I am looking at a number of machines, hopefully this weekend. I am looking for a machine to put on a 2-1/2 acre property I have just bought, tree pushovers, stump removal, excavate for house etc. I have been recommended by a friend of mine who is in site prep business to buy a 200 size machine for this work. There are some local machines, that seem to be in reasonably good shape, a '98 Hitachi EX200-5 with 12,000 hours, a '95 EX200-3 with 13,000 hours and someone in Van has a '89 EX200-1 with apparently low hours in very good condition. Are there significant differences or issues with these machines? I will also be looking at a 2001 zx200LC which has I think 10,000 hours and is more money, as well as a 2001 zx 120 with very low hours - 2800 hrs. Are there compelling reasons to stay away from any of these machines? I am totally new to this heavy equipment game and am busy ready forum posts and trying to educate myself. I will certainly have either a mechanic or a knowledgeable person come with me before I write any cheques. Alan
stay away from the -1 and -3 machines ,they both likely have or will have electrical/computer issues and the 120 is likely too small. Personally i'd lean towards the -5 or the zx,depending on price of course
Thanks for the reply cutting edge. I have a number of machines to look at tomorrow. Apparently the -1 is low hours in good condition with 3 buckets too...... and he is looking for $10,000. Old guy looking to get out of the business. The 2001 zx 200 is asking $42,000. I would assume the machines just get better and better the newer the series. I am looking forward to tomorrow to see the condition of the various machines.
In my opinion (for what it's worth) I don't think a good low hour -1 is anything to be afraid of, as far as I know they aren't computer controlled like the -2 and later machines. And for 10 grand you could hardly go wrong!
Just got back from a long day driving around Vancouver looking at machines. The zx200 appeared in good condition (could not run it - no key- only able to do visual inspection), about 10,600 hours. The 98 ex200-5 also seemed well maintained, a few more hours 11,400. I also looked at the older 200-1, seemed like a very solid machine, but the old guy is asking 23K not 10K. If both the EX200-5 and the zx200 are similar in hours and condition, which would be a better bet as far as reliability, or is it a crap shoot anyway? The ex-5 does have the fancy hydraulic cylinder quick change rather than the manual quick change. Thoughts. Alan
yes 200-1 is probably the least problematic no computer do your work than sell it and get your money back
Aha, are you certain there is no computer to go wonky in the dash 1? It seemed a pretty solid machine, heavy plating underneath, 2 clean up and 1 dig bucket. Does $23k not seem a bit high for an older machine? I was thinking along the lines of a $15k offer.
I'm not in Vancouver but a 200 size machine is a big machine for a 2.5 acre lot. Most of the contractors I deal with run 120-3 hitatchi's. Or 315 cats, because they are easier to move on a tag trailer. Your concern in buying a machine is centered around machine make and size. I would start with budget, and that will give you a window of machines to look at. I also would stick with a name brand, and one that has support close or some one well versed in that model. I also would stay away from zero swing machines as they are a nightmare to get parts for and work on, My experience with hitatchi parts is they come with a premium cost, and some times unavailable. Also smaller machine smaller mess, I am not an operator, I am a mechanic and own a cat E70B, there is more to site prep than moving dirt around, I figured a smaller machine meant I would have less mess when I figured I had done something wrong.