Well here is a site that has a successful business running his Kubota U17.
He had quadruple bypass surgery and had to leave his other business and bought the Kubota. Anyway "Marty" has his hands full with jobs running his mini excavator. BTW he is in California.
I just quick scrolled through some of marty's videos. And just some observations.
Did he have to borrow money for the ex? You didn't reply if you have to have other work to make the payments- and I think that's a big deal.
It shows him doing a bunch of hauling and rescuing of downed equipment that gets hauled to a dealer. Mechanic work. Like he's the old guy everyone calls in the area to fix their problems. Are you that guy with those contacts and that skill set?
Like KSSS mentioned, in one video he's got a helper with a little tracked dumper, you got a helper if you need one, and can rent a ride on skid/ dumper?
Do you have the experience level, and confidence to go out and do outside work?
As much as I detest bankers, look at this like a banker. Do I loan money on a brand new excavator to a 68 year old guy with no business built up, no experience, and no insurance? Or to neighborhood Marty who has his hauling business and has done dirt work and mechanic work all his life? Or to 28 year old Tony who has a landscaping/ lawnmowing and has rented for the last 6 months, and is making money doing renting one?
You're last on that list. Unless- and this is the kicker-
Unless- you have passive income from pension/ investments/ social security- that covers the payments, Then as a banker- I'm not sure I care, its play money and it doesn't matter.
And to add, I really like KSSS idea. Rent a machine for 6 months. Or 2 months. Do what you need to do at your place, and see how it goes. If you aren't making enough to cover rental then you can't afford to own one. If its a rental and it breaks its their problem. Plus you can learn on someone else's machine.
If you're busy all the time with it- then you know buying one is the way to go, and this has been a great little "trial run" with no big loan and depreciation hit.