Talk me into a $10k 2 ton vs A $5000 1 ton Chinese Mini!

[HawkinsHollow]

I don't think I will go diesel so I guess the liquid cooled argument is out for me. I know I want pilot controls, wider tracks, hyd. thumb of course, bigger engine, and a bit more weight. Looking around these things can be had for the $7k range. I need to sell my SxS, as soon as I do I am pulling the trigger. I think of a new project for this thing everyday!

 

[MattB4]

I had a 1-ton Typhon B&S gas for a couple of years that I sold in June and bought a 2-ton (3700lb with cab) Typhon with Kubota diesel for a little over twice the cost of the 1-ton. I feel with all that comes with a upgraded machine the value is there. I could wish for more features but the more features (2-speed, upgraded hydraulics would be nice) you get the more it costs.

The 1-ton would do work but it definitely was not as smooth as the 2-ton with pilot controls. I would say a lot will depend on your intended usage and also which models you are thinking about. Be aware that the weight of these things are often less than claimed. There is also a whole lot of auction sold units that seem to be factory seconds.

My advice is to go diesel and pilot control regardless of weight of excavator if you have the funds.

 

[Jrasband]

If you plan on spending a lot of time on the machine it is definitely worth it to pay extra for one with 2 speed.

 

[redman135]

Go for the 2 ton. FAR more caplable. Even then you will toss yourself around in the 2 ton. A 1 ton is just a powered shovel, and limited by it's lack of weight.
If you are not space limited in the work area, have a look at a 3 ton as it is significantly better than the 2 ton.
Pay PARTICULAR attention to the HYDRAULIC OUTPUT. My brother has a chinese mini ex and he says the chinese are very good at "bare minimum capasity" spec, so you need to change machiine if job requirement grows.
Diesel engine: stay away from the single cylinder models as they are LOUD due to an undersized muffler and vibrate a lot. If he was to get another mini ex it would have a 2 or 3 cylinder diesel engine.
Also check the fuel filler/cap. Is access easy/difficult?
How well protected are the track motor hoses?
Grease zerks: standard or oddball?
Check every nut and bolt aas they are often factory loose.
Controls may need adjustment to be just right(smooth, not jerky)
Good luck

 

[paulsharvey]

Ok, so i get the attraction to the price of the 1t/1.4t machines; but for arguments sake, have you Ever seen a contractor, even a small telecom or service plumber using a 1T/1.4T. Maybe a 302.5; but thats about the smallest machine you'll see. Point is, they don't use 1/1.4T machines cause they dont do the job. If you have real digging to do, and budget, get the 2T.

Skip cabs, and that kinda stuff; these machines are too small for that; use the money saved on AC/heat/cab on more stock weight. IMO

 

[americium100]

I bought a 2 ton with a kubota diesel. I would like a 4 or 5 ton much better. With my budget I would have had to get a bigger unit with more than 2000 hours, whereas I was able to buy this one new. This one does ok but struggles with small brush roots. I had a landscaper who used a 4 ton unit and he easily ripped up root balls. It just takes longer with the smaller excavator, but if you have the time…

 

[HawkinsHollow]

My main priority will not be tree removal, mostly small digging projects. And I really don't have the time, but I don't have the money for a 4 ton. And it's a lot better than a hand shovel. I am looking at auctions now. Got an acquaintance with one that he got at an auction for at least $2-3k below retail.

 

[paulsharvey]

My main priority will not be tree removal, mostly small digging projects. And I really don't have the time, but I don't have the money for a 4 ton. And it's a lot better than a hand shovel. I am looking at auctions now. Got an acquaintance with one that he got at an auction for at least $2-3k below retail.

So, time over comes some of the short coming of a small machine. It's still hard to grade a clean pipe line, as they are very "rocky" and not stable. It can be done though. Two things time and effort won't over come with a small machine; gravity and water. The lifting capacity is what it is; more time doesn't change that, so if you need to pick up a 500# item, or a 700# rock, size accordingly. Second, digging, a large machine might out dig the ground water, but a small machine, hole filling up, its a lost cause.

Even big holes, enough time and determination, you can bench down; unless you have water