Mini Excavator Business

[cat 297c]

I'm Thinking bout getting a Mini excavator to do some side work. Lookin at a 2007 New Holland eh80 or a 2006 kubota 080-s3. Want a lager ex for all round use say round the 60 to 70hp range. Does anyone have any input on machine, price per hour to charge, If this a good idea or not? Any adice would be helpful.

 

[20 20]

These machines need a lot of up keep but I figure you probably know that. Last year around here a bunch of local guys sold out caused by bad economy and lack of work. Have you used an excavator much? How does the job market look in your area for this type of work? What about hauling the equipment around, that can be a high expense? Sometimes a smaller machine is a better choice, especially when it comes to confined areas. Tell us more about your plans and what type of work your planning to get into?

 

[AKfish]

The housing market has stalled up here (like most everyplace else..), too. Before the downturn - landclearing, road building and subdivision work (foundations, etc.) was in high gear and excavator owner's had a good thing goin'.

Right now, it's septic system install and repair or culvert, drainage, small road fixes and installs, etc. There's fewer guys over the roads with 12yd dumps and 30K tilt trailers with 25K excavators chained on back as a result.

If you've got a way to make it pay...

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[cat 297c]

These machines need a lot of up keep but I figure you probably know that. Last year around here a bunch of local guys sold out caused by bad economy and lack of work. Have you used an excavator much? How does the job market look in your area for this type of work? What about hauling the equipment around, that can be a high expense? Sometimes a smaller machine is a better choice, especially when it comes to confined areas. Tell us more about your plans and what type of work your planning to get into?

Yea i've ran a cat 320 for a while, As far as the economy around here it's good one week and sucks for the next few. I can Haul my own equipment, I was planing on useing it for wat ever the customer wats from digging stumps, land clearing, diging footings, ditchs, ponds, One day get a Cimaf Head for mowing in hard to reach area like on dams where it's a little ify with my 297c

 

[atgreene]

I have a small business doing niche work with my Takeuchi 135. I bought it new (my second one) and bought several attatchments with it. Hydro thumb, 3' clean-up bucket with hydro tilt, screen/skeleton bucket and digging bucket.

The key is to have a niche, every "operator" out there can get a 120 and dig a hole. Not everyone can do a delecate job in a sensetive area. With the push for green and enviromentally conciousness, people will pay extra to feel good that the job is done with extra care for the environment. You don't have to go crazy about it, just common sense. I can't compete against guys doing standard septic systems and foundations, but give me an erosion control issue along the lake and I can get places a 120 can't even think about going. I get $110.00 to 120.00 per hour and there's no shortage of work.

 

[20 20]

Yea i've ran a cat 320 for a while, As far as the economy around here it's good one week and sucks for the next few.

That would be a big concern, make or break, being flexable will help.

I can Haul my own equipment, I was planing on useing it for wat ever the customer wats from digging stumps, land clearing, diging footings, ditchs, ponds, One day get a Cimaf Head for mowing in hard to reach area like on dams where it's a little ify with my 297c

Sounds like you have the right way of thinking. Just remember small jobs can be a business killer, by the time you transport, setup etc... Some folks think these machines run on air and water and are so tuff they never need maintenance. If you're buying used it possibly could be a great machine or it could be a lemon. A 500.00 dollar job won't pay for a busted ring gear, drive motor, etc... With that said jobs still need to be done, so another question is, what type of competition is in your area??? Will folks except you over the guy with 10-20-30yrs of doing this type of work? Can you give lower rates too beat competition and still make a living? There is a ton of stuff to think about. Seems like you're off on a good start, if it were me I'd be asking around locally. Oh and once you do start remember the customer is allways right

 

[Diamondback]

Might give these guys a look see. Much like this fine forum, there is a vast amount of knowledge specific to equipment large, small and everything in between. Good luck...

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[MarkV]

You might want to talk to your insurance company before you go too far. At least here there is a huge difference in cost when working below grade as opposed to above grade.

MarkV

 

[20 20]

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I'll 2nd this post

 

[yellowdogsvc]

I have a small business doing niche work with my Takeuchi 135. I bought it new (my second one) and bought several attatchments with it. Hydro thumb, 3' clean-up bucket with hydro tilt, screen/skeleton bucket and digging bucket.

The key is to have a niche, every "operator" out there can get a 120 and dig a hole. Not everyone can do a delecate job in a sensetive area. With the push for green and enviromentally conciousness, people will pay extra to feel good that the job is done with extra care for the environment. You don't have to go crazy about it, just common sense. I can't compete against guys doing standard septic systems and foundations, but give me an erosion control issue along the lake and I can get places a 120 can't even think about going. I get $110.00 to 120.00 per hour and there's no shortage of work.

could not have said it better myself

 

[Kays Supply]

Another thing to check out, do the local contractors have their own equipment. I am a plumbing contractor. I have my own excavator and hauler. All the general contractors I work for have at least a Bobcat and several have a mini Ex. Several other plumbers have their own machines as well. Like someone else said, smaller my be the way to go. I do get some extra work because my machine will go where theirs won't. It is Yanmar VIO 27. For what it's worth, The Yanmar stock quick coupler is great. If I ever trade, it will be for another for that fact alone.

 

[terrencert]

Great marketing pitch. Works in all businesses.

 

[Ed of all trades]

The problem I see is it looks like fun and it is for a while and that draws in every body that ever ran one wanting to start a company. That makes competition stiff and unfair with people doing jobs for a little over cost and no insurance. They make a few bucks and are happy, but it is hard on the guy trying to make a living.

 

[David Devuono]

And call before you dig. One cut cable and no insurance could mean they take more than just your excavator.