Equipment - Buying A Mini Excavator

One year I found my self doing a lot of digging both by hand and with my skid loaders. I realized at this moment in time it was time to add a Mini Excavator to my team of machines. I work alone so my machines are an extension of my crew helping me get the job done with out wear and tear on my body. If your asking why not consider a tractor loader backhoe? Speed would be my first answer. The next question I would ask you did you ever have a 3 in 1 Fax machine? Copies, faxs and phone? I did - it did each task ok but not great. A mini is a true digging machine the speed at which you can work blows a backhoe out of the "dirt" - lol.

I consulted my good friend Jason who is 3rd generation excavator. He helped give me a few helpful suggestions when looking for a machine.

Buying a Mini Excavator / Compact Excavator is not as easy as it might seem when it comes to research. First issue I came across was standard model or # system to understand what I was looking at when comparing models.

What do I mean? If you go to buy a pickup truck you can tell one from another just based on model # 1.5 ton /150/1500,  2.5 ton 250/2500, 3.5 ton 350/3500. You get it now right! If not just think of it like buying milk - Skim, 1%, 2%, ........

I was all over the place trying to determine what my options were. So frustrating. Which is why I needed to write this blog - to help someone else.

This is my list which helped me narrow down my search.

Operating Weight - I wanted to have the largest machine I could tow with out moving into a CDL class for a drivers license. In Maryland I need to consider my trailer rated at 10,000 GVWR weights in at 2500 pounds. Leaving me with a machine weight 7500 (don't forget attachments)

9ft dig depth

Digging Depth - is simply how far down you can reach. I wanted the furthest reach with in my Machine's weight class.

Tail Swing - Conventional Tail Swing Model VS. ZTS Zero Tail Swing.
As you can see below with a conventional tail the rear of the machine hangs over the treads and sticks out.  This type of machine is good if you have big open spaces to work in. I was looking for a Zero Tail Swing since I would be working close to walls.  A ZTS lets me get close to structures with out bumping into them. Not to mention my buddy Jason told me to avoid a conventional tail for my line of work.

conventional tail swing model

ZTS Zero Tail Swing

Numbering system? I found most of the manufactures to list out #'s for example Bobcat E32 = 33.3 hp or Komatsu PC27 = 25.7 hp. This is not the case with all models Kubota KX71 = 25 hp ??? Now at least this is one starting point to help guide. 

Pricing - Used units can start around $15,000 - $24,000  and go up from there.

Conclusion - After spending alot of time looking at all kinds of sites I narrowed down my search to Deere 27 c/d = HITACHI ( really like this machine Hitachi seem to last for ever) Komatsu, Yanmar = I liked Yanmar just because of the price plus you'll notice Just About everyone uses Yanmar engines. What does that say. I had tested a Kubota but they didn't have a ZTS machine at the time - extremely smooth on the hydraulics. I was looking at a few Bobcats not bad I'm just not sure how I feel about Doosan buying them out. Seems like some of the things I was reading many didn't seem to have much confidence in the quality of the machines in the last few years (just what I read on forums). I also liked the Caterpillar machines - the biggest issue was the machines in the class I was looking were to big or to small. The unit I did test I wasn't that impressed with the movement of the machine didn't feel smooth - could have just been that machine. I was also a little frustrated with my local dealership who suggested I come down only to show up to find they had nothing for me to check out. Then the salesman for my territory treated me like I was asking for to much looking for a used unit in the $20,000 range (I had found several on the internet at dealerships). He gave me no sales liture just brushed me off since I didn't have $$ BIG Cash to spend on a new unit. Then we stopped next door to look at Deere - really no luck there so then my good buddy Jason who was helping me out suggested we head over to his local rental store to see if they had anything they wanted to sell. 

Yes they did! ABC Rental in White Marsh a few Yanmar's and Komatsu. It was great the owner and the GM both came out to show me what they had to sell. Night and day with the customer service - keep in mind these guys rent machines not sell them. Top notch customer service... (I own a Franchises Motorcycle dealership - I understand the value a salesperson not a salesman) I picked up a Komatsu PC 27 with a 9ft dig depth, 6590 pounds, open cab, 1500 hours. I added a Geith Bucket to go with my Geith Thumb. Total game changer for the services I now offer. But my Back loves me even more!

A rental shop can always be a great place to start. The machines might not look great but they are always serviced so they are extremely reliable.  They have to be this is how they make there money.

I would always suggest renting a unit before buying one to keep your operating costs down. Plus it lets you try out a bunch of machines if you do plan to buy. If you find you could really use one then buy it. Not like many who always say rent rent rent. I do agree but I don't  - a rental cost $2000 a month I only work part time on my jobs. Having my own machine allows me more flexibility to use it or not.  To me a rental is a waste of money. But if you don't have the funds to buy or the need rent and just factor it in to your quote. 

I could go into to more specs more options.....I won't.  I did seem to read on alot of forums that suggest manufactures have only a small handful of builders in Japan make there machines and put there name on it. This wouldn't surprise me in these day in age.  To read  more check out this thread on Heavy Equipment Forum.

Great site for specs:  http://www.ritchiespecs.com/

Helpful links to a few of the major brands
Bobcat
Caterpillar
Case
Deere
Gehl
IHI
JCB
Komatsu
Kobelco
Kubota
Mustang
New Holland
Takeuchi
Terex
Volvo
Yanmar

Sites to buy used/new:
Equipment Trader
Machine Trader
Rock & Dirt

Other
How to Operate a Mini Excavator

Thank you for reading my Blog. I hope this helps those in need of good content. Please feel free to comment if you have any suggestions, machines you use and love..... All are welcome unless your SPAM!

Ditch Witch SK850 PLUS - Newest Employee to the Rockin Walls Team

August 24, 2019

DITCH WITCH SK850 PLUS = (SK1050)

Today I added my newest employee a upgraded to a New Used Ditch Witch SK850 PLUS (ie SK1050) from McGrew Equipment Company. It's Crazy to think 7 years and 1 week I purchased my first used walk behind Mini Skid steer a Toro Dingo TX 420 seen below. 

TORO TX420

My first piece of equipment I purchased for Rockin Walls was a used New Holland LX665 Skid Steer wheel machine. Next it was a used Mini Excavator Komatsu PC27. Then came the Toro Dingo TX420. Why when I owned a skid steer some might ask. I found this little machine great to work on and off without climbing in and out. Since I work alone a lot of times I need to set a large stone by myself. This machine could do what I would need another person to do. Along with digging, moving stone around, easy to take to the jobsite, store on the jobsite, minimal impact on damage on the site and so much more.  Now it happens to be a much smaller machine with only a 500 lbs lift capacity. With me on the back custom ride on platform I would easily move 800 lbs. Now it only moves 4.5 mph forward and 2 mph backwards. So they say! I only clocked 3 mph forward on my machine. 7 years of good times and still rolling!

Related Blogs: 

Equipment - "Dingo" Walk Behind Mini Skid Steer

Equipment - Bobcat MT55, Mini Track Loader, (dingo)

2015 Toro Dingo® TX 1000 / Updated 5/2017 Maybe Not The Best?! ever

Equipment - Buying A Mini Excavator 

TORO TX420

TORO TX420

Today it was time to move up to fast speeds and more lifting capacity. Now I have to be honest I was really thinking about the Vermeer machine then maybe a Ditch Witch. When I was up renting at Gap Power Rental in PA. I noticed they had the Ditch Witch, Vermeer and Bobcat. SO of course I had to ask which do they like?! The response was Ditch Witch #1, Bobcat #2 Vermeer was sadly for them constantly in need of repair and maintenance. From a rental standpoint this didn't work well for them!

Then one day out of the blue Brain the rep from Jesco of Baltimore gave me a call just to check in since he knew I was looking! We got to talking I passed on my new learned knowledge from Gap Power. He then went on to tell me about the SK850 (can add a 300 lbs weight kit $500 then this becomes the PLUS model) which is now called the SK1050. (by the way the SK #'s mean what it can lift. SMART - you ask me no guess work.....lol after all don't you hate that..) Brian went on to let me know they had some good deals on some year old NEW SK1050. Which were very good deals to be honest. If you're looking for a machine be sure to give them a call and Ask for Brain - be sure to let them know how you heard about them - PLEASE. 

JESCO

8411 Pulaski Highway
Baltimore, MD 21237
Phone: (410) 687-1700

DITCH WITCH SK850 PLUS = (SK1050) Gary, Left - Mark Jurus, Right

If you asked me 8 years ago if I would every buy a mini skid steer - I would have laughed at you! NOW I wouldn't think twice about doing it again. Today I did! I was ready and prepared to spend more than any 1 machine I have every purchase! Why because it makes my job easier everyday as my helper. Finding good help has become increasingly harder and harder for many. Although I have always preferred to work alone. Simply easier and less headaches of paperwork, insurance, workmans comp, payroll.... just goes on and one. For me my equipment are my employees. Together we are a team.

My search for this machine has be extremely difficult. Why? All I can guess is that most companies have no reason to sell them. When something works well why replace it?!

I started watching ebay, craigslist, any search I could do. The sad thing, nothing was popping up. I missed one SK850 620 hours which had sold $17,000 at McGrew Auction 1 month earlier - I just wasn't actively looking at that time. I needed to be sure all my finances were in order with winter coming. In other searches I found a Ebay listing for SK850 900 hours w/shipping $20,000 (I don't think that sold.) Then Ebay had a SK1050 - 750 hours IOWA which the auction ended at $21,000 not hitting the reserve, fellow was closing his biz and would have taken $24,000 that's not bad for a $30,000 + machine! 

So when another popped up with out NO IMAGE at McGrew I called (what are the chances?) - spoke with Gary. He said it was coming in - he would get me pics. A week went by after checking everyday on line then it showed up. Yes for auction : ( .   I called Gary he said YES it just came in the day before and I was on his call list. So I wasted no time since it was a rain day Friday drove 30 mins north to Seven Valleys PA. To give this Ditch Witch a spin. WOW it was bigger, quiter, seemed much faster and a lot newer then my little Dingo TX420. Plus what would I do with 2x the lifting capacity. O' I know move more stone to help me do my job quicker. 

Fell in LOVE - then had to wait 1 day to hear if they would sell it outright without going to auction in the next couple weeks. Now one important thing was what are the chances of finding one with in 30 mins. Not to mention it just happened to be the PLUS model as seen in the pics. SCORE!!! It had to be mine. At 9 am Saturday I called with no answer.. left no message I didn't want to be a bother.. moments later with caller ID Gary saw he missed my call - rang me and said yes we will sell it at $00,000. I dropped everything I was doing ask the wife if she had the horses covered. Grabbed the truck and trailer and rolled up the road. 

Life is full of surprises! The chances of me finding this machine in my area at an AMAZING price with INCREDIBLE customer service blew me away. EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR! 

Many Thanks to Gary and Greg for giving the go ahead to make dreams come true. 

If you happen to see a machine you want - call them or just go to the auction!

Please be sure to let them know I sent you. Ask for Gary in sales. They will take good care of you. 

McGrew Equipment Company
2191 Seven Valleys Rd.
P.O. Box 6
Seven Valleys, PA 17360
(717) 428-0922

Ditch Witch Website

Ditch Witch SK850 specs - Brochure PDF - https://www.ditchwitch.com/sites/default/files/SK850%20Brochure_0.pdf

Make	Ditch Witch
Model	SK850
Type	Mini Track Loader
Standard Flow	8.8 GPM
High Flow	13. GPM
Pressure	3625 PSI
Hydraulic HP Standard Flow	18. HP
Hydraulic HP High Flow	29.4 HP
Engine HP	37 HP Yanmar® 3TNV88C Diesel
Width	36 7" track (42) in. 9" track
Lift Capacity at 35%	860 lb. ~ PLUS 1062
Lift Capacity at 50%	1232. lb. ~ PLUS ?
Operating Weight	3100 lb.

Ditch Witch SK1050

Thank you for your time. I hope you this content to be helpful or the links included. Until next time! Mark J.

Equipment - "Dingo" Walk Behind Mini Skid Steer

2012 I found my self busy with building walls in residential neighbors. With limited space on a few of the job sites I wondered how handy a small walk behind skid steer would be? I had seen two other dry laid masons, Russ Beardsley and Dean McLellan who used this type of machine all the time. I had talked to both and they loved them!

Having a skid steer I never even gave it any thought. I had used a mini walk behind once for installing fence posts with a auger. I honestly thought the machine was a JOKE! Until the logistics of minimal space for a large machine on the job site came into play. 

I began doing my homework about a year earlier. I had read great things about the Ditch Witch, Toro and Bobcat. From what I understand Toro was the creator of the concept. Of course you can find pro's and con's on just about any thing made by man. I decide to look at the Toro for couple reasons - easy to get parts locally. Many of the rental shops in my area used them which says something right there- the love them. Affordability! You can find a nice machine with low hours and in a price any one could justify. I didn't want to spend over $7000. 

So I began my search! I had my eyes on a Toro with tires - the price seemed right ($6500, 400 hours with 2 buckets and set of forks add $400 +/- per attachment). After returning from a summer vacation I followed up with the one I had my eye on - only to find out it had been sold.  

In no time I found another one with tracks for $5500 with 800 hours. I was surprised since most track machines normally run in the $8000-$15000 range used. Heck that's nothing if you think thats a lot!  Price out a new one!! Ya this is why I own a skid loader. Who in their right mind would spend that kind of money when a skid steer really gets the job done? Those who work in tight areas. You can't fit skid loader throw a gateway. 

I called the fellow selling a Dingo TX 420 on a holiday Sunday. He said sure I'm not doing anything I can meet you and show you the machine - Heck ya now what I didn't tell you was I had cash in hand when I was coming back from my vacation I stopped at my bank - so I could buy the tire machine. Funny how things work out...in life. Road trip with the dump truck and trailer. After a little loud exhaust leak. I figured I this would be a smart investment. So I bought it. 

For the next several months it sat at my buddies shop waiting in line for service. Only to need a front wheel replacement $300 and a exhaust weld. $500 later I was cleared for take off.

After purchasing my new/used machine and it sat in the shop, I had the opportunity in September 2012 to see Dean McLellan in action in Canada with his Bobcat MT55 at StoneWURX.  We worked that machine around the jobsite like he was the incredible hulk. Moving piles of stone from one side of the building to the other. 

Some great benefits of these types of machines are:

- Lifting on average is 500 pounds with some that can lift as much as 1000 but you'll be paying the $$$ for one of those. 

- Easy to store on the job-site

- Easy to move from job-site to job-site with just about any kind of truck. One average they weigh about 2000+ pounds

- Attachments. - galore...!

- Gas or Diesel engines

- Tire or track choice - Wide or Narrow? YES choices. 

- An employee without the payroll or workman's comp. I say this because truly what you would pay to have a employee in a year doing the work this machine can do - YOU CAN BUY A NEW ONE! Yes it pays for itself in one year! 

-  Gate size widths on average 34 inch wide some with tracks that can move in and out. Other machines have wide tracks.

- Great material mover such as aggregate-loose dirt - mulch

- You can step away from the machine and make adjustments - for example if you need to lift a stone to make adjustments with a strap or forks you can. If you had a full size skid loader you'd have to unbuckle the seat belt get out of a cab - O wait you don't want to crawl under the boom-no no no safety first. With a mini you just walk around and can easily make adjustments from the side of the machine without all the extra hassles. The controls are easy to reach without a great deal of complications.

Cons;

- Does OK with digging dirt and stone - but not like a skid loader will - but hey what would you expect its just a smaller machine. 

- The cost to buy a Mini Skid Steer is about the same as a full size machine?!

- Not great for excavating / dirt grading with the bucket like a skid loader can but will get the job done in little more time.
- Can't lift as much as skid loader can - requiring a little more time moving material.
- Not as fast as a skid loader. Some units will move faster than others average speed is about 4.5 mph (safe speed) some can move as fast as 7 mph ( Yes increased productivity of course at what cost? One wrong move and you're going to feel like a rag doll - not to mention try standing and moving 7 mph all day - yes you will feel like you went to the gym - sore! Or just think about those days on rollerskates once you taken them off you still feel like your roller skating? You decide what works the best for you) 

Cliff notes - a motorized wheelbarrow!

I wouldn't changed anything about my buying choices. A full size skid loader first and a mini if I needed it! Now I need it. This little machine rocks. Every day I use it I learn that much more as to what I can do. 

The Toro TX-420 is a gas machine with a Kohler® Command Pro® Series 20 hp engine. Looking at the market place you have a lot of choices. 

If you need a machine like this be sure you have a local dealer. That the machine fits your day to day needs, then your budget. I've seen the TX-420 selling from $4000- $10000. If you're looking to spend the higher amount try some machines before you buy. Such as having a demo brought to your job site or just rent one or two.

Some might ask why not rent? For me renting never makes sense for a couple reasons. I work part time with stone. To pay for a rental would cost me more then owning. The time picking up and returning the machine is billable labor you can't bill and wasted time. My machine rented locally would cost me $230 a day. 

$6200 -:- $230 = 27 days. YOU DO THE MATH. 

TORO DINGO TX TRACKED MODELS Spec Sheet

Product links:

Bobcat

Boxer  

Ditch Witch

Kanga
Ramrod

Toro Dingo

Vermeer

Other

Power Trac

Looking for a used machine. Check with your local rental shop first, dealer, Machine Trader, Rock and Dirt, Ebay, Craigslist.... etc.... happy hunting

Every Man needs his machines! I just like my back...

Newest Team Member Komatsu PC27 Mini X

In December and January I became obsessed with a hunt for the newest team member a Mini Excavator. I spent hours and more hours - late nights and even later nights. Looking, reading, understanding what these little machines are all about. The last stone job I realized just how much I needed to add a digging machine to the family. 

Today I picked up and brought home a great used Komatsu PC27. Next up I'll be adding a thumb to help pick up rocks, steps, and boulders. 

Welcome to your new Home Komatsu PC 27. Coming soon a blog post : Buying a Mini Excavator.

How To - Set Large Steps /Cap Stones W/Magic Wedges

Recently I finished up some steps and cap stones. On this project I realized I needed a better mouse trap to help me with this job of placing 44 2'w x 3'l x 2'.5"-3'.5"h. Each stone weight in around 150-250 pounds. Just enough to make these easy to move but not really. 

I started with moving the stones into place with my dingo and PVC 1" pipes to roll them around. 

Related Blogs:

Tool - BIG Stone Rollers (by DSWA Certified Mason/Instructor T.J. Mora)

Tool - Small Stone Rollers

This second step I placed a string line on my rebar across going back so I had a quick reference for my height. The chalk line on the first steps just gives me my placement for my over hang edge. 

This is what I found in my work trailer for my better mouse trap. I had made these to help me adjust my arch frame (seen below) to make it level. 

They didn't work as I planned since I made the angle to steep. So they just sat, and sat and sat some more in my trailer un-used. With out a purpose they felt left out. Until now!!

I had cut 2 2x4's and screwed them together making wood wedges.

I use them by place them under the stone that I need to set. First to help me to get to my height. Next I slide them in or out in order to help level off the stone (or pitch the stone down for water run off)

I use a level on top to check to make sure the stone is set level. With the string line across I can easily get the stone to the correct height with minimal guess work or measuring over and over again. Wait theres more - Yes your right thats children's play chalk! You caught me.!! Sometimes I get board working alone so I leave myself notes like - Good Job keep up the great work or I just play Tic Tack Toe. - No just kidding only to help make removable markings.  Little self motivation on rainy days could be nice. O wait it will just wash away : (

Now when all else fails I just get the big arms out to do all my heavy lifting. Yes I do have a thumb on this machine - Some times the strap is just a softer solution for placement. Now if you don't have one of these amazing machines to assist you maybe an extra person will do the job or just roll them into place. I place large boards down on my wall to protect the small stones during placement. Then I place my caps down. First in order for me to see what needs to be cut, trimmed or modified before wedging them up. Notice my collection of wood boards just incase my wooden wedges are not tall enough. I place extra wood or stone underneath then build up with stone under the cap/step then slide my wedge in to give me the chance to fit the last of my stone in under to cap/step stone. 

Related Blog:

Equipment - Buying a Mini Excavator

So let me recap since I missed the most important part stone under the cap. 1) Roll cap/step stone into place. 2) Lift stone to height with wedges. 3) Use wedges to adjust stone to level or pitch down for water run off. 4) MISSED content -Place stone under the caps/step stone in order to fill the voids with correct sizes stones typically needing to be tapped in. Helping to make good contact to help set the stone on top of the wall. Now I could talk more about this subject but I have another blog that does just that. I just wanted to share my Better Mouse Trap - The Wooden Wedge. Of course this is just my madness of how I do it. 

What's yours?

Related Blog:

How To - Set Flat Cap / Cope Stones

How To - PA Blue Stone Steps - Beechdale Rd, Roland Park MD