Looking at new machine in the 9 ton class kind of have it narrowed down to a cat 308e2 kubota kx080-4 or case cx80c due to dealer support in my area any insight would be helpful cause it seems if you compare them on manufacturers websites are biased
When it comes to new equipment my search criteria is best price and dealer support
I have ran all 3 machines on short term rentals my opinion would be for kubota, I like the smoothness of the hydraulic system and the speed at which it operates. Secondly would be case because it's ok but not as good as the kubota. If your after operator comfort the cat is good there but suck everywhere else, slow week, suck fuel, high price the 308 is a total terd In my opinion. If dealer support is good on all 3 in your area. That's just my opinion tho.
You might want to check out the Takeuchi TB290. i have no dealers close by for my Tak but the rental places by me rent them out and they can get all the parts and service them at the rental centers. I figured if they can take the abuse of anyone using them i got a decent shot of it lasting with just me using it.
We just got a tb290 and have been really happy with it. Had a kx080 on a month long rental and it started out nice, but the harder we pushed it, it started to disappoint. For us it was between Cat and Tak (pc88 was out of price range). The tak has some of the highest specs in certain categories important for digging and lifting. The new built in USA cats come with thumb, hydro coupler, 3 buckets for 110k in my area.