Ultra mini excavator [Archive] - Heavy Equipment Forums

CT18fireman

12-13-2005, 02:54 PM

I rented one small like that once to run plumbing below a cement floor in what was becoming and office. Saved the plumber a lot of handwork. We had to run a fan through the space for the exhaust but the low clearance was a huge help. Not sure what the capacity was but it easily lifted the cut slabs we had. The downside was the low loading height. We solved this buy bringing in a dump trailer to load into rather then the one ton which barely fit in anyway.

gordyo

12-13-2005, 05:33 PM

That's a great little machine. I ran a Cat 304 mini excavator today with a thumb. Pretty neat machine. I got on it to give it some practice before actually using it to do a job and I was all confused cause I am use to Deere controls. Wouldn't you know it, I read in the owners manual that some of these have the option to do both and voila, under the entrance door was a little access panel with a lever and I switched it to the opposite position and the controls ran like my Deere backhoe. :bouncegri

haF.AST

12-13-2005, 06:37 PM

Why would I get something like this???

I hear that from all of the guys with bigger stuff until they try it...work becomes play!

I live in an area where there are a ton of small jobs that take 1-2 hours that most guys turn down. (not me!)

The rental houses here don't have anything that small either.

I get anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour for the pc09, and people gladly pay instead of spending their Saturday off digging in the yard. I work for alot of contractors doing trenches to utilities, drains, etc and I can get in and out much quicker than a bigger machine and tear up less too!

Of course there are the obvious jobs like close quarters, indoors, etc.

Both my excavator and skid steer fit on a 16' trailer behind my GMC 3500 dump...can you say self contained(with 2 buckets, thumb, and skid loader forks too).

It just works for me!

Cat420

12-13-2005, 08:00 PM

I hope I didn't sound like I was bashing your choice of equipment, it's always interesting for me to hear about why different set ups work in some areas. There are definitely times when I could use a smaller machine, but they do not occur with enough frequency to warrant the purchase of that size machine. If you can put it to work consistently and get $100 an hour, that's great.

haF.AST

12-13-2005, 08:07 PM

No problems here, I get that all of the time.

To bad you weren't closer, I'd let you "play"

...it's nice to carry 1 bucket in each hand when I'm loading up!

The bigger guys are busy around here, but I'm training them to let me have the small jobs.

DKinWA

12-13-2005, 08:33 PM

I've seen small machines like this and a little larger lowered into a building for remodeling and demo work. It was a lot easier and cleaner for the company doing the work and I'm sure they walked away with more money in their pockets.

haF.AST - When the guys start teasing you and saying the bucket is no larger than a shovel, just hand them a shovel and tell them "lets see who gets tired first" :lmao

digger242j

12-14-2005, 12:52 AM

The only downside to a machine that small is that, if you're going to work it all day long, you need to bring a really big pocketful of quarters! :bouncegri

Seriously though, those really small machines are great to have when the alternative is a shovel. A few years ago, we rented one that was even smaller. You actually swung the seat around and sat behind the machine, as opposed to on it. We hauled it in the bed of a pickup truck, and walked it right up the sidewalk and through the backyard gate. It sure beat doing the job by hand.

Kinda brings a whole new meaning to the concept of finding a "niche" in the market, doesn't it? :)

Steve Frazier

12-14-2005, 08:26 AM

We have guys in our area who operate these things exclusively. Like CT18fireman mentioned, they are excellent for digging utility lines, both inside and outside buildings. I don't know if this particular machine is equipped with this, but many machines this size have both house swing and boom swing combined allowing you to dig right along a foundation. And as digger mentioned you can fit them places another machine couldn't go.

On another Board I belong to, a contractor there regularly has a machine like this craned into a back yard with no access, the labor savings offsets the cost of the crane.

haF.AST

12-14-2005, 09:58 AM

Yes, it has both a house and boom swing for doing that neat dig along buildings trick. I'm already starting to line up jobs for spring. Just got a good one putting in 90' of pipe in a mall floor in the next month. Needs to be jackhammered, removed, then dug down about 2'. The plumber said he would never use a shovel again!(good for me)

Got my custom mini thumb finished up last night...its alive!!!
Not bad for $55 and a few hours in the "shop"

Dwan Hall

12-14-2005, 07:51 PM

One of the guys here just got an electric one. no emitions inside the building. Just plug it into 220V or run it off a 4.5 KW gens set. I have used the small ones several times. Just rent them when needed. Like the man said they handle more then a shovel with out getting tired. and that is great for an old man like me.

Big excavator cost $100,000.00 and makes $150/hr
Little ex. cost $25,000.00 and makes $125.00/hr.
Think of it this way for the same amount of investment you can make 3 times the money.

Ford LT-9000

12-14-2005, 11:14 PM

Those little machine are good for digging utility lines in buildings anything is better than a shovel. A little machine like that would be good for digging fence posts too.

I have seen a few of those little mini excavtors up for auction at Ritchie Bros they usually go for 18,000 dollars CND.

Like I said anything is better than a shovel and mattock when I was digging trenches I found what works good is a Hitachi Brute electric jackhammer with a digging spoon.

itsgottobegreen

12-19-2005, 11:38 PM

Awww isn't that just the cutiest little mini excavator your ever saw. :rolleyes:

Well I just decided what I want now for my next mini ex. Your completely right all my friends have bobcat 331 or 328 mini ex or similar from other companies. I can get one of those anytime I want. No one has one of these. This is a great idea.

If you don't mind me asking what did that run $$$$

Also the built in hammer is making me drool. Got any action shots of that. Thats the whole reason to buy it right there if its any good.

haF.AST

12-21-2005, 02:55 PM

cat320

12-21-2005, 05:06 PM

I saw the same type of hammer bucket set up on an ingersoll rand mini backhoe thought why didn't think of it first and patent it . lol

I think that is a great nich to get into you will make good money and not have to deal with the expense of trying to get bigger quipment around .You know that old saying less is more well there it is small is good and will make you money . So what type of trailer do ya have to haul it around?

haF.AST

12-21-2005, 09:50 PM

Just a nice little GMC 3500 with a 16x6.5 Quality trailer. 8000# capacity. Both my New Holland LS 120 and the Komatsu PS 09 fit on it at the same time.

RyanCKing

03-09-2006, 04:04 PM

What range of depth of trenching are these machines best suited for?

haF.AST

03-09-2006, 06:09 PM

My Komatsu PC-09 will dig 4'11" deep.

RyanCKing

03-09-2006, 09:32 PM

haF AST,
Is that the max digging depth? Or is that a depth where you can still trench relatively efficiently? I understand this machine is not designed for high production rate but it would add versatility if the machine was able to trench at 3' or so.
Thanks
Ryan

itsgottobegreen

03-10-2006, 12:36 AM

Ever got any pics of the hammer in action?

haF.AST

03-10-2006, 08:22 AM

4'11" is the max dig depth yes, but I do alot of utility trenching at 3'+. The little guy isn't much slower than a big hoe and it digs really well(better than anyone has thought it would so far). I feel a little more hampered by the shorter reach (less than 10') than the dig depth.

As far as the hammer...:crying

I have 3 jobs for it but the contractors keep putting them off, and I haven't felt like tearing up my driveway to try it!!!:) :) :) :)

Pics WILL be posted when it happens:thumbsup

itsgottobegreen

03-10-2006, 11:03 AM

I haven't felt like tearing up my driveway to try it!!!:) :) :) :)

Pics WILL be posted when it happens:thumbsup
AWWW PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You didn't like that driveway anyways. :rolleyes: Could always tear up, say a non payee driveway.

Klutz

03-26-2006, 10:55 AM

Obviously haF.AST 's excavator suffers from overweight. ;)

http://www.airman.co.jp/index_e.htm
http://www.komatsu.co.jp/ce/dlpdf/pdf_menu_01.html
(check out the PC01-1 pdf halfway down the page)

470kg=1050lbs
300kg=670lbs

digger242j

03-26-2006, 12:05 PM

check out the PC01-1 pdf halfway down the page)

I ran one that size for a day! Put a couple of planks down and walked it right into the back of the pickup truck to get it back and forth. Flipped it on its side once--grabbed it by the boom and set it back upright...

Lance Carbuncle

08-15-2006, 01:43 PM

Great little machine..... Here is something that would be a perfect match for your little excavator..... and in many cases would be a better combo than a little skid steer. Komatsu CD10R-1 (http://www.komatsu.co.jp/ce/dlpdf/pdf/CD10R_1.pdf). It is a lot less destructive to load directly than to scoop with a little skid steer in sensative areas or indoors. You can drive it right into a dump trailer or truck with a set of ramps! I have a bigger one I use with my PC35R-8 and I love it!

Lance

woberlin

08-15-2006, 03:46 PM

That's a slick little machine, and could really come in handy. I've never actually seen one around here. There are however a few of the large tracked dumps here, and they will go anywhere!

bigHD

08-23-2006, 01:12 AM

That is a great little machine. It looks extremely useful and it also looks like a blast to operate. Nice looking GMC too! :notworthy

itsgottobegreen

08-23-2006, 10:35 AM

Did you ever get anymore pictures????

BKrois

11-27-2006, 08:09 PM

Erik-

Just wondering how the mini is working out for you?

Dusty

11-27-2006, 10:13 PM

that is sweet now i want 1

LowBoy

11-28-2006, 06:24 AM

We have a variety of mini's where I work at an equipment rental company.
Starting with a 301.5 (all Cat), 303, 305, 307 and so on up to normal sizes.
We rented a 303 the other day, I changed from bucket to hydro hammer in minutes for the customer to jackhammer down 5 feet for a gravesite that was all ledge a foot below surface.:Banghead
You can carry the bucket off a 301 and 303 around in one hand, if you're stout enough.They also have diverter valves to change from Cat to JD pattern. These machines are constantly rented; homeowners and contractors love 'em. You figure, every bucketfull on that 301.5 is equivalent to a dozen or more with the old P&H (pine handle)...and with a hammer it beats holding a 90 lb. compressor driven one all day long. For somewhere around $150.00/day on up, these little irons serve a good purpose!

MetalDragon_boy

11-28-2006, 12:10 PM

Accually that is a PC8000 compare to the smallest excavator made by Komatsu. :wink2

The Komatsu PC01 - operation weight: 300kg (661lb)

http://sea-flavor.cocolog-nifty.com/photos/etc/dscf0457.JPG
http://www.komatsu.co.jp/CompanyInfo/press/images/2003033116033001524.jpg

Not sure but this could be the smallest excavator?

Coastal

12-02-2006, 06:19 PM

Wow that things great! You could use it to plant bulbs, and do weeding.

MetalDragon_boy

12-02-2006, 06:23 PM

haha you could also load cheerios into a plate :bouncegri

haF.AST

12-19-2006, 07:39 PM

I haven't been able to get any more pictures of it working because I do all of my work alone:crying
As far as the machine goes, I love it! I just did a job inside a blockbuster video store. The plumber held open the door and I crawled in, jackhammered the floor and dug 40' of trench for him. Swore he'd never pick up a shovel again! I have never got less the $75 per hour for the little guy, usually I get around $100.

I do a little "weeding" around the house for the wife to be, move some shrubs, etc...

I had a contractor use a hand jackhammer to break a 10'x12'x6" pad and it took all day...I did the other 3 pads in 3 HOURS!

I just have to watch what I get into and not bite off more than I can chew.

Coastal

01-08-2007, 07:24 PM

Well after reading this thread, I happened upon this little gem. Its a Kubota K008, its got 1200 hours on it and its selling for $10,900 CDN. Im just demo'ing it for a few days. It doesnt seem to dig that well, but the bucket is totally worn out the teeth are just little nubs. Its a fun little machine, its got expandable tracks to 34".

I dont know if i could get $75 an hour for it though......we will see!

greywynd

01-08-2007, 11:48 PM

Coastal,

You'll learn quickly enough with small machines that it's a different marketplace. After doing in an hour or two what takes a day or more with a shovel, most contractors, plumbers, builders and the like will retire the shovel and gladly pay 50, 60, 75/hour for these machines. Also, same as a large machine (in some ways more important) is to charge a minimum, which in my case also usually covers travel time to and from the site. (I charge a 3 hour minimum, and most of my travel is less than half hour each way.)

If you plan ahead, I schedule a batch of small jobs for the same day, charging each the minimum, often you will make a good dollar that day because often two or three people will be paying you at the same time. :bouncegri :eek:

Mark

Coastal

01-09-2007, 12:18 AM

Thanks Mark,

I guess my other machines are considered small machines too, I have a Kubota kx161 and a bobcat t-300, but I can totally see what you are saying about getting them to retire the shovel with this lil thing. If I can figure out a way to get it into a basement....a plumber friend of mine will get me to do all of his work that is now shovel work on new houses.

Also I have a neighbourhood where I am "the guy" with the mini excavator with about 35 houses im working on as they are built, and my 161 at 84" wide is just too big to fit down some of the sideyards. I think I can make it work!

imjustdave

01-09-2007, 12:30 AM

how is this better then an trencher? looks to be a good idea, but I have no experiance in the really small stuff, most homes around here just have crawl spaces, so no basements, and if I was a plumber with a long run I would assume they would just use a treancher maybe im wrong. Thanks for sharing :)

Coastal

01-09-2007, 12:49 AM

greywynd

01-09-2007, 08:52 AM

For me it would be better than a trencher because you can dig holes as opposed to just trenches. I could build a 24" wide cleanup bucket for it and do some grading between houses, or maybe even build a mini hydraulic tilt bucket! Most of the new houses here have 4' side yards, or 8' between foundations, but they throw window wells in for the basement windows, so it makes it nearly impossible to get any conventional sized minis in to grade out between the houses, or get in the back yard.

I can dig small ponds with it in tight backyards (ponds were a former specialty of my company) And like Hafast posted, a little thumb would be killer for moving around rocks that are too heavy for 1 guy to lug around. Hmmmmm what else...oh ya! Concrete breaker would be nice for interiors or super tight side yard access when a rear patio needs to be broken up. Thats what I got off the top of my head.

:thumbsup

Coastal, This is a lot of the work that I'm doing with my machine. Mine (Hitachi UE-12) is an older excavator, but because it's a conventional swing, the track width is still narrow at 39" for a 4400lb machine. If a builder knows, I can get it in through a rough door opening for a 36" door. If they can leave the jack studs out temporarily it's lots of room to get through. (Often these are walk out basements and may also have an opening for a double door or sliding patio door too.)

I do a lot of sono tube holes for the builders for decks, I have a few that I work for fairly regularly, and if they have it all laid out in advance, I find I can dig the hole (mimimum 4' for frost here), install the tube, and backfill it within 15-20 minutes. This is with the builder or a helper to hold the tube plumb, and check it with a level for same.

A lot of the subdivisions here are about 8' between houses, but then when there's any services (often this is where they put the outdoor portion of the AC), it becomes pretty tight in a hurry. I have a "5' requirement" for equipment.....if it's over 5' wide, I'm not interested for the work I do, it's simply too big.

Another type of work I do is prep work for patios, either ones that I'm installing, or sometimes for either the homeowner or landscape contractor. Also stone retaining walls in limited access areas like backyards are another type of work I do. (There's where the thumb comes in nice, but that's on my list of projects to build still.)

Mark

Squizzy246B

01-09-2007, 09:38 AM

You tend to end up with "ideal size machine syndrome" if you think about it to much. We have 4000lb, 6600lb and 12000lb excavators available and some thought goes into which machine is best for the job. Makes we wonder what we did when we only had one excavator:confused: .

One of our guys owns a Cat 301.8 with the track widen/narrow thingy and what greywynd is talking about we do often. The ROPS come off with 4 bolts and we walk it through a door or garage, chuck the ROPS back on get stuck in. I have a job I am quoting on at the moment which has 4' for us to get an excavator past an inground trampoline.

Size does matter you know but it also depends a lot on the operator:rolleyes:...well thats my storey and I'm sticking to it.:yup

haF.AST

01-09-2007, 10:05 AM

Coastal, you could use your kx161 or t300 to lower it into the basements. I have some associates that have done that for me in a few situations with the same 2 machines. Both easily lift 2000#.
I also built a 24" cleanout bucket. Works great for sidewalk/patio area excavations. The thumb is a must! Look at the previous posts to see mine. I used the top link from a tractor 3 point hitch to brace mine and 3/4" steel for the thumb itself. I pick up rocks and stumps that my skid loader will not lift, approx 1000#.

Coastal

01-09-2007, 10:25 AM

Good replies! Thanks!

I had thought about lowering it with the 161, infact I will test it out today as I still have the little machine on demo. Can you get some close ups of your thumb?

I guess I am a compact machine junkie....i would have one of every size if I could afford it...lol

:bouncegri

haF.AST

01-09-2007, 02:58 PM

Here's some thumb pics.

I used 3/4" plate torch cut & ground to shape. The pins are 3/4" with some litch pins to hold in place. The blue brace is a top link for a tractor 3 point hitch I bought at tractor supply for around $31. I had a buddy at a tool shop make the triangle mounts from 1/2" plate and welded them to 1/4" angle iron to wrap the boom. I didn't want to weld to the stick because of the breaker, so I used the bolts that hold the cylinder in, just got longer ones. Been in use for over a year with NO problems.

haF.AST

01-09-2007, 03:02 PM

More Pics...

Here's a shot of my huge 24" bucket. I welded a piece of hardox on for a cutting edge. The bucket itself is 3/16" cold rolled steel. Mounts are 1/2" plate. I need to come up with some bushings or something in the mounting holes. I get a little wiggle like it is a 30 yr old bucket!

Coastal

01-09-2007, 05:38 PM

Thanks very much! if I buy this thing i will definitely be making both of those.

:thumbsup

haF.AST

01-09-2007, 05:45 PM

no prob...I expect to see pics when it happens...:)

Countryboy

01-09-2007, 09:00 PM

haF.AST, is your pitch bar still adjustable or is it welded now?

haF.AST

01-10-2007, 10:06 AM

I left it adjustable, just put some loctite on it so it doesn't adjust itself

jimmyjack

03-08-2007, 05:54 PM

i like this one
pc 01

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X9RFR35usc

haF.AST

03-08-2007, 06:29 PM

I could play in the living room with that!!!

Maybe a little brother for the PC-09...:D

jimmyjack

03-08-2007, 08:51 PM

i wish i had that instead of sitting on my tonka trucks when i was little:rolleyes:

Coastal

04-27-2007, 08:20 PM

A little update on my ultra mini, I ended up buying that kubota I posted a picture of. I can NOT believe the response ive had with it, im getting $60 an hour for it, nobody has complained or even questioned the rate. I did a mailer to the landscape association members and have two "large" for that machine jobs that will be in excess of 3 days each within in a week of the ad going out. People stop at my jobsights, ask for cards...I love it!

Its really amazing the amount of work they will do...I should take some pics of the job i have it on now. ;)

haF.AST

04-28-2007, 11:05 PM

Good for you!

Make sure to raise the rate for jobs that "only you can do". I have been getting $100 an hour for the last couple I did and people have had NO problem with it.

Right now, I have 37 jobs on paper to do around the "cooperating" weather...must not be too high!

Coastal

04-29-2007, 12:50 AM

WOW! i'm gonna have to try that! $100 per hour sounds decent for an $11000 machine.

OKYLE

05-18-2007, 10:20 PM

Wow that things great! You could use it to plant bulbs, and do weeding.

it looks like it would be great for planting seedling tree's etc! really looks fun!

God dang this thread! Now i want to pick one of these things up!

edit---

lol... to be truthful, before i read this thread, I always laughed at these types of machines, never could think of where they would be useful, when a larger machine could do the job faster etc....

Now i know, they can do everything, hammer, digging in tight spots its sick now that i think of it, Could have used one of these on my last 3 jobs, instead, i had laborers digging by hand.

totalloser

02-07-2008, 01:21 AM

ROPS ROPS ROPS YOU DON'T WANT TO DIE!

The great thing about a little machine is it can do the big stuff (usually) it just takes longer. But when you gotta get in someone's backyard, or across their flower garden, a little machine like that on planks is pretty cool.

But get a rollbar! My buddy flipped his when a ramp scooted out getting off the trailer. I think his ROPS may have saved his life. The #1 killer of tractor operators used to be squashes by rollovers. Hence the law for ROPS. I know for farm tractors they are required by law.

haF.AST

02-07-2008, 08:39 AM

The problem is, you can't fit in alot of areas with it on. The factory ROPS is 8' tall!!!

I have it, and put it on and off as needed. It's only 4 bolts.

Thanks for looking out for me.

Ohio Takeuchi

02-07-2008, 08:57 AM

The little mini's are great machines I rent them for small jobs. Takeuchi makes 2 TB108 and TB016.

stumpjumper83

02-28-2008, 09:25 PM

digging to a dept of three feet what kinda production are you guys with the ultra mini's getting? How do they compare against a chain style trencher?

KSSS

02-29-2008, 02:20 PM

I never thought much about one of these little machines until I needed one. If thats what the job calls for they work great. I rented a BC 323. Good little machine for what I needed it for.

totalloser

02-29-2008, 07:38 PM

I can't tell you time on a chain trencher, but my neighbor has one (40hp kubota driving a bobcat brand 8' stinger) and it looks like at LEAST twice as fast. Plus you can get carbide teeth on it. where they suffer is when you find surprises like old wires or big roots to wind up in the chain, then in comes the mini excavator or backhoe. Chain diggers are great for long runs, very fast and consistent.

bonanno23

03-24-2008, 09:06 PM

you also suffer with the fact that a trencher only trenches.

I have a 2 Cat 301.5 that I use to dig out walk ways in back yards. I use a skid steer if the property is unfinished but for the jobs with sod lawns i paint the shape of the walkway or patio and load wheelbarrows. makes for a much neater jobsite. I also put in small drywells and dig holes for trees. I have the auger attachment which we use for fence posts and also footings.

having a small machine like the 301.5 or any other brands is well worth it. I have all Cats from the 301.5 up to a 330C. 17 excavators to be exact. each one has its own purpose

VanLandscape

03-25-2008, 02:01 PM

Has anyone compared both of these 2 machines? We're trying to decide which way to go!

Advise would be much appreciated!

dirt digger

03-25-2008, 07:59 PM

here is ours....we use it for small septic repairs mostly

we demo'd a Ditch Witch before...the same as the Komatsu...the kubota hands down has more power and feels a lot more stable
and the kubota has removable teeth where as the ditch witch did not

Countryboy

03-25-2008, 09:40 PM

Welcome to Heavy Equipment Forums VanLandscape! :drinkup

[-Agent-]

03-26-2008, 12:31 AM

That's a great little machine. I ran a Cat 304 mini excavator today with a thumb.

That is really scary because I was driving a 304c with a thumb right around the same date you were. We used it for back filling in the hole the 320 made.

These machines are great for "cleanup" work.

texascadillac42

04-02-2008, 03:12 PM

We've had a PC03 (same as the new 09's) for a little over a year now and its been a great little machine. Only paid $5000 for it, and managed to get it shipped in a container for free from Japan, it had about $800 hrs on it. Its plumbed for a hammer, and seems to run really well. It is amazing the amount of work you can find for these little machines once the word gets out that you have one. Usually get about $60-$70 an hour depending on what Im doing and who its for. Primary uses right now are septic and plumbing repairs for a few companies in town. People usually laugh when they see it show up on the trailer, but stop laughing pretty quick when they see what i can do, and how little impact it has on lawns and such.

stuvecorp

04-02-2008, 03:51 PM

We ran a Gatekeeper Kobelco, it was great. The carpenters were making fun of us but it sure beats using a shovel. We had to dig in some window wells with it. I am hoping to run across one at a good price someday.

I have to ask, I thought there was a thread that had a really small Kobelco on it? I have looked through and can not find it, any one know where it is?

itsgottobegreen

04-22-2008, 11:01 PM

You guys aren't going to believe this. But a tk108 with 5 hours on it went at auction for $2200. I was so pissed when I heard about it. No one was bidding on anything. Because of the crappy weather and lack of work.

skata

04-22-2008, 11:51 PM

DILLIGAF

07-27-2008, 08:18 AM

I've got a k008 kubota, its the same as the one that DIRT DIGGER posted but mine is a -2 while the pic is of a -3, it has the same rops that you can drop down to get in anywhere, I often have had to bring the tracks in and drive it through the house to get to the backyard, it hasn't got the fancy breaker that the little komatsu has but still an unbelievable machine, I can dig an average size pool in about 6 hours with the 600mm bucket (24" I think) and when my Rc60 broke down I mannaged to push it up the ramps onto the 6 wheeler using the little digger that could, I've done about 2000hours on it now and although I use my other machines a lot more often I could never sell it as it is too great an asset to the business, you could take your fuel to work in a thurmos in you're lunchbox, and the only breakdown I have ever had was a broken fanbelt, with enough practice these things can be as productive as the 3 tonne diggers and on small sites even quicker as they are so nimble, I haven't tried the pc09 but I Have never come accross a komatsu i didn't like

Squizzy246B

07-27-2008, 08:44 AM

Dilligaf....:rolleyes: KBW fan obviously:rolleyes:.. which side of the river do you work?.

DILLIGAF

07-27-2008, 08:52 AM

Everywhere Really, but I'm based south of the river in Forrestdale, a lot of my work is around byford, jarrahdale, oakford, but sometimes as far out as bridetown

Squizzy246B

07-27-2008, 08:59 AM

TA...I'll stay in the sandhills.....I get a nose bleed if it get as far East as Armadale

Bellboy

07-27-2008, 12:13 PM

That PC 01 is much smaller in real life. It really is like a rocking horse.

Countryboy

07-27-2008, 07:11 PM

Welcome to Heavy Equipment Forums DILLIGAF! :drinkup

Eric

07-28-2008, 08:30 PM

Here's my 2006 model ultra mini. Runs on beans and rice. Hard worker but usually poops out in the afternoon. ***

Bellboy

07-29-2008, 10:55 AM

Shall I take you to court for child labour! No, I'm only kidding! I was doing the same thing at that age. I'm a 1993 model, and still running.Although, these minis get bigger and the quality of work gets better. Good workers, but if you don't watch them, they tend to go playing with their toys pictured in the foreground! :drinkup

totalloser

07-29-2008, 03:15 PM

There are a few different ways to make a ROPS not get in your way. First is copy a folder and have it on pins. Second is cut it at the lowest height you will work at, and weld a plate on either end drilled for bolts. Put a cross brace on the lower part so it does something for you when you have the top off. Then you can just unbolt it, but even unbolted, it will give you some protection from going all the way over. Just keep in mind where your elbows are going to swing.

I put up a thread for fixing nubby teeth, but can't find it now. I welded segments of leaf spring onto my junk teeth. It works really well (heat treated spring steel!). Still holding up really well. I think better than Chromemoly teeth. I'll see if I can find it.http://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=6217&highlight=spring+steel
There it is. It's a little ugly, but easy and apparently stout.

Bellboy

07-30-2008, 12:48 PM

Eric, what you been doing that needs a digger that small?

DILLIGAF

07-30-2008, 09:01 PM

doesn't matter how small the digger is, if you get it bogged the price is still 1 cold carton of beer :drinkup

Hendrik

03-05-2009, 11:14 PM

ROPS ROPS ROPS YOU DON'T WANT TO DIE!

But get a rollbar! My buddy flipped his when a ramp scooted out getting off the trailer. I think his ROPS may have saved his life. The #1 killer of tractor operators used to be squashes by rollovers. Hence the law for ROPS. I know for farm tractors they are required by law.
I know what you mean but these micro machines don't always come with a inbuilt ROPS, my half tonner does not and whilst I could fit some sort ROPS the next problem is seat belts.
Yes I can fit seat belts to the machine but I find that safe operation is just as good and being prepared to exit the machine on the best side. There are loads of operators who use machines and not fasten the seat belt, leaving them in more danger of being thrown from the machine and crushed by the ROPS, happened to a cousin of mine who was an inexperienced forklift driver, now he has a crushed leg and suffers 24/7.
Sure I'd love to have a nice safe, air conditioned cabin with a wireless but in the micro class it's not going to happen anytime soon but give the Japanese some time and they'll probably fit a cabin to a 500kg-1000kg class ex, with DVD player. However this would make the micros less versatile.
And tell your buddy that it is necessary to secure the ramps to wherever they are attached, as you would know it is very easy for an ex to have track stopped and the other to turn, end result is it is going to spit out one ramp, leaving the operator to look like this:eek: On my ramps I drilled a couple of holes on the back of the ute tray and use high tensile bolts to secure the ramps to the tray, I throttle the machine right back and go up very slowly. When I use my ramps to up stairs and such I use heavy duty tie downs to secure the ramps, sure it takes a bit longer to do the job safely but it's quicker than a extended stay in hospital or worse.

strott

03-06-2009, 02:42 PM

Hendrik

03-06-2009, 06:08 PM

Rops are a brilliant idea, not only from a safety point of view but also as an extra counterweight on the machine!!

My K008-3 comes with folding Rops on the front of the machine and a retractable seatbelt bolted to the machine by the seat.
I am not anti ROPS but pointing out that in some applications it is pretty much impossible to have it and still have the machine work as it should. Looking at the set up of the ROPS on the K008-3 it looks like you gain a couple of inches on the turning radius, depending on the type of work this may not be a big deal but I have quite a few scratches on the weights up the back, from squeezing into tight spaces.
Another thing to consider is outside dangers, sitting on a micro you are pretty much exposed to stuff falling on you. Being strapped in with a seat belt pretty much traps you.

strott

03-08-2009, 09:00 AM

I am not anti ROPS but pointing out that in some applications it is pretty much impossible to have it and still have the machine work as it should. Looking at the set up of the ROPS on the K008-3 it looks like you gain a couple of inches on the turning radius, depending on the type of work this may not be a big deal but I have quite a few scratches on the weights up the back, from squeezing into tight spaces.
Another thing to consider is outside dangers, sitting on a micro you are pretty much exposed to stuff falling on you. Being strapped in with a seat belt pretty much traps you.

I completely agree with what you say about the Rops and didn't mean for my comments to sound argumentative:)

I tend not to strap myself to the machine either, mainly because as you said you can't escape quickly if need be - if you feel the machine's about to roll over you jump in the opposite direction!!!!

My previous K008-3 had the rear mounted roll bar which made the machine about 30mm wider which usually ment when it was really tight the ROPS came off completely to get the machine into the site and it would usually stay off for the remainder of that job. The rear mounted Rops did add tailswing as you pointed out and compared to the front mounted Rops I don't know how I worked with the extra tailswing!! Losing that 50mm length off the back makes a big difference.

Only issue with the front mounted Rops is that when it is folded down (e.g working in a garage) you can not operate the boom/bucket so you have to undo the top half and remove it from the machine completely whereas on the rear mounted Rops all you had to do was fold it down!

As you say there are sometimes when there is no option but to work without it.

Hendrik

03-14-2009, 01:43 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCuMXsfWZ2s&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB3lGxIhtCw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PEEYiODk7s&feature=related
and why do people think it is cute to let young kids operate machinery
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpcR6qc833s&feature=related

Hendrik

03-14-2009, 03:39 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PxaLpfW17Y&feature=related

strott

03-14-2009, 09:37 AM

Why do people let young kids operate machinery?

Probably because they consider any type of job that has a manual side to it and is not office based is done by anyone - so therefore they think anybody can do it (not helped by the fact that anybody can hire a mini digger) and have little respect for what is involved.

JDMGrading

03-14-2009, 11:03 AM

I thought that video was stupid...but I've always let the youngins sit on my lap and play with the controls on the trackhoe.

strott

03-15-2009, 03:40 PM

I thought that video was stupid...but I've always let the youngins sit on my lap and play with the controls on the trackhoe.

That's the safest way to do it - you can take over if you need too.

This also helps get young ones interested in plant e.t.c so its all good.

DragNut

03-22-2009, 08:19 AM

Welcome to the site.

I'm am very curious as to the uses of a machine this size. I always thought they would make a nice toy for children with wealthy parents, but have a hard imagining a use to justify the expense for a business. I am sure you had a good reason for buying it and I am always looking to learn more, so I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

At the rental company were i work we rent these out to pro contractors all the time, they use them mainly inside of jobs, (basements, tight spaces) they also come with 100pound hammers you can mount on them to jackhammer floors and whatever, so yeah the get laughs but they also save your back!

d-oh

03-23-2009, 12:12 PM

Sometimes, you don't want a big bad diggin machine anyway. not to beat a dead horse here but being able to cut hours of manual labor and do some precision work, while keeping the ground wear and tear to a minimum, i can go for that.

Hendrik

04-14-2009, 10:01 PM

No pics yet but it is some really cool engineering...

The dipper is built as a "U" channel with the hydraulic hammer slid in thru the bottom. The bit is clipped to the side of the boom. After you curl the bucket in all of the way, you release one lever, slide the bit in, close the latch and flip over the high speed pedal to run the hammer. No hoses, pins, lifting, etc...
Not sure if someone has told you this but it is highly recommended that when storing a hydraulic hammer it is placed in the upright position.
Reason being if it lays on it's side for an extended period of time the seals can be squashed because of the weight of the piston.
Anyway now that I have figured out picture posting, here is a picture of my baby ex taking on a tree stump and it won with a bit of effort:D
http://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?p=153605#post153605

Taylortractornu

04-14-2009, 11:38 PM

Ive run a few PC 03 Komatsu hoes. Theyve been grey market machines but Ive saved alot of work to. also rolled one over on flat ground to lol.

Hendrik

04-15-2009, 01:42 AM

also rolled one over on flat ground to lol.
No great skill required to tip one on an uneven surface but flat ground????
Do tell us more.
Disclaimer: I haven't tipped anything over..........yet but always willing to learn.
I came close the other day, unloading off the back of the ute after a shower of rain and just as it was tipping over center it slipped a little bit on the ramps because the tops of them are smooth aluminum. Thankfully the tracks gripped onto the ramps.
Have to do something about that.

Big Dazzler

04-15-2009, 04:16 AM

hvy 1ton

04-15-2009, 01:49 PM

Hey haf .AST, didn't you get a new ford with a sweet stainless dumpbed? I'm pretty sure i saw it on LTS. I know it was yellow and i think i saw your mini mini in one of the pictures.

strott

04-15-2009, 02:36 PM

Not sure if someone has told you this but it is highly recommended that when storing a hydraulic hammer it is placed in the upright position.
Reason being if it lays on it's side for an extended period of time the seals can be squashed because of the weight of the piston.
Anyway now that I have figured out picture posting, here is a picture of my baby ex taking on a tree stump and it won with a bit of effort:D
http://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?p=153605#post153605

I have often wondered how the track lever works on those micro Kobelco's - whats it like using only one lever?

Hendrik

04-15-2009, 06:41 PM

I have often wondered how the track lever works on those micro Kobelco's - whats it like using only one lever?
Quite handy, you push it forward/backwards and twist it to turn or spin.
I did have a problem with the control levers hitting the track control but fixed that with a bit persuasion.

pipeliner66

07-05-2009, 06:06 PM

DILLIGAF

07-06-2009, 12:00 AM

I have a Kubota KH-007, for the weight & size I can't beleive what all you can do with it, after running large machines on the pipeline, you have to watch the narrow track width, have had it on its side a couple times.

I had to check one of these out and this and I only found a few pics on the net, what people sometimes dont realise is that In a lot of heavily built up areas (like in the cities here in Australia) you often only have about 700-900mm access to get into the back yards, so you cant use a skidsteer or a bigger excavator to dig out a swimming pool, but with these little diggers and 3 or 4 blokes pushing barrows you can dig out you're average size pool in about 4 to 6 hours, that would normally take a week of manual labour