Hello everyone im new to this page so any suggestions will be helpful..iv been in the concrete trade my almost my entire life .I recently started my own business, and am ready to purchase my first machine..not looking to break the bank want to stay in the 27k to 30k range..iv ran cat mostly and love the way they operate. Been using bob cat as of late because thats what they have at the rental near me..I found a 259d cat with 2500 hours on it ..all said and done ill end up paying 29k for it ,I seen a takhuci tl230 on market place recently for 21k with 7000 hrs ..any advice or experience with the tl230
Personally think 29k for something with 2500 hrs on it, is kinda high. All depends on how clean it is and maintained. Figure out what the new cost was and depreciate accordingly.
7000 hours is quite a bit and it may be close to needing some more expensive repairs.
You guys already know what I’m going to say. Phoenix, welcome to the HEF. Have you considered an old giant excavator? Can’t go wrong, pound for pound. Homeowners buying old giant excavators? Is this only viable for YouTubers looki ng to generate content? I have thirty acres on mountain side. My fantasy is to have giant excavator that works but is cheap. HeavyEquipmentForums
Might be feasible to rent? Works for a lot of small businesses.
Both (Cat/Takeuchi) are good brands and machines, and the size is easy to tow. Stick with machines under 3500 hours unless they have service records showing the engine and hydraulic pumps, undercarriage, have been replaced or overhauled. Probably best to stay with 2500 hours as you might find the machine is not working out, and then you want to sell it, in which case you may be able to sell it for what you got it for. No matter what machine you buy, have a few thousand set aside to go through it and service it. Anything around $18-25K is going to need a new seat and probably has some service issues. Your 30K is about right for a better low priced machine. One thing I like about the Bobcat is you can install smooth tracks, which can be great for not tearing up lawns or leaving rubber track marks all over the place if that's a concern. My Takeuchi Tl130 has been a great machine. Tell us more about what you're exactly using the machine for, and post images of the machines that you want to buy and who the sellers is. Guys on this site can get amazing info just from some images.
Do a little homework here on HEF and look at the number of posts regarding problems with Cat vs Kubota vs Takeuchi vs Deere or Bobcat. I may be wrong but it seems there are an overly large number of Caterpillar posts, maybe there are more out there but worth looking into.