2.7 Ton Mini Diggers - Any Buying Tips ?

[V8RX7]

Hi,

I have borrowed a mates 3/4 ton micro digger in the past and found it invaluable and hired in a 7T for the bigger jobs.

So I was thinking about buying a 2.7 ton one (or perhaps a 1.5) as then between us we'd cover more jobs yet we could still tow it around rather than getting a farmer to move it.

His 3/4 JCB machine isn't a patch on his 3/4 Kubota and I wondered if anyone knows makes to buy / avoid in the larger machines ?

I've found a few tips on what to check but more are welcome

Also what is considered high hours ? 4000 ?

Looking on Ebay tidy ones see to be £5 - 8k for a 2000-07 with 1400-4000 hrs

Thanks

[roofer]

Check the common brands amongst the big hire companies, they usually go for the more robust machines.

[Gingerbread Man]

Kubota was what we always used (hired) when I was landscaping. Always nice to use.

[Steviesam]

Whats up with the JCB?

[V8RX7]

It has needed various repairs including the seal between the tracks / body which wasn't cheap.

It also judders a bit whilst the kubota is smooth and has been faultless

[Woody3]

I've just sold my Kubota 2.7 tonner, which I had for just over a year. Was a cracking machine, it was a proper work horse. Albeit a tad older than what you are after, it never let me down. I'd have another tomorrow.

I was warned to stay away from JCB mini diggers/360's. Volvo's are supposed to be up there with the best, but unsure if you'd get a tidy one within budget?

Oh and if you are going to be towing one around, a 2.7 tonne is going to be very borderline in terms of towing weights. Fuel, buckets, mud,etc soon push you over the 3.5 tonne limit on a typical plant trailer.

Edited by Woody3 on Wednesday 5th February 23:51

[V8RX7]

Thanks - I'm aware it's borderline but it's mostly for personal use so wouldn't be towed often / far - also behind an F150 it won't look too big / heavy