JCB V.S. Bobcat, Or CAT Mini Excavator

oasis100

Hey guys,

I could use some input...

I'm considering purchasing a new 0-swing mini excavator in the 7,500-8,000lb range. I'm considering a 2005 JCB 8032Z with 41 rental hours (very good price - but haven't heard much about them - new dealership in my area), also looked at the Bobcat 430ZHS (looked beefier than the JCB), and the CAT 303C. The Cat seemed the best built-but with a much higher cost than the JCB (30% higher), The Bobcat slightly less than the CAT.

Last year I rented the JCB I'm considering, worked very well, just not sure how well they hold up, or how well their attachments work (thumb, plate compactor, and auger) Any comments?

Thanks!!!

mc

jazak

I would personally go CAT. Because of the great service I have and its a real nice machine plus everyone has parts for them.

gravtyklz

The Cat303C Is a great machine I think. We have a 304 and a 303.

I think it really depends on what you're doing too. We have a 24" bucket for the 303 and I think thats too big of a bucket for that size of machine.....

Nac

What about Komatsu I Have a PC45 the best money I ever spent.

denick

MC,

We have rented CAT and JCB. We own Bobcat. Bobcats just seem to go and go for us.

__________________
Nick

"Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving" Albert Einstein

PipeGuy

Komatsu or Deere say I.

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Fortunately I keep my feathers numbered for...for just such an emergency. -Foghorn Leghorn

hatchet

I personally like the Bobcat 341 or (a little bigger) 442.. the swing speed is very impressive and throw in the hydraulic quick change head and it can do just about anything you ask of it. Post pounder, auger head, etc.
Of course both models are more expensive than the Bobcat model you mentioned

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Rich
WIT Construction Co.
Superior MT Contractor

Wolf

The Bobcat mini-excavators feel like they have too much plastic in them. I was really surprised at how much of the exterior is made of plastic.

Shocking, in fact.

And at those prices . . . oy vey!

Anyone else feel that way too?

Wolf

The CAT 313 is the first and best machine I ever ran. Just love it. On the day that I was learning to use it, we were digging down near Chinatown in San Francisco and hit a whole treasure trove of Gold Rush era bottles and clay pipes.

Then three blocks away, they demo'ed an old building and found the remains of a Gold Rush ship underneath the old foundation. Seems the site was filled after the Gold Rush and there had been an old ship abandoned in the mud there that had been used as a storage building. Got a few pieces of the ship out before the archaeologists came in and shut down the job site.

How did I get started on that? Oh, yeah, the CAT machines are just awesome.

TMatt142

Do NOT under any circumstances....buy anything that says JCB on it!!! Even if there is a dealer in your area....some parts you'll be getting (and a JCB goes through the parts!!!) have to come from abroad. The Britts should stick to tea and crumpets....cause they sure as heck haven't figured out how to make a decent piece of construction equipment!

tgeb

I own a 435ZHS Bobcat. I have a close friend who owns a 430ZHS bobcat.
We both are satisfied with the quality of construction, I find ours comfortable to operate has more than enough power for a 10,000 lb. machine.

For my friend it is his third Bobcat Mini he has had a 325, a 328 and now the 430 and he is very pleased.

I have not operated the Cat mini's or the JCB mini's.

My purchase was influenced by the location of the dealer (about 10 miles from me) and the fact that my dealer also rents all the attachments that might be needed, and the quick attach system the Bobcat has is pretty good. (a little light duty on the 430 but more than adequate on the 435)

I have leased the Kobelco mini's in the past which are now also the Case and New Holland brand and they seemed to be good machines.

As far as the Bobcat having too much plastic on the exterior, the hood which covers the hydraulic valves and protects the fan is made of fiberglass. I don't think there is any other "non steel" on the outside. I think as long as you don't dig with the hood you should be OK!

My post makes 9 different opinions on this one subject. Are you sorry that you asked?

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Tom

www.gebcon.com