277/302.5 substitute

[qualey granite]

Let me preface this by saying that what I am looking for may not exist:)

We use a 2003 Cat 277 MTL in our business. It unloads 18 wheelers, moves slabs into our building, plows the drive, is on all construction sites etc. I don't have to tell you that these things aren't inexpensive.
Last fall I also purchased a 1999 Cat 302.5 mini excavator. I hated paying for it (and still do), but I had been paying rent on one all summer and it didn't make sense to continue doing so when I could own this for less that half. This machine is very handy when we need it, but ALL IT DOES is dig foundations for the wall/steps/patios we build and grave/momument bases.

Does a machine exist that will do the work of these 2 for less than their combined total? I was looking at the JCB 212. It seems handy, and I can get a used 2001 with 800 hrs for 25k, but after running track systems for so long I really wasn't too cool on going back to wheels. The other option is keeping the 277, dumping the 302.5, and buying a backhoe attachment for the 277. Its a real pain trying to get these 2 pieces to a jobsite due to their combined weight requiring a 10 ton trailer and a Class 1 CDL. As our business focus becomes more delivery and in-house oriented (no landscape maintenance, selective construction only) I've been looking at telehandlers for around the shop and used 9 series Bobcats (we need at least 3k lift) for any field work and renting the minis again. I don't mind paying for the stuff as long as it gets worked and returns my investment, but with the shift in business I could really use that money on updating some of our sawing equipment.

What would you do?

[DKinWA]

I'm kinda going through the same thought process my self right now and it's tough trying to use a single machine instead of two seperate ones. Each one does what it does so well and efficiently that it's difficult to find a multipurpose tool that is as fast and efficient. Are you at a point where you could sell both machines and dump the money into your in house venture and make a go of it? You could always find an inexpensive forklift for unloading the trucks at the shop and rent what you need for the field work. At least with renting, you can pass on the cost and you don't have to worry about getting machines to and from the site.

Another option would be to team up with a local contractor that has the equipment and work the field projects together. This way you could focus your business the granite work and the other contractor could focus on the dirt work. The other thought would be to subcontract all the field work and concentrate on the granite side of the business. Just a thought or two :)

[mert0714]

It depends on the specialty use of each piece. The mini-hoe being special in itself brings many options you cannot get or have with an attachment backhoe, one being space. If space is limited all the time on your projects, then you would be better off with the mini-hoe. If space is not an issue, then an attachment backhoe could be the answer and then rent on the occasion you need one.

As far as transporting, you could by a new trailer and still be cheaper plus possibility of hauling more things. Even if not now, maybe in the future (trying to predict future use is the hard part). The CDL part should not be that big of a deal. Here, it is a written test and a walk around inspection/driving test. Was not hard, just have to do it. As long as you keep renewing on time then you don't have to retest (unless they have changed the rules). :beatsme There are many ways to skin a cat. You just have to pick the one that is the quitest. :D