What to look for in buying a used Excavator (Trackhoe)

charles todd · May 7, 2009

What to look for in buying a used 8,000 lb - 16,000 lb excavator. I am looking to keep the cost to about $10k -$12k. I plan to use it for an occasional stump, digging a small pond, installing concrete culverts, and cleaning up along about 3/4 mile (per side) of creek banks. Most in this class have rubber tracks, but some are steel. I do not think one of the "mini" hoes will fit my needs.

What do you think? Will this size hoe fit the bill? Any certain things to check before buying?

Thank guys,

Charles

Anonymous-0 · May 7, 2009

give me an e-mail and I will call you on my time. 28 years experience at your desposal just too much to type. Stay away from gray market machines.. but much more if you can get in touch will be glad to help . Jerry

charles todd · May 7, 2009

[email protected]

Thanks!

Charles

thurlow · May 7, 2009

Ever heard that a boat is a hole in the water into which you pour money? A tracked machine CAN be........not necessarily is..........in the same category. I'd suggest caring someone along with some practical experience.

LAA · May 7, 2009

Charles, your in North Louisiana aren't you? Before I bought my 23,000 lb. machine I rented a 14000 lb. machine from volvo rents in Shreveport, it was cheap rent and I figured out exactly what I needed to know for the application I wanted.

charles todd · May 7, 2009

I pondered renting before I hired 2 dozers and a trackhoe to clear 50 acres. The only problem with renting is you have to use it! If it rains, your screwed not to mention it was a vacation day you took from work to do it on. If I buy i can work at my own pace.

I think the point you were making was the 14k was a little too small and you went to the 23k. I am looking at 16k - 32k machines. The 16k is capable and hopefully cheaper to operate. Though I would love to have the power of the 32k 8)

Charles

charles todd · May 7, 2009

I have been doing a little research and think an 8k lb machine will sufice. Especially for the price range I have. We have settled on a Komatsu PC38. It has almost 7,000 lb digging force, full cab, and 16' reach. I could buy a bigger machine, but I feel I'll be working on it more than using it.

If anyone has any likes/dislikes or think it is too small for a light farm excavator, please feel free to respond. Mind we have not paid for it yet!

Charles

Anonymous-0 · May 8, 2009

That is not near big enough for much more than trenching in electric or water lines or doing septic work. I'd look at something in the 16-20 ton range. That size will do most anything you want when it comes to clearing fence rows and digging holes. I bought a real clean well kept Case 880D for $14500. All my opinion anyways!

What to look for in buying a used Excavator (Trackhoe)

charles todd

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Anonymous-0

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charles todd

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thurlow

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LAA

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charles todd

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charles todd

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Anonymous-0

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