Starting A Business

guyute65045

Hello all, I am new here. I have been lurking for a long time as I am addicted to playing in the dirt. Here is my question, I am starting an excavating business, a very small one to start. I have a tractor, and a trailer currently. I am in the process of buying an excavator and truck. I plan on mostly doing septics to start, but have two solid jobs clearing lots and putting in driveways to building sites lined up for this summer. I see alot of folks in my area have moved to "mini Excavators" ie 7-10klbs, I see them every where. Looking at something like a kubota kx 121, is that strong enough to lift a septic tank? When I installed septics before it was using a larger machine, I have zero experience with mini ex's. I can see the appeal, smaller footprint, smaller truck to haul with. I just want to hear some opinions. I am currently looking at a 04Kubota 121 with 167 hrs on it for a good price, but I dont want to end up wanting to move into a bigger machine in 2 years unless business is really good.
Thank you all in advance,
John

dayexco

if everybody has mini's......why would you buy in an already saturated market? smallest ex i'd own would be a 150 size. we run 3-200 sized hoes, wish at least 2 of them were 300's. just have to find your niche.

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jmic

Hey guy. Most of us that have mini ex's. have them to compliment our other equip. for doing small jobs or test holes. There is no way you will pick up a septic tank using a mini ex. if you're talking concrete tanks. These machines are very useful don't get me wrong, but unless you want to limit yourself to very small jobs you need to get a bigger machine. We also have a 115 and a 200. I agree with Dayexco you should get something at least the size of a 115 if you want to do general excavation ie. stumping lots, installing driveways, digging basements, ect. Welcome to this madness!

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Joe

rino1494

Yeah, that kubota won't lift a concrete septic tank. I recently set a 1350 gallon tank with out the lid with our 315. I lifted it off the truck and had to swing over the side of the tracks to set in the hole. I prolly could have done it with the lid on.

I agree with Day and Joe, a smaller machine is not the way to go for what you want to do. I'll never own a machine smaller than a 150 size.

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guyute65045

Thanks guys for affirming my thoughts, I was thinking it might be kinda limiting to have just the mini. It is just that I see quite a few guys doing septics with the small machines. I guess they must just luck out with the site lay out, or I guess theres also the rule of where there is a will theres a way. I like the rule of work smarter not harder however, and I usually tend to try to do things right the first time. Thanks for the input, I am also looking at a Komatsu 128 a few towns away, it seems like a good compromise to start with.

Earth and Turf

Usually around us the tank supplier will deliver and set the tank in the hole if you were to do this than you could get by with a smaller machine. This would allow you to be more versatile with a slightly smaller machine.

guyute65045

Yeah that is my experience when I installed in the dessert, the concrete co. would deliver and set the tank. I am hesitant to rely on this here though being in the mountains and looking at alot of replacement systems. There are alot of difficult lots. Boy the real estate boom in the 60's and 80's here were done without a lot of though, means alot of work for me here but it also means alot of current issues. Thanks for the input, I am still looking for a viable machine, there is just far too much crap for sale out there.

kubotaman333

hey guy, bigger machines are great but if u are just starting and
finances are a little tight smaller equipment may work for you.
I do septics all the time in the WV mountains and never had to lift
a tank. Tank maker backs it right to the hole. I use a kubota kx161, and
1845c skidsteer,five ton dump and small trailer. Works for me for now
but would like to expand in time. good luck with the start.