Introduction and question

[cretecorp]

Howdy ya'll,

I am a loyal reader of this forum for the past 1.5 years and have just decided to become a member. I was hoping to tap into the collective here for some advice on a purchase I am contemplating. I am currently in the market for a new mini-ex and having a tough time deciding between these 4 machines: Cat 305 long arm, Komatsu PC55MR-3, Yanmar Vio-55, and (zipping up flame proof suit) Bobcat 435 long arm. I have demo'd all these machines and I realize that there is a large price difference seperating them. Assuming price is not necessarily a major factor, what would your preference be and why?

In my opinion each machine has it's strong points but not one of them shines above the others. In our area I would consider our dealer support to be strong for all except maybe the Yanmar. This machine will mainly be used for concrete removal, loading dump trucks, grading and digging out foundations.

I appreciate any feedback.

[bobcat_ron]

Anything with a big cab scores high in my book, Komatsu and Cat are the longest running names in the market.
Bobcat still has to prove that they can keep up with the best out there.

[YellowDogSVC]

welcome to the forums..

Enjoy the search for the right machine. You can't go wrong with demoing one.

[SellingIron]

Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you know what you are in for, since you have been watching for 1.5 years. :dizzy: Did the 435 have the fasttrack drive system?

[AWJ Services]

Cat, Komatsu, yanmarr, Bobcat in order of personal preference.

What will you be doing with it?

[Junior M]

I'd go with the machine you feel most comfortable with and have the best dealer service from..


Of course performance is an important thing..

[cretecorp]

Yes the Bobcat did have the Fast Trak, long arm, cab, and hydraulic x-change. In fact we used the 435 for a week on a demo job and loved it. Positives on the Bobcat were the track speed, thumb and blade designs, maintenance access, price and hydraulic coupler. Negatives were mainly the fuel consumption, engine noise, buckets, and lack of automatic idle and other creature comforts of the Cat and Komatsu. If it were not for the poor experiences that I have read about, I probably would already have purchased one.

As far as cabs go, the Komatsu has them all beat hands down. The cab is huge with post-less rear windows and a really nicely designed sliding door. It also is very quiet. Overall it reminds me of our Hitachi with the exception of the cab.

[Junior M]

Yes the Bobcat did have the Fast Trak, long arm, cab, and hydraulic x-change. In fact we used the 435 for a week on a demo job and loved it. Positives on the Bobcat were the track speed, thumb and blade designs, maintenance access, price and hydraulic coupler. Negatives were mainly the fuel consumption, engine noise, buckets, and lack of automatic idle and other creature comforts of the Cat and Komatsu. If it were not for the poor experiences that I have read about, I probably would already have purchased one.

As far as cabs go, the Komatsu has them all beat hands down. The cab is huge with post-less rear windows and a really nicely designed sliding door. It also is very quiet. Overall it reminds me of our Hitachi with the exception of the cab.
I've never heard of anyone having bad luck with a 435?

[cretecorp]

Mostly I will be using the machine to breakout and load concrete, grading, and some minor foundation excavation. Currently I use our Hitachi ZX35U-2 to do this work but it is not easy loading a transfer truck with concrete chunks with such a small machine.

[cretecorp]

Junior M,

I have not read much about the 435 specifically just Bobcat in general. If I remember right, some people seemed to have trouble with the Fast Trak motors and hydraulic overheating. Also of concern is Doosan buying Bobcat and wondering if they will even continue production of the 435 or replace it with some other E series.

[SellingIron]

The X337 LA is compared more to the other models you have listed. If auto idle is something you think you need. The New E60 from bobcat mite be an option..I'm asuming the X435LA was the cheapest one quoted right..I can get you a spec chart for all four models if that would help..

[cretecorp]

SellingIron,

Actually the Yanmar and Bobcat were very close in price. I am looking for a zero or tight tail swing version and I thought the 337 was conventional so it was not considered. I would love to browse the specs if you have them available. Also, I think the E60 might be a little too large for us since we are trying to stay under 12K. Are they offering the Fast Trak on the new E series?

[SellingIron]

Yeah, the X337 is a conventional machine but bobcat compares it to the other machines. I haven't heard anything on the fasttrack system being used on the E-Series. I will make some calls..Specs will be posted shortly..

[AWJ Services]

Komatsu has really some of the best controls on the market.

I hate Bobcat.LOL

I own a Kubota so none of these machines would be on top of my list but I enjoy running Komatsu's the most.

[cretecorp]

AWJ,

I understand that a lot of people dislike Bobcat. What is it that you dislike about them? What Kubota do you have and how has it treated you? I tested a KX121 in 06' but was a little turned off on how cheap it seemed to be constructed, so I bought a Hitachi. Though, I can not say now that I made the right decision.

[ksss]

Junior M,

I have not read much about the 435 specifically just Bobcat in general. If I remember right, some people seemed to have trouble with the Fast Trak motors and hydraulic overheating. Also of concern is Doosan buying Bobcat and wondering if they will even continue production of the 435 or replace it with some other E series.


I would try and get a Takeuchi to demo. Don't know if you have a dealer in your area or not but there are some large TK dealers in Wa. The TB153FR is a kick ass excavator. We pull a lot of concrete, and demo. Very capable, the slide boom verse the swing boom is hands down a better system. Give one a try before you buy.

[J. Peterson Grading]

How long are you going to sit in the machine? Is it an all day deal, or just short spurts?

I went with My Volvo ECR58 because of its comfort and ability. Its also built heavier than everyone elses mini excavators. Just look at the boom and stick. Way beefier than everyone elses. But the trade off is the Volvo is pretty un-stable in the ballence department.

If I had to do it again, I would have went with an EC55B. Its got and aZZ behind it, Making it more stable and a bit more power.

The Doosan, Volvo and Hyundai 55s are basically the same machine, and I would take any one of them any day.

I also Have a Ditch Witch MX35. Its a PC35 painted red/orange. Its a damn good machine, but its so un-comfortable to be in for more than a couple hours. Cab is small, and super hot. (You sit on the motor) But, its a dirt digging, concrete ripping, Animal!!
And its good on fuel.

If I were you, I would stop looking at the specs and go try one out. Something can look great on a spec sheet and dig like shi7 in real life.

J.

[AWJ Services]

AWJ,

I understand that a lot of people dislike Bobcat. What is it that you dislike about them? What Kubota do you have and how has it treated you? I tested a KX121 in 06' but was a little turned off on how cheap it seemed to be constructed, so I bought a Hitachi. Though, I can not say now that I made the right decision.

My experiences with Bobcats are with machines with a few hours and they are just not a finesse machine.

My work requires trench digging in really hard clay.
Tak and Kubota where the only 2 machines that really have the power to do what I need in the 6 ton class.
I really like the Kubota and I have really no complaints. To me there is no better 6 ton machine.
It has speed, power, stability and a decent cab.

You really cannot go wrong with most any excavator made .
For Finesse and precison work I would go Komatsu
For power and really working the machine hard I would go Tak, Cat or Kubota.

Just my opinion.

[GWhunter]

Crete, if you've already got a Hitachi why not look at the current Deere/Hitachi mini's. A 50d/60d is in the same class as what your looking at.
I also just ran a Case mini and it was nice unit. I've heard real good things about the Takkie's but no dealer support can be an issue.

Matt:)

[SellingIron]

Here is the Spec Sheet..

[SellingIron]

Fastrack will be on some new models. If you have time to wait, they wil be out in a couple of months. I hope this helps.

[mdlwn1]

AWJ,

I understand that a lot of people dislike Bobcat. What is it that you dislike about them? What Kubota do you have and how has it treated you? I tested a KX121 in 06' but was a little turned off on how cheap it seemed to be constructed, so I bought a Hitachi. Though, I can not say now that I made the right decision.

Im no expert. My experience has been that Bobcats across the model range were loud and vibrated a lot while inside the cabin. Cats were always very smooth to operate and seemed to have much less vibration. I have no knowledge of technical differences between the models

[mrsops]

Cretecorp did you demo a cat 305ccr? If so i own one its a great machine tons of power and very smooth.. I also have a bobcat 334 which has been a very good excavator since day 1.. I demoed a bobcat 435 last year and i liked it a lot i came very close to buying it. Don't listen to some of these bone heads on here bobcat builds a fine excavator they hold up well.

[mrsops]

Im no expert. My experience has been that Bobcats across the model range were loud and vibrated a lot while inside the cabin. Cats were always very smooth to operate and seemed to have much less vibration. I have no knowledge of technical differences between the models

Over the last few years they took care of the vibration and the noise problems

[mdlwn1]

thanks..............

[cretecorp]

Thanks everyone for the great input. I am not considering Hitachi or John Deere for this purchase as I am not really that satisfied with the machine we currently have. I did test the 305cr and am quite interested in that machine. It was very quiet and smooth with lots of power. The drawbacks have been that my dealer is only interested in selling me an 08' that has been sitting on his lot (old stock). Also I want a hydraulic coupler, but he is not interested in trying to get one installed. Lastly, the thumbs look like cheap junk. Besides that the Cat is a really nice machine.

I checked out Volvo's website and was blown away by the retail price of those machines. They sure look nice and seem to come standard with just about everything that is optional on the other manufacturer's machines. It might be worth looking into.

[cretecorp]

Selling Iron, thanks for the comparison chart. Do you know if Bobcat is coming out with a size smaller than the E60? Also, did you mean that they will be installing Fast Trak on the E series? Thanks again.

[SellingIron]

Selling Iron, thanks for the comparison chart. Do you know if Bobcat is coming out with a size smaller than the E60? Also, did you mean that they will be installing Fast Trak on the E series? Thanks again.


Yup, The fast track drive system will be on a couple of the new E-Series excavators. They should be out in a couple of months, but we shall see. The new models are betwen the E35 and E60. Auto Idle etc. Have demoed and the E35 and its smooth and quiet..