I'm thinking about buying a used small 7000-12000 pound excavator. Are any brands better than others? Models to stay away from? What should I look for other than leaks and wore out pins? Any tips and advice are appreciated.

2 ...

Report Post

Posted by WhiskeyThrottle

Weatherford Tx

Member since Nov 2017

6917 posts

Posted on 4/1/25 at 7:09 am to sleepytime

quote:
I'm thinking about buying a used small 7000-12000 pound excavator. Are any brands better than others? Models to stay away from? What should I look for other than leaks and wore out pins? Any tips and advice are appreciated.

I've used a Kubota, Caterpillar and Bobcat. The Bobcat was 14k pound so a little bigger, but the machine was insanely nice. Was a newer unit and had all the bells and whistles. All machines are very capable. What are you going to be doing with it? I recently started a construction business, and I'm not going to start drawing a salary until we have a skid steer and mini ex. I really want the mini ex, but the skid steer will get used more.

Not sure what price range you're looking in, but it might be worth it to find a rental of whatever brand you're considering and spend a day or two punching holes and operating it.

My only suggestion on whatever you get, make sure it has high flow accessory lines.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by MarshMan

Ponchatoula

Member since May 2015

662 posts

Posted on 4/1/25 at 7:40 am to sleepytime

I have a Kubota KX-057-5, and it's a great machine. The only downfall I have noticed is that it lacks swinging power. I'm not sure how that compares to other brands, but as with buying any equipment, choose the brand that you have access to the dealer near by.

When buying a used machine, look at the condition of the tracks, sprockets, and rollers, and if there is slack in the pins on the boom.

Page 1