Comparison Kubota Mini Ex's

[Piston]

You are where I was 2 to 3 years ago. Almost spent 10 grand on a backhoe unit for my MX, but with a really bad left Knee problem I ruled that out. Then went to possibly renting 1 , 2 or more months at a time, but factored in working, weather, cost, and couldn't justify it. So...last fall I pulled the trigger on the 71, 38K new, out the door. Is that justified?, I don't know. But, I have it when I want it, it is a dedicated unit, so it doesn't tie up my MX, and I freakin love it ! I figure I keep it 10 to 15 years, put maybe 50 to 80 hours on it a year, then turn around and sell it for a good piece of change. I say it's an investment, and increases my property value with the projects I do with it, it's a win / win for me.

Is that with a cab? If so, that sounds very reasonable.
As much as I want a 121, I doubt I'd ever buy one new, however I could see myself taking the plunge on a smaller unit and just enjoying the extra seat time. I definitely would want a cab.

 

[Code54]

You are where I was 2 to 3 years ago. Almost spent 10 grand on a backhoe unit for my MX, but with a really bad left Knee problem I ruled that out. Then went to possibly renting 1 , 2 or more months at a time, but factored in working, weather, cost, and couldn't justify it. So...last fall I pulled the trigger on the 71, 38K new, out the door. Is that justified?, I don't know. But, I have it when I want it, it is a dedicated unit, so it doesn't tie up my MX, and I freakin love it ! I figure I keep it 10 to 15 years, put maybe 50 to 80 hours on it a year, then turn around and sell it for a good piece of change. I say it's an investment, and increases my property value with the projects I do with it, it's a win / win for me.

Sounds like we have a very similar idea on the Mini - figure for what it costs to rent I will make the investment and have it whenever we need or want it!
Thanks for the info!!!

 

[Steppenwolfe]

No cab. I like it open. No plans on being out when it's that cold.

 

[Code54]

Ended up buying a KX91 - really got to use it some today and was very pleased with it. Powerful and smooth. Thank you all for the advise!

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Ended up buying a KX91 - really got to use it some today and was very pleased with it. Powerful and smooth. Thank you all for the advise!

Congrats... you'll never do a days work with it, it's all fun...

 

[Code54]

Thanks - dug out a 22+ inch fresh cut oak stump tonight that is right next to a bldg - took about 1.5 hrs from start to finish including getting the machine out, practicing running it and even grading the area. Can even guess how long it would have taken with my little BX25. Very impressed with the machine

 

[Piston]

Congrats! Those are incredible machines!

 

[ultrarunner]

I dream about the kx121 some day with a 6 way blade. I think I would use the heck out of a machine like that n

Does Kubota offer a 6 way blade?

I know the angle blade is an option.

A contractor that does work for me has a large Kobelco with a real dozer blade... he can do amazing things with that machine...

 

[Snobdds]

Welcome to the world of excavator ownership. Your life will be forever changed.

Here's a lazy afternoon making a clearing for my cabin.

 

[rswyan]

Code54,

Did you find a used KX91 ... or did you go new ?

Cab or open station ?

Pics ...

 

[Code54]

Ended up getting a used one with a bit over 200 Hrs on it. Nice thing is it is pre emission and still has a year of warranty left on it. I was looking for a open station as I want to be in the woods making trails with it and didn't really want glass windows (plus I just sort of prefer open cabs in general for some reason).
I also got an assortment of buckets (12",24", and a 36" ditch cleaning bucket) and it has the hydro thumb which sure is handy. I really think it is going to work great for our uses!

 

[Snobdds]

Very nice, a good sized machine. Looks brand new.

You would not believe how handy they are for lifting. It gets used as a back saved as much as it digs. Always keep a lifting strap with you...and you'll go far.

 

[hawkeye08]

Nice machine... I told my wife that we could buy one, complete the projects and then sell it for what we paid. "Nice try, when did you ever sell something after the project was completed?", she replied.

 

[ultrarunner]

^^^My brother really needed a dozer for some work at his place...

I found one and said he could sell when the work was done which satisfied my sister in law.

So it's been about a year since I said I have a guy that is ready to buy it for more than they have in it... now they want to keep it...

Looking around they saw what a good deal if was and don't underestimate the brag factor of having your own dozer.

 

[Code54]

Thanks!
Sure is handy to have around, has helped with several little jobs already and the big projects are just waiting to begin.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Does Kubota offer a 6 way blade?

I know the angle blade is an option.

A contractor that does work for me has a large Kobelco with a real dozer blade... he can do amazing things with that machine...

Yes, the kx91 has an optional 6 way blade, Big $$$$'s

 

[Code54]

Yep as Steppenwolfe said they sure do. It is a nice option but not something I really needed for home use at close to a 3K price difference.
They are also on the larger machines if that is of interest to you.