Deere Mack Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Looking to add and excavator to my arsenal, but not very familiar with them. I've always been a dozer man. Interested in the 40,000k range, 160's. Would really appreciate some tips on what to look out for when buying a used excavator. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 I've always been a Cat man. But I do not like this new junk. Prefer the older 2 series like the 235 and 245. Newer stuff. Maybe a 200 or something Komatsu,Deere,Hitachi. I've run most of them and they are quiet,decent power for the size. Depends what you are going to do with it. Now a days they are all almost alike. Power,size, weight, with a few differences Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83965 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Best look at your parts support and availability. I don't have to tell you driving a Peterbilt that a machine broke down on a job is worthless if you can't get parts and repairs in a hurry.Cat and Deere have the best parts and support with Case being very close in this neck of the woods. Of course the cost is higher on some of those too.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83973 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Check condition of track. How much pad is left before you start to wear on the bolts. Pins and bushings-when were they turned last.Sloppiness of bucket-worn bushings. Hyd. cylinder leaks or weeps. Hoses-are they correct size. WAS machine used for demolition work ie. hammertime. That will shake the shit out of a machine and may cause other problems. Sheet metal damage. If some, it happens; if alot, the operator prolly didn't take care of the machine either. Same for glass. A/C and/or heat. Really eye the boom for straightness.With the economy still on the down side, you can get a good deal. Check auction sites-Ritchie bros are all over the place Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83981 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Best look at your parts support and availability. I don't have to tell you driving a Peterbilt that a machine broke down on a job is worthless if you can't get parts and repairs in a hurry.Cat and Deere have the best parts and support with Case being very close in this neck of the woods. Of course the cost is higher on some of those too.RobHmmm Must be talking of a Grey pete that seems to have alot of down time. Mine runs like a top just the minor stuff. Pm's,tires,occasional ujoint, Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83982 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deere Mack Posted August 18, 2011 Author Share Posted August 18, 2011 Thanks for the tips. Just trying to get my mind in excavator gear before shopping and dealing. Tossing around the idea of a Komatsu or Deere 160 or 200. I'll use it for land clearing/stumps, demolition and ponds/lakes. I'm having to turn away to much work not being equiped and I'll probably be hiring an operator, all things I didn't have intentions of ever doing. But hey it's a good thing, right? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83983 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Hmmm Must be talking of a Grey pete that seems to have alot of down time. Mine runs like a top just the minor stuff. Pm's,tires,occasional ujoint,Could be. I can't really tell them apart as they all look the same.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83984 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Thanks for the tips. Just trying to get my mind in excavator gear before shopping and dealing. Tossing around the idea of a Komatsu or Deere 160 or 200. I'll use it for land clearing/stumps, demolition and ponds/lakes. I'm having to turn away to much work not being equiped and I'll probably be hiring an operator, all things I didn't have intentions of ever doing. But hey it's a good thing, right?Sometimes it's much better to stay small and do most everything yourself with the occasional sublet work.Rob 1 Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83985 Share on other sites More sharing options...
other dog Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Could be. I can't really tell them apart as they all look the same.RobEverybody wishes they had one. Quote Producer of poorly photo-chopped pictures since 1999. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83987 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 having to turn away work is a good sign, or not. How many companies went under that would be doing this work otherwise.Instead of going into an area you did not intend, buddy up with several guys that have the equipment and people already.If you get a call, bring one of them on board. He clears, you haul. He made money to keep going; you made some money; the customer got the job done. 1 Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83989 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Everybody wishes they had one.Two options here:1. With ramps, unload the rear Mack, jerk that Peterbilt out of the way, hitch to the trailer leaving the Pete to revert to it's original state of matter, (dirt).2. Pay for an awful expensive tow bill, (again) cause common sense says don't leave no Mack alongside the road because them things is gold. Of course this part about "common sense" does not apply if you are a politician, or in Obama's fanbase.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83990 Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaysm35a2 Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 The picture comes up one more time of the B and R theres going to be a B61 or U600 hooked to it towning it home. I really like those two trucks, I wish we could get some where with them.To the thread : We had good luck with.... Volvo's , yeah .. I know but we had a Volvo excavator and keep up with the daily PM's and never had a down day that I was there. Also ran a Volvo rock truck and it was pretty good also. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83991 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Everybody wishes they had one.Ain't no feeling like Petermobiling Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83993 Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenGiant2 Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 my pc160 komatsu is a nice machine. with 2 buckets your near the 40,000# range . parts are fine to get if you have a dealer near you. find one with hyd. quick tach and hyd. thumb. also try to find lower hour machine.gg2 Quote We the unwilling, Lead by the unqualified, are doing the impossible, for the ungrateful. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83996 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Ain't no feeling like Petermobiling Ain't that the truth. A Peterbilt and a good set of soles on your shoes and you be all set. Warm socks and a heavy coat in the winter are a good idea too.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-83997 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullhusk Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 Deere Mack,I Have owned both Cat an Komatsu Cat 235 an Kom. PC 400 & 300 Sorry to say, I thought the Komatsu was a better machine, if you look at a Cat Machine check the pump swivel it's in the center of the house an has all the hyd lines going to it. On my 235, that used to give me a lot of trouble!! It's not to hard to change but It's A real dirty job!!! BY the way I think all excavators have them, but my Komatsu never gave me trouble. Also when ever I bought A used Machine I would send eather the Cat or Komatsu guy's over to grab oil samples (esp.on your final drives an your Hyd. oil system) It will cost you a couple of bucks but It's well worth the money!BULLHUSK Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84003 Share on other sites More sharing options...
other dog Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 Hmmm Must be talking of a Grey pete that seems to have alot of down time. Mine runs like a top just the minor stuff. Pm's,tires,occasional ujoint,I've only had minor breakdowns too, just a lot of them. None lately thankfully. One starter, 2 alternators I think, 718,000 miles now. You know how some people exaggerate! Quote Producer of poorly photo-chopped pictures since 1999. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84013 Share on other sites More sharing options...
other dog Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 Two options here:1. jerk that Peterbilt out of the way, hitch to the trailer with my cabover Freightshaker, leaving the Pete to revert to it's original state of matter, (dirt).2. Pay for an awful expensive tow bill, (again) cause common sense says don't leave no Mack alongside the road because them things is gold. Of course this part about "common sense" does not apply if you are a politician, or in Obama's fanbase.Rob. Quote Producer of poorly photo-chopped pictures since 1999. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84014 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 Deere Mack,I Have owned both Cat an Komatsu Cat 235 an Kom. PC 400 & 300 Sorry to say, I thought the Komatsu was a better machine, if you look at a Cat Machine check the pump swivel it's in the center of the house an has all the hyd lines going to it. On my 235, that used to give me a lot of trouble!! It's not to hard to change but It's A real dirty job!!! BY the way I think all excavators have them, but my Komatsu never gave me trouble. Also when ever I bought A used Machine I would send eather the Cat or Komatsu guy's over to grab oil samples (esp.on your final drives an your Hyd. oil system) It will cost you a couple of bucks but It's well worth the money!BULLHUSKWe had a 235 at 1 time. It is a hell of alot more machine then you'll ever need. What I liked about it was it had the ass to back it up. unlike these newer machines. We had a 3.5 yard bucket on ours. Only problem we had was if you curled to far you would bend the cylinder. If I remember right. Haven't seen that machine since I was 6 years old. Also ran one with a 966 bucket on it. Was a great sloping machine and loading muck. Couldn't do much else. Also had to watch going cross track and extending out to far. I have never run anything bigger and the newer stuff always feels light on the ass end. Think they need 3k more counter weight Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84024 Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgallamore Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Ain't no feeling like Petermobiling X 10 IN A RAWHIDE. Quote http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/uploads/1272400769/gallery_4852_794_314995.jpg Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84090 Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyp Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Read my lips,,,,AIR CONDITIONING!!!!!!!!! randyp Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84093 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deere Mack Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 my pc160 komatsu is a nice machine. with 2 buckets your near the 40,000# range . parts are fine to get if you have a dealer near you. find one with hyd. quick tach and hyd. thumb. also try to find lower hour machine.gg2Thats the machine I'm favoring. I've talked with a local guy who has a 200 and wished he'd went wtih a 160. Said he thought it would be easier to get around. My first job with it will be about 50 ac's of stumps and slash. I would love to get a Wood / Stump Shear one day, but they are recomended for machines 50k plus. I think the 200 would just barely fit on my 35TN Fontaine detach without sticking past the rear, but the 160 wouldn't be any problem at all. I'm torn........ Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84094 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deere Mack Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 Read my lips,,,,AIR CONDITIONING!!!!!!!!! randypYES! And heat! And not sucking dust and spittn' mud. I'll leave that up to the guy I hire on the dozer. If things go good I hope to have a cab dozer one of these days too.. I've always liked the open feel, but the older I get the better that cab looks! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84096 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 YES! And heat! And not sucking dust and spittn' mud. I'll leave that up to the guy I hire on the dozer. If things go good I hope to have a cab dozer one of these days too.. I've always liked the open feel, but the older I get the better that cab looks!Man I agree with that. When I purchased my first TLB it was an open rops. The second one had a cab AND air conditioning and I'd never go back to open. Of course the heat in winter was a great asset also.Going to change skid steer loaders sometime in the future and it will have full cab and air also.Be careful reading a guys lips from Texas. We did that one time prior and it cost quite a bit of money, (although it was needed).Rob 1 Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84098 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullhusk Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 .I just loves those Freightshakers!!! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/20231-looking-for-tips-before-purchasing-excavator/#findComment-84106 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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