Thinking about a Mini-X ... ?

[Shawn T. W.]

I'm contemplating maybe getting a used mini-X … will not consider a chinese model … here I've found a few in my proposed price range … and weight range …

Deere 17D weighs 4173 Lbs
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listing/for-sale/254776369/2013-deere-17d-mini-excavators

Bobcat 325 weighs 6145
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listing/for-sale/252517949/2003-bobcat-325-mini-excavators

Bobcat E20 weighs 4167 Lbs
Pardon Our Interruption

Ideally something halfway between these two basic weights would be great!

I currently have a SCUT TLB which I have about $8K into the BH part of it, including modifications and accessories, which would not be used much anymore … which is hard for me to justify, but I do understand I believe the benefits of a mini-X over a backhoe, as in a bit more reach/depth in the same weight rating, and obviously a lot larger choice of areas to put the spoils … but it seems to me that the weight of either machine usually is the limiting factor on these little machines is what ultimately limits the digging force/power … right?

My TLB with the way I have it setup is about 3300 Lbs, and it will sometimes still get pulled a little around … if I'm gonna buy another dirt digger I'd like to go a tad heavier … my trailer is limited to 5000 Lbs on it, but some of the weight goes on my truck, I have a weight distribution hitch so probably a one time move with the Bobcat 325 weight would be OK, but I'd not want to do it on a regular basis.

While I do have a manual thumb on my TLB, I'm not sure if I really need one on the mini, but curious if what I'm seeing on them is the hydraulic connection for one? Seems like a single line, what's it for?

Are there particular areas I'd need to check out for wear, tracks? Sprockets? (or whatever they are called)

My TLB is rated at ...
Dipper 2476 Lbs
Boom 1748 Lbs
Depth 78”
Hydraulic GPM - 6.8

Just how much better would one of the above mini's be over my TLB in actually digging work ... I have kinda rocky ground.