Shopping for Excavator but the Alphabet Soup is driving me crazy.

The background on this is that I recently decided that I wanted to add some capability for 2015. What I do is repair gravel surfaces, mainly driveways.
I wanted to add the ability to widen existing driveways correctly, or installing completely new ones; which means removing grass and several inches of material before building back up.
I also wanted be able to do ditching and trenching to address drainage issues. That means French Drains, Drain Tile, Culverts, etc. Sometimes just digging a trench to fill with Rip-Rap.

I had recently been looking at a Skid Steer and a TLB. While I am am still looking at the Skid Steer (currently arranging for inspection by my mechanic and field testing of all the attachments, etc.) I have decided to walk away from the TLB for several reasons, one of which is that I realized it was actually TOO big for the intended purpose.


For that and a few other reasons I have come to the conclusion that I would be best served by a mini-excavator, which I gather means excavators in the 12,000lb and under class.

To give an idea of the size range I THINK am looking for, I can use new Kubotas as an example:

A KX121-3S or a KX040-4 would both probably be a good size. They are both around 40hp and are at roughly opposite ends of the 9,000 pound range. The KX057-4, at 50hp and almost 13,000 is as large as I would want to go and might be too large. On the "might be too small side" would be the KX-91-3S2 at 30hp & 7,500 pounds.

In the U-Series I suppose the U35-4 at 25hp/8,500lbs would be slightly smaller than I'd like and the U55-4 at 50hp/12,000lbs would be slightly larger than I'd like, but either would probably work.


All of these examples also come with a nice modern 6-way blade that can move in all three axis; Pitch, Roll & Yaw.


Now...
If I were buying new I would probably just go buy a KX040 and be done with it, but I am NOT buying new.

Here's what I need help with:

1) I can figure out the alphabet soup that all the manufacturers use. I look at a model number and I wonder... "What the heck does that mean?" It makes it hard to shop if you don't know what to look for.

2) I would love to keep the cost to around $15,000, which I figure probably means something fro the 90's, but I honestly don't know. I'm not even sure if that's a realistic budget, because I'd rather spend more than buy junk.

3) I'd REALLY find that 6-way blade useful, but I get the impression that it's a fairly recent development and I don't know how far back they go. I mean, maybe I HAVE to look for something just a few years old at the most if I want that kind of blade.


So that's it.
I would be grateful for any advice that helps me clarify these muddy waters.

If you're looking to put in new driveways and make money at it....I'd stay over 9,000lbs. Stumps and big rocks are a bear for a 4.5-5 ton machine and I can't imagine going after them with something smaller. Could you do it? Probably. Would you make money at it? Prolly not.

I would agree that model numbers for min-excavators are confusing. Only consistent thing about excavator model numbers is that the size in tons is USUALLY in there somewhere. Is that KX040 a four tonner (give or take)?

You'd be surprised what junkers go for 15k for small excavators. They're stupid useful and, as such, command high prices on the used market. You might get lucky, but you'll have to shop hard to find a good used machine for $15k that wasn't full of leaks and other issues. That being said....hop on over to the Shop Talk forum and you'll find people who can talk you through a ton of hydraulics maintenance issues. With a little know-how, some confidence, and the right tools a "nightmare" seal or pump job turns into an interesting weekend project and a few hundred in seal kits. Just a thought. As a skilled mechanic told me recently "Someone put it together.....no reason I can't do it again."

One thought is that if you're tight on money....bigger machines and slightly odd machines CAN be found in that price range in good shape. First thing that comes to mind is a G3WD Gradall. You can find them for 15k pretty well, they're on rubber tires, and they can do big work. Not sure if you have lowboy access....but a Cat 225 is also in that price range in good shape. Its not hard to find a beat up mini and a well cared-for 25 ton machine for the same price. But, of course, then you've got alot more iron to lug around.

Good luck!