Hello, we are currently in the market for a new excavator. Since this is our first one and not having much experience with one. I was curious on witch one you all would recommend? We are looking to purchases new from any of the big brands. Thanks for any input. We are wanting something with at least a 3 yard bucket. Thanks for any input.
Ive had bad luck with caterpillar, but still some of my favourite machines. Dealer support is worth more then getting a good deal on a machine take the time to test out what feels right it’s a big purchase.
Time to rent some hoes . Ive been waiting to say that. Get you some seat time in a machine, with a dealer that has a good reputation among your peers. As Jimothy stated, dealer support is what counts in the long run. A sweet deal, don't mean squat if you can't get decent service. Talk to your associates, guys in your field, what are they running? Why? Ask about fuel consumption and emissions problems. Those are the 2 biggest job killers right now. You're all set to make bank, jobs almost done and then something emissions related acts up and you're down waiting on the dealer. Cuz the fed says , you can't fix it. No uh, uh !
Welcome to the Forums KP! Just curious that you have no experience with excavators however looking for your first machine with a 3 yard bucket? That's a big hoe! Give us a little background on what you will be doing with it in order to give a more detailed response.
Good day Attached may be of interest. Kind regards Uffex
Just beware, grey market , here in the states, nobody wants anything to do with. Serial ranges don't match, software becomes an issue. It's a real challenge to work on and source parts.
I have some experience on them just been a while since I've been in one. We will be using it at the landfill mostly but its also going to be used for other projects in the city I work for. We know its gonna be overkill for most things but it needs to be big enough to handle anything we may need it for. Also we have go a 30 yard haul truck and don't wanna spend all day trying to load it with a smaller machine.
We have mostly cat machines and have always had good dealings with their service. We got a komatsu loader last year and service has been great through them as well. We have dealers for all the big names within two hours from our location so I don't see that being an issue from the guys we have work with in the past. Emissions are the primary worry it seems to be the only problems we have out of the machines that have def. It will mostly be used at the landfill.
I second the advice on service. We have had really great luck with Linkbelt. Pretty reliable machines, and nice to run. We have 6 of them, and no emission issues so far. The 350s are beefy and strong, but heavy. We do have a 235 spin ace that is a good all around machine, and a lot easier on fuel than the 350s, and a lot more convenient to move and demove . I think they are made in the US as well. Komatsu did have a good hoe at one time, but I have not been around one since the 90s.
I may be a bit biased, as you may see, but check this out - You can get a good indication of what the big names are doing with comparable models. https://www.komatsu.com/en/competitive-comparison/ You stated it will be mostly used in a landfill. Komatsu also makes a specific waste solutions package, I'll attach some info on that. It may be overkill for your application but offers some good serviceability options. Keep in mind, emissions systems can be a pain in the ass, but if they are maintained they can also be trouble free. The biggest concerns we see stem from neglect and contamination - Speaking from Caterpillar, Cummins and Komatsu experience. Good luck with whatever brand/machine you choose.
Gotcha. Didn't know if you were looking for a machine to put on your property/farm to clear stumps or dig a lake. We've had those questions before from total newcomers and ones that have bought 100K lb machines at auction for their property having never ran one. What other brands of equipment does the city already own? How are the gov't purchase programs in OK? Here in AL muni's and counties can buy brand new KW T800's run them for a year, sell them at auction and make money on them since they pay no FET and KW has great gov't purchasing program. Cat, Komie and Deere all have similar programs.
The Grey market cats have treated us well for the last 20 ish years and have been able to get all we needed. But if your not in to a bit of crossing and digging to get spares don't do it.
So is this for your company, or is the city buying it? If it's the city, I'm surprised they are shopping around. The city here just puts out a tender, and lowest bidder gets it.