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Old Question - New Answers

Tommjr

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2006
Messages
48
Location
Hudson, WI
I'm thinking about purchasing a new 5 Ton Mini. I have been trying the new bobcat, John Deere, and CAT.

I used to own a Yanmar VIO 50, which I thought was probably the best Mini-Ex made.

Now, I am convinced that the Deere has pulled ahead from the Yanmar.

I have narrowed it down to either the CAT or DEERE. I like the options that CAT has. It has the thumb and boom swing function right on the pilot control, it seems to be roomy, and it has A/C.

The DEERE seems to be a lot smoother, however, it doesn't seem to offer the same options for around the same price.

The one machine is a 2008 DEERE 50D with 300 Hrs. No cab or thumb, and it sells for $45,000.

The other machine is a 2008 CAT 305C CR with 552 Hrs, fully loaded with cab, heat, A/C and a thumb. That machine sells for $51,000.

Both machines are super clean machines, and both companies have parts and service 15 miles away. So there is no real worry about down time there.

I am just curious, (without biased bashing) what machines do you guys run or own and could you give me some thoughts.

The reason I am not buying another Yanmar, is the dealer that sold them is now selling the DEERE.

Thanks!!
 

diggerdave1958

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2010
Messages
246
Location
Michigan
Well, if it was me, i would go for the Cat 305C CR for 6k more u are getting the Attachments and the cab w/heat and AC and seeing u are from WI i think u will like the cab quite a bit in the winter.
 

barklee

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2009
Messages
903
Location
ohio
I demoed both last fall and i liked the deere better. For exactly the same reasons you said. I think those prices seem pretty high??? I think the deere i demoed was around 32000 with no cab and a thumb 2008 model. These dealers have alot of flex right now, the buyer is definitly in the driver seat, that is the most important thing to remember! If you pay with cash its even better.
My only real comment (since they are both good machines) is buy one with a cab!!!!!! You will never regret it, plus open cab machines arent nearly as desirable when its time to sell
 

CM1995

Administrator
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
Messages
13,246
Location
Alabama
Occupation
Running what I brung and taking what I win
I think those prices seem pretty high???

I agree and my suggestion would be to look at the auctions. This machine may be double the hours at 1134 and doesn't have a cab but it sold for less than half the asking price of the 305CR you are looking at.
 

KSSS

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2005
Messages
4,316
Location
Idaho
Occupation
excavation
The CAT CCR series specs a lot better than does a Deere. They have good aux flow but other than that not very impressive.
 

adv.wastewater

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
64
Location
Blount County Alabama
I just bought a cat 304ccr and I am very pleased with it. The 304 and 305 are on the same undercarriage and cab, just a little less weight and digging force. I bought 07 with cab and hydraulic thumb and 618 hours for $37,000.
 

Tommjr

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2006
Messages
48
Location
Hudson, WI
Thanks for all the input.

If indeed this machine is to high priced, what do you guys think this is actually worth?

FYI, I had a cab on my Yanmar, and it was well worth it. So Yes, I will be buying a machine with a cab.

I will send pics on Monday.

Thanks again!
 

gabelmatt

Active Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2009
Messages
35
Location
Ontario
Occupation
Mini Excavator Owner/Operator
I just bought a new 305 CCR last fall and i payed 72000(Canadian). It was brand new with a thumb, hydraulic pin grabber and a 62" ditching bucket on it. By far the best machine I have ever operated. I would go for the Cat, its all the small things in the cab that make up the difference in my eyes
 

CATcountry

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2010
Messages
15
Location
Champlain Islands, VT,USA
Occupation
Really?
I got my 305CCR in feb. love it moved up from 303cr , the 303crs where under powered hence the 303.5s, but love the 305, 40k 1k hrs coupler,thumb, cab a/c radio. Great power, not as tippy as the takauchi,easier to spell, love the color ;). Boom swing and aux. on the rollers in the joysticks Are priceless, I do a lot of rock walls and I love the sensitivity I can get with the roller over the old foot pedals. Was never as impressed with the deeres They seem tippy, slow, underpowered.
Frank
 

John C.

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
12,865
Location
Northwest
Occupation
Machinery & Equipment Appraiser
I know the Cats put the valves on the side of the house now instead of under the floor boards of the cab. Does the Deere now have access to the valves.

My issue is that hoses break from time to time and I can't stand the idea of tearing out floor boards, tilting a cab and working tight just to change one bad hydraulic hose.
 
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