Im new to excavators and purchased a hitachi ex200 with was used and abused but it got the job done. I would like to get rid of it and find a more reliable machine. I will be side trimming hedge rows and clearing timber. is a 792D LC too big? The Hitachi seems light to me but like i said I'm new to this. Any help will be appreciated!
It depends on your ground conditions and the size of the trees, how much weight the old bridges can support in your area, etc. The 792 D LC (24 inch shoes) is around the 60 000 lb weight ( 165 hp from a 7.6 liter engine). What model was the EX 200, they are around 40 000 lbs and 132hp. In the used excavator listings - quick look over - Iowa - the Volvo ec250dl with factory rops was the pick imo, (linkbelt 225 and Cat324DL), Il - Cat 325DL, 322CL. (2nd choice would be adding rops to the 325dl)
Buying used you can't really pick a best machine. Depends on your budget and a whole lot of other factors. Hitachi makes very good machines but it your looking for another machine that's 20+ years old you could end up with something worse than you have.
Could buy a new machine that is worse than a used machine, if you get a lemon with def or computer problems etc and end up with a warranty fight. TA have you considered a rental machine, if that is a right approach for you? Rental machines can be less difficult to send back and change to another machine if there are problems.