Volvo Vs. Cat Or ????

joecabinet

As I mentioned in a nother post I am trying to decide on an excavator for my home building business. I have spent sveral weeks pouring over info. Can you guys share your opinions on what machines you like best and for what reasons? I am looking at the cat 312's - Volvo EC140 - Komotsu Pc 120's or so. I will do a variety of things including the following
Trenching for power, water etc..
Septic
clearing
foundation
Timberframe, raising beams in place within the reach of the arm.

ANy input would be appreciated.
Regards, Joe
P.S. Also what would be a good suggestion for a trailer/rig to pull?

jmic

Joe,

I've always had good luck with Mitsubishi , Komatsu and presently have Kobelco's. Dollar for dollar the machines I've listed will do everything for you that a Cat. or Volvo will do for you for less money. Do they hold there value.......I think so personally.
About the trailer / rig, unless you're going to be making multiple moves per week look for someone to sub your moves to. You'll be way ahead dollars wise in the long run, believe me. Good luck on the purchase of your machine.

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Joe

rino1494

I've said it many times before. All of the big name machines are so close to each other that it doesn't really even matter. I would look at dealer support as my #1 concern. Who will service you better when you break down, need advice, want to rent a attachment or another machine or even purchase a new one.

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jmic

Rino go price a new Cat. and then a comperable Kobelco or Komatsu and see if they're so close. Most of the dealers will give you the support that you need. At least around here.

__________________
___"Remember You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression"______________________
Joe

rino1494

Joe, when I said close, I meant in terms of performance and reliability.

__________________
Life is hard. It is harder when you are stupid

Uncle Sam wants YOU....to speak ENGLISH

denick

joecabinet,

I agree with what jmic and rino said. The dealership may be the real point of difference with machines today. A dealer with good parts and service is a must for me.

We have rented both Cat and Volvo they were good machines. If your not going to be in the seat on a steady basis some of the feel and comfort factors won't apply to your decision. There are a lot of Volvo's in our area.

jmic is right about the truck and trailer to.

__________________
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

joecabinet

Well I am not sure, there are so many choices
I could buy a used 308cr and a cat 277 skid steer and be a little diversified or as I mentioned earlier buy a used Volvo EC140 wshich is bigger. I am from Colorado and the ground is pretty rocky here. I am worried a smaller machine might be a problem. but then 1 machine narrows down the possibilities. I dont really plan on doing excavation fulltime after I build a few houses but in the beginning it would help to make the payments.

Do you guys have any suggestions on getting work at first besides hanginf and planting signs in the area. I live near Leadville.
Regards, Joe

P.S. What about parts for foreign models?

jmic

I don't remember ever really having problems obtaining parts.

__________________
___"Remember You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression"______________________
Joe