instead. I think it would be a hassel to move the tractor all the time and jump back and forth from one seat to the next. I like my tractor with the box scraper on it and would hate to have to drop the hoe and then put it back on. My tractor does a better job digging out trees than the 008. My NH TC40DA is abour 5-6K and that weight makes a difference. I paid 16100 for a new one about a year and a half ago. Hope this helps you.... here are few pictures

 

[Trackks9]

Highloader, I noticed on one of your posted picture's a mule. I have a J. D.
gator with a dump box. That along with my mini excavator make a nice
combination for moving dirt, How many hrs. do you have our excavator?

 

[HighLoader]

Trackks9, I have 122hrs on the 008. The mule is great for running around the property. I use it for working on fencing and load it with wood when I am cutting down trees. I have tried moving dirt around with it but it can't handle much. My tractor works better for dirt moving. How do you like your Gator?