thebobcatkid86
Active Member
I want to diversify my capabilites. I am carefully contemplating adding another machine to my fleet (haha). However I cannot decide whether a ultra mini or a 1.5 ton would be better for my purposes. I would like to be able to offer the capability of one of these type of machines. Small ponds, trenches for out-building utilites, holes for footers, planting large shrubs/small trees. As well as the other host of things that a machine like that is capable of. Ive waterproofed a shallow basement, 5.5 ft to the footer with a Kobleco PC18MR-2.
A ultra mini would fit a little better with my existing rig weight-wise although I dont think my truck would have much problem moving a 1.5 ton occasionally. One of my plans is to one day get a 6x12 dump trailer and a F250 and haul them both at once.
Right now money is my main issue, I have roughly $6-8k to spend on this propostition. I know its not much but is this enough? OR am I going to end up with a worn-out POS thats just going to give me a million headaches? Should I save my money and quit looking for now.
If your next question is "why dont I just rent" its the size of my rig. The rental yards around here wont even think about letting me take one, even an ultra mini, even though its well within its capabilities. Even though I tow my 2500lb skid steer all the and time, they wont let me take a 1700lb (Bobcat 316) ultra mini because its a "1/2 ton" and not a "3/4 ton" truck. So then Id have to have it delivered and thats extra $$$ plus its kinda embarrasing.
I have run two different 1.5 tons one was an IHI (dont remember the model) and a Kobelco PC18MR-2. I also spent a couple of days on a Bobcat 430 which Id LOVE to own but I dont have $54k. The first two I liked very much and was able to accomplish alot with them while I had them.
One of my main concerns is with regard to the reliability/longevity as well as parts availability of various brands in this size machine. I have long been a fan of bobcat skid steers however I dont have much experience with their excavators, thats at all and none at this size. All the Bobcat excavators, except the 316 are USA made which would would be one thing I would consider a plus tward the 320 series. Bobcat's 316 is supposedly repaited Japanese something or other(Kubota?) Ive never heard for sure. Althought it does have the same engine as the Kubota K008-3 which is one of my favorites as far as ultra mini stats.
Right now I have no definte opinions with regard to brands or even whether I should get an ultra mini or am I going to be sorry and want a 1.5 ton. Now I know that everyone has their likes/dislikes and everyones going to play favorites and thats fine but I would just like some opinions.
Cheers - Owen
A ultra mini would fit a little better with my existing rig weight-wise although I dont think my truck would have much problem moving a 1.5 ton occasionally. One of my plans is to one day get a 6x12 dump trailer and a F250 and haul them both at once.
Right now money is my main issue, I have roughly $6-8k to spend on this propostition. I know its not much but is this enough? OR am I going to end up with a worn-out POS thats just going to give me a million headaches? Should I save my money and quit looking for now.
If your next question is "why dont I just rent" its the size of my rig. The rental yards around here wont even think about letting me take one, even an ultra mini, even though its well within its capabilities. Even though I tow my 2500lb skid steer all the and time, they wont let me take a 1700lb (Bobcat 316) ultra mini because its a "1/2 ton" and not a "3/4 ton" truck. So then Id have to have it delivered and thats extra $$$ plus its kinda embarrasing.
I have run two different 1.5 tons one was an IHI (dont remember the model) and a Kobelco PC18MR-2. I also spent a couple of days on a Bobcat 430 which Id LOVE to own but I dont have $54k. The first two I liked very much and was able to accomplish alot with them while I had them.
One of my main concerns is with regard to the reliability/longevity as well as parts availability of various brands in this size machine. I have long been a fan of bobcat skid steers however I dont have much experience with their excavators, thats at all and none at this size. All the Bobcat excavators, except the 316 are USA made which would would be one thing I would consider a plus tward the 320 series. Bobcat's 316 is supposedly repaited Japanese something or other(Kubota?) Ive never heard for sure. Althought it does have the same engine as the Kubota K008-3 which is one of my favorites as far as ultra mini stats.
Right now I have no definte opinions with regard to brands or even whether I should get an ultra mini or am I going to be sorry and want a 1.5 ton. Now I know that everyone has their likes/dislikes and everyones going to play favorites and thats fine but I would just like some opinions.
Cheers - Owen