Bobcat excavators

[smalltime]

I am thinking of buying a new or slightly used Bobcat 430 with HVAC & a 24" bucket. I have operated several 325,328,331,& 334's. This is basically the same as a 334, but with the zero tail swing. The slightly used machine sells for about $7,000.00 less, but is does have almost 500 hours. I can get the used machine for around $35,000. Any suggestions or has anyone had problems with the Bobcat excavators??

Bobcat claims their machines are all made in North Dakota except the 442. Who knows if it is true, but if it is, it would be great to buy American.

[Tigerotor77W]

I'm not sure the 316 is made in North America (not positive). The 442 definitely isn't made here.

I think you'll be okay with buying used; just be sure to check the typical maintenance items.

[badranman]

I have 2 430's. My first has 1400 hrs on it. My second, 300 hrs. I've had no major problems with either one. We've broken the bucket pin a few times due to the grease hole they drill in the middle of it, the factory forgot an o-ring in one of the valve banks in the new one, boom hose sprung a leak on the old one at 250 hrs, just little things like this. I order them with the extrs long dipper stick (1 foot) and don't notice the reduced breakout and lower lift capacity. They are awesome at getting next to houses or structures without worrying about hitting them. We do alot of residential stuff and we're always up against things where a conventional would have been having a hard time. Overall I would recommend these machines to someone looking to buy one. Here's a job we did tearing down some brick walls and some beams at a carwash.

[smalltime]

Thanks for the reply, it looks like I am going to try & go for the new one.

[smalltime]

Does anyone know if I can buy a radio from a place like Circuit City for my Bobcat 430? It has a wiring harness & speakers. All I need is a radio.