Opinion on Bobcat 430 zts

[Palmer78]

Is this a reliable excavator? What are some peoples experiences with this machine? I may go look at one at auction next month. It's a 2004 with 2300 hours and a hydraulic thumb. What do you think would be a reasonable price for one of these in decent shape right now at auction? $15,000?

[Construct'O]

I can't give a price ,since don't really know much about the machine.

Since your talking auction who knows? I would look at Ebay if you could find something close to the machine your loooking at maybe compare.

Search Ironplanet,Richie Brothers auction results.

Machinerytrader,but those aren't auction,but give you and idea where to start or compare.Good luck

[bobcatmechanic]

there like a 331 with no tail zero tail swing and some what light as far as not being able to pick up as much as they should i think more counter weight needed you can run about a 2 ft bucket on them at most i have done a three and it was pushing it alot they do have some pretty good power though alot of people in missouri use them for water lines call your local dealer and ask them if they could give you a ball park price

[jkiser96]

I have a 2004 430 that will handlea 3' bucket with no problem. I mainly use it for fixing field tile which can range from 1' - 8' deep. I agree that they should be able to lift more but you have to sacrifice a little to have the zero tail swing. Overall I really like my machine & am looking at buying another or possibly a 435.

[redneckpete]

I was super disappointed with the Bobcat mini-excavator line. I was thinking of replacing my current 5T machine (New Holland EC45 - rebranded Terex-Schaeff) and tried out the 435 and the 337? I think.

I was very disappointed. They couldn't hold a candle to the digging performance of my old machine.

The Bobcat salesmen still got a sale, I bought a 442. (also rebranded Terex-Schaeff) But seriously, my opinion is that the Bobcat built excavators have very poor performance.

I still run their skidsteers.

Pete

[hadley]

430 is a decent machine. at least its made in USA. the deere and other Jap. machines are ok if you are 5'6" and 125 pounds, like their engineers are!! Jap. machines are typically smaller engines and higher PSI pumps. this gives you breakout but you lose on overall speed. bobcats can be jerky until you get the feel, then they tend to be faster overall, bigger engines, more hyd. flow, bigger cylinders. by the way, 90% of minis are made in Japan/Asia regardless of brand. check just below Cat seat and there is a plate that says made in japan, but at least its in english right