Who makes the best mini ex? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Morning Wood · 05-30-2009, 09:58 PM

Been looking at mini ex's. There are a lot of them and there are alot of options. Who likes what and for what reasons? I'm focusing on machines in the 9-12k range. Thanks. Kubota U45 looks nice.

Lubs · 05-30-2009, 10:25 PM

We have a Komatsu pc 50 that we love. We tried a takeuchi and a kubota. All worked well but the Komatsu seemed to be a lot nice to operate. We also liked their road liner tracks so we could change one pad and not the whole track. I have heard from other operators that they like the new kubotas though.

A W Smith · 05-30-2009, 11:28 PM

http://www.contractortalk.com/f62/ko...roblems-35609/

Lubs · 05-31-2009, 12:45 PM

We have not had any of these problems. We only have 800 hrs on ours but do know of others that have above 2000 and had no problems. They say that you have to switch the tracks and it will extend the life. Thanks for the info

maq · 05-31-2009, 01:39 PM

I recommend that you get a zero tail swing model no matter what brand it is. With a mini you are usually closer to obstacles that may be hit by the tail and is one less thing to worry about. I think in this day and age most machines are very similar it just comes down to personal preference. You can study every machines stats and price ask people what they think you never know they might have had horrible luck with their machine or really had a great machine but usual you only hear the negatives of everything. I would say find which brand has a dealer network nearest you which has a good service department and just trying them out and figure which one best meets your needs.

tgeb · 05-31-2009, 02:00 PM

Maq pretty much nailed it.

I own a Bobcat 435 which is about the size your looking for and has zero tail swing. My Bobcat dealer is close by and they have been fantastic for support when I have had any issues.

Now then my Kubota dealer is also close by and I have a good relationship with them as well, I simply like the bobcat machine a little bit more. Oh, my Bobcat has the fast track drive system, it kicks all the others when it comes to speed.

I would also recommend an enclosed cab with heat and A/C. And if you can afford it a thumb attachment is invaluable.

wyoming 1 · 05-31-2009, 10:42 PM

I have a bobcat 331 with a cab and a thumb it has about 3800 hours on it and I love it the Kubota diesel in them are rock solid. If you could find a no tail swing that would be about the only thing else I would want. One thing for me is the thumb once you have one you will wonder why is this an option. I would stay away from the off the wall brands, hard to find parts for.

murdock · 06-01-2009, 08:38 PM

I have a hitachi zx50 with 2800 hours on it and i love it. the zero tailswing has come in handy many times. ive rented a kubota kx121 and a kx161 which are both awsome machines. the 121 had an angle blade which was a nice feature. if i were buying new i would go with the kubota.

kubotaman333 · 06-06-2009, 03:29 PM

i got 1800 hrs. on my kx 161 and love that machine! cab with air and thumb well worth it if your financing anyway. just my opinion.

Nick Drew · 08-22-2009, 10:53 AM

Hi Guys,

Not much mention of Takeuchi here so far ? Over in the UK Takeuchis are very popular at the moment

I really cannot fault them, very smooth hydraulics, plenty of power, and a pleasant cab which is not too fancy.

Check out a report on my Digger blog

Regards

Nick

**joasis** · 08-22-2009, 01:36 PM

I bought a "gray market" Mitsubishi/Cat MRX 35 awhile back, and I can say it is pretty decent, except...it would be nice to have a higher track speed. Zero tail and plenty of power in a 7k machine, all for $6000.

woodchuck2 · 08-22-2009, 11:00 PM

I also agree that maq said it best. Asking which is the best is like asking who makes the best truck, just no real answer. I myself have a grey market machine and it will be the last, from here on the machine will be one that i can get parts and service info on. But the machine works great otherwise. I have an 8k lb Sumitomo with zero turn, offset knuckle boom and a manual thumb. A hydrolic thumb would be ideal but i have run into some instances where the manual was better to have. The next machine i buy will be either a Bobcat or Kubota, most likely the Kubota though.

JDavis21835 · 08-23-2009, 06:51 AM

I have found that all make a decent machine. It comes down to parts availability, dealership service, and what brand best suits you. That and finding an appropriate sized operator to run it. Us 6'4" guys just dont have the room in any mini that i have been in so far. But I did find someone that fits in our 331.

Nick Drew · 08-23-2009, 07:16 AM

Nice shot ther JD !

Nothing like starting them young in my opinion

Yes I think you are probably right too that they are all pretty good and it comes down to individual preferences at the end of the day.

I myself run a Hitachi Zaxis 30 3 ton machine which is a 2005 model with only 1320 hrs on the meter and I have been very pleased with it.

PipeGuy · 08-23-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morning Wood

\Who likes what and for what reasons?

if you're good about preventitive maintenance and operating a machine within its intended service parameters then any "name brand" mini will likely serve you well. i like: for reliability hitachi, deere, cat, takeuchi, bobcat. for performance takeuchi, deere, cat, hitachi, bobcat. for parts and service (around these parts) cat, bobcat, deere, hitachi, takeuchi. for resale cat, deere, bobcat, hitachi, takeuchi.

Since 1977 · 08-23-2009, 10:25 PM

Hey there,

I just rented a Bobcat 334.. with a 500 lb. hammer to cut out a wall of shale and limestone next to where we have to build a block retaining wall.

It seems ok , pretty quick actually.... but the hammer seems a little heavy on that unit...

I'm wondering it a slightly larger unit is more suited for the demo hammer set up or just a smaller hammer?

Don't know the brand or model of hammer.... i will check that when i'm back at the site tomorrow

thanks,

pipekicker · 08-31-2009, 04:14 PM

i worked for and excavation company for 6 years and when we bought a mini, it was a JD35C. i put on over 3000 hours in 3 years and was very thorough with servicing, always within 20 hours or so. i never had one breakdown besides a broken weld on the blade. it's a zero tail swing machine and it's fast yet smooth. it was very comfortable and the visibility was fantastic compared to some of the other's that we demo'd and their goofy plumbing set-ups. since i've left that company, they've replaced that machine with the newer D model and it has A/C. the new operator has put on over 4000 hours and has had no down time either, but with those small machines and 4000 hours on them, i'm sure the final drives are ready to go soon.

**joasis** · 08-31-2009, 04:25 PM

Here is my baby on my newest baby.

PipeGuy · 09-03-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joasis

Here is my baby on my newest baby.

She's a beaut' for sure

joshua1 · 09-04-2009, 05:03 PM

Takeuchi, ask any hire shop, end of

- Hitachi are also nice, but taki nicer.
Cat if you fly the flag, kubota if you like slow, JCB if your a mechanic, Case if your rich and Bobcat if you want third best. And Ive driven em all till I was bored of them.