We are looking at buying a large excavator (80,000lb +) for clearing our land that has been logged. I know CAT is good about having (some) parts for older machines, but are their other brands that have decent parts support? The machine we buy will be pre DPF/DEF, hopefully 2002-2012 era. Thanks.
Komatsu, Deere, Hitachi also make good machines in that era. I would stick with that 4 for parts support. Ask around for what the big 4 can do for you locally. If brand X parts and service are 3 times as far away as the others, you would have to have a compelling reason to go with brand X. If you need help with a big machine like that, odds are that it will be field mechanic help.
Thank you. I have heard that Komatsu is well supported in our area.
Skyking has about nailed it, I would however add Volvo to that mix, primarily because they seem to have a wider aftermarket sweep of parts that can reduce running costs hugely. Your main concern after parts is just how good the technical/service dept is, many dealerships don't cater for early machines unless they have an "oldboy" who is still working there from back in the day.
I've worked for Deere, Doosan, and Volvo, and can say Volvo definitely has the best older parts support of the three.