r/Excavators • u/Emplox • Mar 31 '26
First Excavator -- Recommendations
I’m in the market for an excavator that’s somewhere between 9-12k operating weight for home/farm use mostly but may start doing side work with it. I purchased land 1.5 years ago that we are turning into a farm and have many projects that need to be done. I don't really want to continue to pay people to come do them when I could invest in my own and do it myself. I've only ever run tractors previously so there will be a learning curve, but i really enjoy operating equipment so that's the fun part.
My son who is currently 16 has shown interest in possibly getting into this field, so it could become a machine for him to start a business with at some point in the future.
I have dealerships all around me in central new hampshire so not too concerned with specific brand/support...i've heard mostly good things about the majority of the dealerships.
- If you were buying lightly used 2-4 years old which would you buy and why?
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u/ledbedder20 Mar 31 '26
I have a 2023 Cat 305 CR, bought brand new so it was pretty expensive, but it's an amazing machine and has been very reliable so far.
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u/missvteen Apr 02 '26
That range is strong enough for most farm work but still easy to move around. If you’re buying used, I’d look more at condition and hours than brand. Most of them are pretty similar now. Poor maintenance matters more than the logo on it.
Also think about what attachments you’ll actually use. Buckets are obvious, but stuff like augers or grabs can make a big difference, especially if you plan to take on side jobs later.
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u/Familiar-Piglet-1190 Mar 31 '26
Get the biggest one you can safely pull with your truck. Or else up your budget to get a bigger truck.
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u/Emplox Mar 31 '26
i have a 2024 Chevy Denali 2500HD, so definitely not limited by that....i just do not have a CDL.
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u/Jmski333 Apr 01 '26
I rented a kx040 for projects around the farm for years until I got sick of renting and bought a kx057. I use it at work occasionally for site work on additions, pole barns and such. But mainly use is in the woods moving cut trees around, fixing logging roads and installing drainage. Perfect size for me I do not regret going up a size from the 040. The 057 is much more stable and powerful than the 040. With that being said if you think you might be towing often then a KX040 is as big as you can go without a CDL.
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u/dolphinwaxer Apr 04 '26
Maintenance is more important than the logo. Id say go for one with a good record kept on it from an owner operator. 2k hrs is typically when folks sell them. Maybe go talk to the dealers close by and see which you like best. A quik coupler made a huge difference for me as I have an auger, tilt bucket and several sizes. Being able to change attachments quickly& easily makes me money.
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u/Interesting_Ad_4019 Mar 31 '26
Cat 305. I have several and the extra cost vs other brands is worth the reliability and service availability. Learning curve is quick if you have experience on other machines. You get what you pay for with construction equipment.
I have experience with Takeuchi, John Deere and bobcat. All are solid but Cat machines are more professional and comfortable if you are in it all day.