Mini diga recommendation

bobbi o · Post: # 67934Post **bobbi o** Sun Sep 04, 2011 6:53 pm

can someone recommend me a mini digger in the 1.5 ton class.will normally be used for excavating driveways & utility trenches. will probably buy new.

DNgroundworks · Sun Sep 04, 2011 7:05 pm

The Kubota range IMO is the best especially the U series - zero tailswing realy good for tight spots, up against walls etc

Stuarty · Post: # 67936Post **Stuarty** Sun Sep 04, 2011 7:40 pm

Have to agree with DN there, we just took delivery of a brand spank 1.5t Kubota about 6 weeks ago. Got it with manual quick hitch. Its a great machine, very precise and smooth to work, good visibilty and the cab layout is alot better than our last Kubota, more room and the gauges are in a better place.

Pablo · Post: # 67937Post **Pablo** Sun Sep 04, 2011 7:56 pm

takeuchi and Kubota are my favourites and if I had to choose then it would be the takeuchi especially the open cab one. You can get in and out on both sides and the tracks are and blade are retractable which make them perfect for landscaping. I detest JCB's Hanix and Yanmar. Cat's are ok but easily tipped

local patios and driveway · Sun Sep 04, 2011 9:24 pm

I would buy the 016 Takeuchi as my personal favourite. Not used the u15 but the issue with the zero swing is when you come to pulling footings, and lack of counter weight makes the machine unstable at depth. Ideal for driveways though. I always use a k008 over a u10 when pulling footings

The ultimate 1.5 kubota has to be the kx41 3v it has the expanding tracks and superior power in it's class as standard.

local patios and driveway · Sun Sep 04, 2011 9:25 pm

Pablo wrote:takeuchi and Kubota are my favourites and if I had to choose then it would be the takeuchi especially the open cab one. You can get in and out on both sides and the tracks are and blade are retractable which make them perfect for landscaping. I detest JCB's Hanix and Yanmar. Cat's are ok but easily tipped

Can't agree more.

Post: # 67940Post **Dave_L** Sun Sep 04, 2011 9:34 pm

Yep 016 Takeuchi with open cab every time without fail......

baracuda · Post: # 67942Post **baracuda** Mon Sep 05, 2011 2:43 am

Hi all,must agree with the posts so far but heres a tip look at what the hire companies have in there fleets, has to be well priced stand up to abuse by knobs who dont know how to operate them and cheap readily available parts.
All round the midlands 95% are kabuto.

Mon Sep 05, 2011 9:41 am

Jcb don't make anything good under 6 tons hehe

As has been said kubota or takies are the best, hanix is a cheaper alternative and the latest machines are a lot better since they just copy the two above,

Whacker neuson have some nice features but are a rare sight, cat don't make their own minis think am Amman/yanmars old partner make them

To be fair with a 1.5 ton your all ways going to be lifting the arse up when pulling footings zero tail swing or not. They do the math and theoretically they should be equally as stable but you can make them nod with a greedy bucket and heavy ground.

I'd get the kubota with a cab or canopy, I always operate window open less glass to smash if you ever leave it anywhere, basically down to choice I found the tachies just a bit on the small side in the cab for a big chap but other than that nothing in it.

local patios and driveway · Mon Sep 05, 2011 10:51 am

I had a 1.5 hanix on hire last year, it was a nice little machine very similar to my 016. Not quite as smooth but for the money a good buy. 10k new at the time....

Post: # 67949Post **msh paving** Mon Sep 05, 2011 11:32 am

I have owned 3 1.5ton bobcat 320/322/323,last 2 with track expansion kubota engines,quick hitch never had any problems 3 year waranty from new,powerfull machine knocks spots off any JCB801,also owned 2 3ton bobcat 328/428 MSH

Mon Sep 05, 2011 12:15 pm

Bobcats are just rebadged doosans..... But heard much better things about them since they were bought out.

Hitachi minis are apparently excellent but don't see many here in the states rebadged as John deeres they're selling really well

Post: # 67953Post **msh paving** Mon Sep 05, 2011 12:31 pm

Thats no the case for any of mine Giles, all bobcats made before doosan had any input. MSH

Carberry · Post: # 67955Post **Carberry** Mon Sep 05, 2011 1:03 pm

I'll be looking at buying one of these next year. It worth buying them new or better to get 2nd hand?

Mon Sep 05, 2011 5:43 pm

due to tsunami in japan production is low = high demand = huge prices..... at the moment that is.

we just sold our old 3cx 1996 for 8500 could have sold it 4 times over, guy came and tried to buy our old js130 as well!