Mini Exc......Cat,Volvo, or Bobcat

DarrylMueller · Jan 4, 2009

I have used a 337 Bobcat to excavate with and liked it.

DarrylMueller · Jan 4, 2009

I am really also concerned on the width the smaller the better on width.

DarrylMueller · Jan 4, 2009

It looks like the TK 153 has a small width for it's size.

KSSS · Jan 4, 2009

DarrylMueller said:
It looks like the TK 153 has a small width for it's size.

On the excavating side of things, I think it is tough to find a machine that can beat the TB153FR. With its side to side boom, if you can drive the machine into the job you can work the machine. Compare the specs and the 153 compares well with most everyone elses 16K machine.

The one area this machine does not spec well is in aux. flow which sounds like it might be an issue for what you want to do. I plan on putting a mower head on mine this Summer even though the flow is not great at about 16 gpm. It works a hoe pack alright but a machine of this size should be over 20 I think.

But for digging, she will dig.

DarrylMueller · Jan 4, 2009

What about a pump merg on the TB153 to get the flow up, I priced it on PC 75uu the last time I was looking and just dropped the whole idea after sticker shock. I like 40 gpm but not sure the is a realiety on mini ex. I will only buy used for cash no finance.

KSSS · Jan 4, 2009

DarrylMueller said:
What about a pump merg on the TB153 to get the flow up, I priced it on PC 75uu the last time I was looking and just dropped the whole idea after sticker shock. I like 40 gpm but not sure the is a realiety on mini ex. I will only buy used for cash no finance.

I was going to ask about that and see what could be done. I don't need 40 gpm although that would be great, I doubt you could keep it cool. I would be happy with 20-22, which is what I think it should be anyway.

If your looking for used the TB53FR is the same machine. The 153 has a few improvements but they are much the same. The TK/CASE dealer here has several used TB53's one of which is my old one.

DarrylMueller · Jan 5, 2009

I looked on Machinery Trader and there was a 153 with dual flow hyd, did not say what the total was so it looks like it is offered. Whats you dealer asking for a used 53?

KSSS · Jan 5, 2009

DarrylMueller said:
I looked on Machinery Trader and there was a 153 with dual flow hyd, did not say what the total was so it looks like it is offered. Whats you dealer asking for a used 53?

Dual flow they are refering to is being able to run a hammer on single and a thumb on dual flow. I am sure it does not refer to combing pumps. Mine is dual flow, its standard on the machines. There is a valve up by the cab. As far as what they want out of their used 53's call Darren @ 208-520-6161. It is Pioneer Equipment. The same dealership you guys have in Cali.

nzpatch · Jan 9, 2009

I had a 305cr from new to 3300hrs ,2 new engins ,new boom, new hyd lines , lots of front window handles ,pump drive thing, over heating , not mutch fun but the cat dealer stood by me so i upgraded to the 305ccr. this is way better ,no over heating and moor power by far. 1200hrs so far.

DarrylMueller · Jan 11, 2009

So is the 305ccr a newer model? Cats website not working good tonight?

Nac · Jan 11, 2009

DarrylMueller said:
I am looking for something in the 10,000 to 17,000 class for drilling and tight excavating work. Would like good oil flow to run the drill.

You have to go to an 8 Ton class machine to get the flow. Under 8 ton you ar lucky if you get 17 GPM at a 8 ton you will get 37 GPM. With the flow combiners you will not get the flow and you will heat problems. You can always run a hydraulic power pack to get the flow. I am looking to set up 1 ton mini to run a 12,000 lb anchor drive motor runing on a power pack putting out 40 GPM @ 3,000 PSI.
I am running a 20,000 lb anchor drive motor on my PC45 I get the torque but it is like watching paint dry how slow it is.

Woodboatdave · Jan 11, 2009

I have a cat 303.5 with 5100 hrs. Had to put water pump in it last year.
That's it. Always starts, runs good, does what I ask. Other than the normal undercarriage stuff that wears out that's it. Cat also has a great parts availability that has to be considered. We have 3 Komatsus ( 160's and 200) just ask anybody who has had to go to them for a part. Be prepared for a long wait.
We are changing over to Cat as machines wear out. This year we got a 307 and a D5 ( love both) Also have a JD 50 mini which I have to say has been great but has a small cab for it's size.

DarrylMueller · Jan 12, 2009

Sorry Woodboatdave you have a lazy Komatus Dealer I can get almost anything the next day.
Yes it is looking more like a PC 75uu. I was trying for a small foot print. What make drive head on the anchor hooked to the pc45 and what hydraulic psi are you running on the drive head.

DarrylMueller · Jan 12, 2009

Is that a Chance Helex on the PC45. We are certified McClain Dixie installers.

Nac · Jan 12, 2009

The drive head is a Pro-dig. Yes the anchors are Chance.

DarrylMueller · Jan 12, 2009

I also represent Pro-Dig along with Eskridge Digga and Pengo what is the Model of the Pro-Dig and the hydraulic motor on the Pro-Dig and psi, Did you put in across port relief valve, does the PC45 have a built in aux or did you have to add. I did not see a case drain hose? OK I just am real interested on what works and who set it up, I don't care what any sales team says untill it works well it's not proven. I really like drilling and challanging jobs.

Nac · Jan 12, 2009

I have to check the model number but it is a single speed 20,000 ft lb. The machine has factory aux. plumbing, yes there is no case drain hose. The machine is putting out just under 3,000 psi. I also addeda digital torque gage.

minihater · Feb 6, 2009

Do the Cat 305's have an overheating problem since the muffler is next to the engine in that small compartment? I noticed they have changed the design a few times.

nzpatch · Feb 7, 2009

yes they do run hot,on the frist 305cr i had you could not run the air con or it would over heat.
the motor is round the other way on the new 305ccr so the heat is not traped between the block and cab, and the cooling system hold alot more too.the radiator is way moor easy to cleen to.good to see cat move forwrd
with the new model.

hadley · Feb 28, 2009

why does a 305 get compared to a bobcat 435, the 305 is a bigger machine weight wise. a 304 is the size of a 435. if i compared a one ton to a 1/2 ton i'd like it better too

Mini Exc......Cat,Volvo, or Bobcat

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Well-Known Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Attachments

Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

New Member

Well-Known Member

Member