Trading My TLB For A Mini Ex?

Big Chris

I'm thinking about selling my JCB 214E for a mini ex (and skid steer) this spring. The tlb is just too big, heavy, and awkward for 95% of the work I use it for. I mostly just dig trenches for electrical conduits and light pole bases with it but also do some concrete and asphalt tear outs, stump removal and light grading etc. Which size mini would you recomend? I am thinking a 5 ton machine but would a 3.5 to 4 ton work? I'm more concerned with the trenching and pole bases than the rest. Thanks for any help!

gravtyklz

I think a 4 ton machine would do more than you really need. I've used a 3 ton machine but it doesnt seemed to be far from what the 4 ton could do. Although for just wire trenches you may even be happy with just a 3 or 3.5 ton.

Rent both and then decide. Some places will even let you demo a machine for a while when you're serious about buying.

rino1494

If I had a JCB, I would trade it in too.......... lol, j/k

The only mistake we have ever made buying equipment is buying machines that are too small. You say that you dig stumps, how big of stumps do you get ?? Using too small of a machine tends to rip and tear up the machine. Just my $.02

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Vinny

I agree with rino on both points.

We went from a backhoe based company to an excavator and skid company and never looked back. You wont be disapointed in that decision but I would consider more like at least an 18000lb machine. Stumps will keep that more than entertained

Best advice given in this site, Rent first.

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denick

Big,

If your talking about 3' deep trenches 80% of the time a machine that weighs 7,000 lbs will do everything you want.


Again I would mention the trailer requirements. Causing the need of a CDL License and DOT registration.

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Nick

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Big Chris

Yes, usually 2' is as deep as I would need to be. Digging holes for pole bases 4-5' deep as well.

Almost don't want to ask...have a little run in with the DOT today?

denick

Big,

Here in CT we have inspectors in our area 1 to 2 times a week.


When excavators first came out utiity people used to use the formula of, how deep the trench was, how far away from the center of the trench you had to place the material or how big the trucks you were loading, And what was the heaviest thing you needed to lift to set in the trench. Todays machines are used for many things but if trnching and setting pole bases are your concern it's not a bad way to measure what you need.

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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

Big Chris

I would rather have a Case, Cat, or Deere but for what I paid for the almost new JCB the other three would have been several years older and whipped on. And there is a dealer within 45 minutes of me.

I should have been more clear, I don't do land clearing. I just dig out the ocasional stump on our land or if the job falls into my lap then I will. And most have been relatively small. Most of my time operating is digging trenches.

Big Chris

Makes sense I'll have to look into that. Thanks for all the great info.

joasis

I popped off and sold my 580 Case, thinking I would trade up to a 7 ton mine-ex....well, I miss my backhoe, and still haven't found an ex I can afford.

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Tim Doyka

I would not go any smaller than a 50 Look at a 75 or an 80 would be about the same weight as your hoe was. We rented a lot of minis and the 27 and 35 did fine but I think a 50 would do whatever they do and not be as hard on. depends on your jobs.

Weems Dev.

I have used everything from a "15" sized mini to an 80,000lb Komatsu 300. I have owned a case 580L. I just bought a Kubota U35 (zero tail swing), with a hydraulic thumb, 1, 2, and 3 foot wide buckets with quick detach feature. The whole rig cost me $38K. It weighs 8200lbs, and has the same bucket breakout force of the Case 580L. I use this for small sitework, culverts, small drainage, etc... and electrical trenching. As an electrical contractor, you will probably not need anything larger than this. I have a friend who runs an electrical company (40 employees) and he has the U25 and never has needed anything larger.

I know you want one of those other brands, but they are overpriced to buy and maintian. Give the Kubotas a good look, and really look at the zero tail swings for getting close to buildings.