Mini Excavator opinions Cat or Deere

[yandeereguy]

I'm about to purchase my first mini in the 5 ton range, either an older Deere 50d or a Cat 305.5e. I know I'll get mixed opinions on this but will the 50d be reliable with say 2000+ hours on the clock vs double the cost Cat under warranty (1year left)with 1000 hrs on the clock..
If I go Deere I would still be able to pick up a small Compact tractor loader and open up some other opportunities..

I plan on doing just about anything and everything that one could do with a 5 ton mini (with exception of maybe breaking a lot of concrete). I've explored Kubota and others and have narrowed my options to either Cat or Deere.. Which one?

 

[oldnslo]

Do you have good dealer support for both machines? If yes pick the one that you are the most comfortable operating. My experience has been that some machines just don't seem to fit as well as others.

 

[BuilderML]

If i would have to pick i would go with the deere. I've run a cat304 mini and was not impressed.
If money was not object here i how i rank mini excavators.
#1 volvo
#2 bobcat
all others would be #3
#4 cat
Just my 2 cents