Best mini excavator?

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kolaictjn

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I’ve used quite a few mini excavators, but the Bobcat E165 really impressed me. It was super easy to handle and packed the power needed for trenching tough ground and lifting heavy loads in tight spaces.

What about you? Which mini excavator has wowed you, and what accessories do you consider must-haves?
 
I think about this maybe a bit differently than everyone else. Down time kills project timelines so I buy based on the availability of maintenance.

Personally I think Kubota & Bobcat has the best coverage, that's just based on dealerships and rental companies in my area though, not sure about others.
 
Agreed. Downtime is a killer.

Kubota is where we disagree. I had the best luck running CAT 305E2. They tackled everything reasonable we through at em over the years. More expensive out the gate but the cheapest thing ain’t always the best deal. When the hours start racking up, that Caterpillar’s gonna keep humming while you’re shelling out for repairs on the cheaper models.
 
winston_wisdom said:
Agreed. Downtime is a killer.

Kubota is where we disagree. I had the best luck running CAT 305E2. They tackled everything reasonable we through at em over the years. More expensive out the gate but the cheapest thing ain’t always the best deal. When the hours start racking up, that Caterpillar’s gonna keep humming while you’re shelling out for repairs on the cheaper model
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I get where you're coming from, but I think it depends on the kind of work you're doing. While the CAT 305E2 is a solid choice for long-term reliability, I’ve had great experiences with Kubota, especially in tight, maneuverable spaces. They are not as pricey upfront, but their durability and low maintenance costs have been a great balance for me.
 
It really comes down to what you need the mini excavator for. If you’re working in tight spaces, Kubota and Bobcat are great for maneuverability, but if you're putting in serious hours and need long-term durability, CAT is hard to beat. Anyone have thoughts on the Yanmar VIO series? I’ve heard they’re pretty solid too.
 
Just jumping in as a new guy here and lots of great takes! I’ve mostly run Kubota and Bobcat, and they’ve been solid for me, but I’ve been curious about Yanmar too.
 
I’ve heard good things about Yanmar as well! It seems like a solid choice, but I haven’t had the chance to run one yet. Has anyone here used one long-term? would love to hear from your experience :)
 
I’ve mostly run Kubota and Bobcat too, both have been solid. Yanmar seems interesting, but I haven’t had hands-on experience. Anyone here put serious hours on one?
 
Lots of solid opinions here! Sounds like Kubota, Bobcat, and CAT are the go-to choices, but Yanmar is getting some interest too. @John Davis and @HeavyWrench1986, I’m also curious—anyone run a Yanmar long-term and can speak to its durability and maintenance needs?
 
winston_wisdom said:
Agreed. Downtime is a killer.

Kubota is where we disagree. I had the best luck running CAT 305E2. They tackled everything reasonable we through at em over the years. More expensive out the gate but the cheapest thing ain’t always the best deal. When the hours start racking up, that Caterpillar’s gonna keep humming while you’re shelling out for repairs on the cheaper models.
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I hear you on CAT being a tank long-term, but I gotta disagree a bit. I’ve run Kubotas for years, and they’ve held up just fine without the steep upfront cost of a CAT. Plus, parts and maintenance are usually cheaper. Sure, if you’re pushing max hours every day, CAT might edge it out, but for most jobs, I think Kubota is the better value. Anyone else had a different experience?
 
Hey everyone!!

The main debate is between CAT, Kubota, and Bobcat for mini excavators.

CAT, specifically the 305E2, is considered the best for long-term durability and handling heavy workloads. It has a higher upfront cost but holds value well over time.

Kubota is more affordable, offers great maneuverability, and has solid reliability for most jobs. It also has lower maintenance costs compared to CAT.

Bobcat is known for being easy to use, having good dealer support, and working well in tight spaces.

Yanmar is getting some interest, but there aren’t many long-term reviews from users in the thread.

Overall, CAT is the preferred choice for heavy-use operations, while Kubota and Bobcat are strong contenders for maneuverability and affordability. Some users are curious about Yanmar’s long-term performance.
 
Great breakdown, Marlouie! Definitely seems like CAT is the go-to for durability, while Kubota and Bobcat win on cost and maneuverability. I’m also curious about Yanmar, does anyone here actually put serious hours on one and can vouch for its reliability?
 
Great points all around! Seems like CAT is the long-term workhorse, while Kubota and Bobcat are solid for maneuverability and affordability. Since we're talking mini excavators, what about attachments? Any must-have buckets, thumbs, or augers that really improve efficiency on the job?
 
Lots of great takes here! CAT is a beast, but Kubota and Bobcat definitely hold their own. Anyone here tried a tiltrotator attachment on a mini excavator? Feels like a game-changer for precision work!
 
Some solid insights here! Sounds like CAT is the long-term durability champ, while Kubota and Bobcat are great for affordability and maneuverability. Yanmar is getting some interest too, but not a lot of long-term user feedback yet. @Helen Armstrong brought up a great point—what about attachments? Anyone here using a tiltrotator or other add-ons that really improve efficiency?
 
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