Anyone Know Anything About Excavators?

[Ken]

I've been looking for a Bobcat excavator to clear and maintain the "back-yard."

Well, one philanthropic organization I represent has offered to give me a much larger excavator. (Don't ask how or why they have it, but it's all very legal.) I'm told that it's not that old and is in good condition. They'll even deliver it for free in appreciation of the many courtesies I've extended to the members over the years.

Here's my problem. I don't know crap about excavators, how to operate one, or how to maintain one. Neither do my clients. More importantly, I don't know what to look for to make sure I'm not taking on a piece of junk I'll never be able to get rid of (after I clear my property, assuming I don't knock my house off its foundation. ) The only earth-movers I've ever run are bobcats and backhoes.

Any suggestions or advice out there?

[peter nap]

I've been looking for a Bobcat excavator to clear and maintain the "back-yard."

Well, one philanthropic organization I represent has offered to give me a much larger excavator. (Don't ask how or why they have it, but it's all very legal.) I'm told that it's not that old and is in good condition. They'll even deliver it for free in appreciation of the many courtesies I've extended to the members over the years.

Here's my problem. I don't know crap about excavators, how to operate one, or how to maintain one. Neither do my clients. More importantly, I don't know what to look for to make sure I'm not taking on a piece of junk I'll never be able to get rid of (after I clear my property, assuming I don't knock my house off its foundation. ) The only earth-movers I've ever run are bobcats and backhoes.

Any suggestions or advice out there?

That's a pretty broad question Ken. Without knowing what kind of machine, I can't give much specific advice....but, they're all generally the same except for size. The controls are bucket up, bucket down, bucket tilt up, bucket tilt down.

I am going to assume it is NOT a track machine.
Check around and make sure parts are available and where.
Check the hoses and hydraulics. Check the tires (Tractor tires are expensive)

Check the clutch.....If it's a tractor based machine, you may have to split it to replace the clutch and that's a PITA.

I don't know how big your yard is or how big the machine is but generally speaking and within reason, bigger is better.

It should have a PTO and a three point hitch would be useful although if it;s an excavator, I doubt it will have one.

[Ken]

Thanks, Peter!

I am going to assume it is NOT a track machine.

It's a track machine........

I don't know how big your yard is or how big the machine is but generally speaking and within reason, bigger is better.

The yard: 3½ acres. 2 acres need a lot of clearing out. Nice trees, but tangled with vines and jammed with scrub growth. I also have a very old, very large, 2-story shed that has to come down, and a lot of other stuff (concrete slabs, etc.) way out back that need to be cleaned up.

The machine: I haven't seen it. I'm told it's a helluva lot larger than a Bobcat.

[peter nap]

Thanks, Peter!



It's a track machine........



The yard: 3½ acres. 2 acres need a lot of clearing out. Nice trees, but tangled with vines and jammed with scrub growth. I also have a very old, very large, 2-story shed that has to come down, and a lot of other stuff (concrete slabs, etc.) way out back that need to be cleaned up.

The machine: I haven't seen it. I'm told it's a helluva lot larger than a Bobcat.

The track machine i going to compact the soil a little more.

The controls are still straight forward but depending on what it is...you may need to learn to steer with your brakes.
A little practice is what it takes.

Make sure it is running well and again assuming it's a Diesel, make sure the plug in heater is working. Some can be a pain to start in cold weather.

Is this a front end loader or backhoe?

[Ken]

The track machine i going to compact the soil a little more.

Oh yeah. I had an tracked excavator at my Mass home in 2003 when I terraced the property. They unloaded it in the street. The track marks are still in the pavement and will be until they resurface the road.

Is this a front end loader or backhoe?

Not sure. The way it was described to me, it's less than 10 years old and in good shape and may be a bit smaller but looks pretty similar to this:

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[peter nap]

That's a lot of machine for 3.5 acres.....I'd love to have it though.

It will do what you want, cost a fortune to maintain if you keep it and be an eyesore to store.

There will be a learning curve to uing it but you can get the hang of it quick enough.

If the price is right and it's in good shape...I'd break my arm getting it

[Pal334]

You are going to make Hope jealous. As he once said, keep the yellow side up. I do suggest you look at it to make sure it is not a quarry machine. And a smart fellow like you can figure it out

[Ken]

That's a lot of machine for 3.5 acres.....I'd love to have it though.

It will do what you want, cost a fortune to maintain if you keep it and be an eyesore to store.

There will be a learning curve to uing it but you can get the hang of it quick enough.

If the price is right and it's in good shape...I'd break my arm getting it

I think the one I'm talking about is somewhat smaller. I've got plenty of room to store it out of sight. I may get someone to operate it to do what I need done (hiring an operator is much less expensive than hiring an operator AND a machine) and then just sell it at a fair price. Yeah, I know they go for really big bucks if they're in good shape.

I'm gonna' try to get a peek at it today.

You are going to make Hope jealous. As he once said, keep the yellow side up. I do suggest you look at it to make sure it is not a quarry machine. And a smart fellow like you can figure it out

Pal, if I can figure the thing out, I may be on my way to a less stressful line of work.

Hey,Hope!

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Hey,Hope! [/QUOTE]

That's Sooooo cold Ken!!

[Ken]

That's Sooooo cold Ken!!

Colder than Alaska?

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Colder than Alaska?

YEP colder than Alaska!! (Alaska is baked right)

[Ken]

YEP colder than Alaska!! (Alaska is baked right)

Uh, huh.

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[Ole WV Coot]

If you didn't want tracks I always seemed to use a Termite more. Right now I could probably use the Bobcat for a small leveling job faster, but with the termite I can get the footers at the same time faster. Guess comfort level and ease of maintenance for me.

[Pal334]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pal334
You are going to make Hope jealous. As he once said, keep the yellow side up. I do suggest you look at it to make sure it is not a quarry machine. And a smart fellow like you can figure it out

Pal, if I can figure the thing out, I may be on my way to a less stressful line of work.

And a bit more fun also

[2dumb2kwit]

Um...Ken.
You may not believe this, but I'm a Grading and Excavating contractor.
I'm also friends with a used equipment dealer. I can help you out with any questions you have, and with selling it.

*Snicker,Snicker.......Whodathunkit!*

[Ken]

Um...Ken.
You may not believe this, but I'm a Grading and Excavating contractor.
I'm also friends with a used equipment dealer. I can help you out with any questions you have, and with selling it.

*Snicker,Snicker.......Whodathunkit!*

Thanks, 2dumb!!!
You may just get yourself a truckload of clams out of this!

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[Mountain Man]

I`m jealous!

I soooo wish you were my neighbor, I want to dig my pond and that thing would be perfect! Not to mention the other 2 or 3 acres I want to dig out for shooting range.

Congrats!
Let me know specs / sale price if/when you sell.

[Pal334]

Um...Ken.
You may not believe this, but I'm a Grading and Excavating contractor.
I'm also friends with a used equipment dealer. I can help you out with any questions you have, and with selling it.

*Snicker,Snicker.......Whodathunkit!*

AIn't it great when a plan comes to gether. ( or plain luck works just as well)

[2dumb2kwit]

[CENTER]Thanks, 2dumb!!!
You may just get yourself a truckload of clams out of this!

Not if you want any of my help, I won't! LOL

[Ken]

Not if you want any of my help, I won't! LOL

Chourico?

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chourico
Pronounciation: shor-EE-se

Note: This is a heavily seasoned Portuguese pork sausage.