been looking for mini x about 10k lbs. due to budget have only found worn out machines. did find 304 d/e machines 3rd party looked at and seem pretty good. both (2012)have slack at bucket end but rest looks tight and strong hydraulics. d has estimated 2000 hours. e has 3000 hours, has one new track and needs one new track( reco for who to deal with), has compass control. both same price. is the compass control a plus or minus, can average person trouble shoot and repair electrical (probably only change)parts? also whats your thoughts on hydraulic thumbs, bucket pin or weld on and brands?
Cat should have a pin on hydraulic thumb kit for about 2K. I would go for the lower hour machine. When you have to change a hose from the valve bank through the knuckle to the boom tie a string to the boom end of the hose and pull it through from the valve side. Pull the new hose from the boom end. You will have to drop the belly pans to make the new hose bend toward the boom. Two people make it much faster.
finally got a chance to look at them. 304d, has loose front idler, mitsubishi engine with fuel injection parts facing forward, 2 post rops, looked a little more abused. 304e has 4 post rops, cat branded engine(?) , injection parts and starter facing rear, bad track. put ink on the 304e, looked better taken care of, hope compass control doesnt give any trouble. gonna deliver in two weeks with new thumb and track. cat thumb is knocking on 3 grand, opted for after market. now we need some paying outside work to calm the wifes nerves. what oils and filters would you use? thanks for the reply.
i use Cat oils and filters because they meet or beat Napa
I don't think Napa is in the same league but Baldwin, Donaldson and a few other brand names are good filters.
Bearing in mind the small filters and tiny amount of oil, personally I would buy from Cat if only for the peace of mind in knowing that they are going to fit first time. Also, please don't forget to change the final drive oil regularly, at least every time you change the engine oil. (And check it more often than that.)
sn cat0304ecttn00204 . thanks for the replies. was going to use rotela but might check on cat engine oil. you can see pics at providence equipment in texas. any other info on this machine would be appreciated.
The biggest difference between the D and E is the D as a 2 post Canopy and the E has a 4 post ROPS . Big difference in roll over protection, the D with the two post canopy is not a ROPS.