The extensive dealer network and wide range of available parts offered by Cat make it a valuable choice for me.
Bobinpa mentioned having friends with a 303.5 D and a 308 E CR, while also transitioning from a 304 E CR to a new 305.5 E2 CR. Despite the change, no issues have been encountered with these machines. The reliability of Caterpillar machinery is highlighted, with the value it offers being worth the investment. The availability of parts and dealer network for Cat equipment is considered a major advantage. movindirt also emphasized the importance of dealer support and parts availability when choosing equipment. Ultimately, the preference leans towards Cat, Kubota, and Volvo due to their strong track records and competitive pricing for attachments and equipment. This decision was solidified by the proximity of Cat and Kubota dealers compared to a distant Bobcat dealer, making maintenance and support easily accessible.
I have owned a Cat 304CR for 9 years, experiencing only minor issues with the battery and a couple of hoses. I am now considering upgrading to a newer Cat model in the near future.
User caterpillar13 shared their experience with their durable Cat 304CR excavator, which they have owned for 9 years with minimal issues. They are now considering upgrading to a newer Cat model. This serves as a testament to the longevity of Caterpillar equipment. I will be visiting both Kubota and Caterpillar dealers this week to test out their 1.7-ton and 3.5-ton mini excavators.
I have had a total of four Kubota machines in our rental fleet, all of which have performed flawlessly. Regular maintenance, such as track replacements and routine lubrication, has kept them in top condition. Surprisingly, I have never had to replace a hydraulic line on any of them. One standout feature of Kubota equipment is that they manufacture their own engines, adding to their reliability. Additionally, having a dealer located just 20 minutes away has made servicing and support incredibly convenient.
Bill Smith shared his positive experience with the Kubota rental fleet, noting that he has never had any issues with the equipment. He highlighted the durability of Kubota machines, mentioning that he has never had to replace a hydraulic line. One standout feature of Kubota is that they produce their own engines. Additionally, the convenience of having a dealer nearby adds to the overall positive experience.
In our own experience with Kubota zero turn rentals, we have found them to be reliable and efficient. It is worth noting that Caterpillar also manufactures their own engines for the majority of their products, and these engines are of high quality.
However, a potential drawback of using Kubota equipment is the possibility of wanting to expand the fleet to include Cat excavators for larger projects. This would mean dealing with two different dealers, utilizing different parts, and potentially needing different attachments, which could be cumbersome.
I understand your point, Bill. But what if you have a negative experience with the dealer? As they say, it's wise not to rely entirely on one option. It's important to diversify your investments and not put all your eggs in one basket.
Bill Smith responded by acknowledging the importance of not putting all of your eggs in one basket when it comes to dealing with a dealer who may frustrate you. If the dealer's actions become too irritating, it may be wise to explore other options or take on the task of servicing the vehicle yourself. It's essential to consider alternative solutions when faced with challenging situations in order to maintain control and ensure a satisfactory outcome.
How reliable is Cat's parts availability? There are concerns about the quality of Cat customer service - can anyone share more information about their experience with OEM support?
billman555555 shared their positive experience with Kubota zero turn rentals, stating that they had no issues with the equipment. They also highlighted the fact that Caterpillar manufactures their own engines for majority of their products, emphasizing the quality of their engines. However, they expressed concerns about the potential hassle of having to deal with different dealerships, parts, and attachments if they were to add Cat excavators to their lineup. It was noted that Cat has some engines labeled as their own, sourced from Kubota and Perkins in the past. Additionally, it was mentioned that some Cat mini excavators are produced by Wacker-Neuson. The preference was expressed for Deere/Hitachi or Kubota as top choices.
When considering a purchase, it's crucial to prioritize the quality of dealer service. Even if you have a top-of-the-line machine, your satisfaction may be compromised if you face long waits and excessive fees for parts and service. Choose a dealer that offers efficient service and fair pricing to ensure a positive ownership experience.
We own two 308crE2's that may not be considered mini excavators, but are on the smaller side for us. These machines are equipped with Mitsubishi engines, similar to our CTLS. We have encountered several issues, such as loose track sprockets, a faulty hydraulic cylinder on the boom stick, and a melted AC fan switch on multiple occasions. Additionally, the guard on the blade cylinder is flimsy and easily breaks off, while bucket shims wear out quickly. Both machines have gone through three alternator belts in a year. Despite these challenges, they are still effective at digging.
After renting a Bobcat e85 that outperformed the Caterpillar machines, we decided to purchase a new e42 Bobcat, which we are very pleased with. Our experience with our 20 Caterpillar machines has been disappointing in terms of service, while our 7 Bobcats have been reliable. While Caterpillar machines are popular, they have been a costly headache for us. Best of luck with your search.
Upon further evaluation of my choices, I have decided to reconsider the Kubota U series excavators. I recently tested both the Cat 305.5E and the Kubota U55-4, and they both exceeded my expectations in terms of performance. As I narrow down my options, I will be taking into consideration factors such as parts availability, customer support, servicing, and additional testing before making a final decision. Your assistance has been greatly appreciated throughout this process. Thank you!
Hello there Billman, I currently reside in Brisbane, Australia (OZ) where I operate a 3.5 ton excavator for my plumbing, draining, and general hire business. Over the years, I have owned a TB138fr Takeuchi, ZX35 Hitachi, and now an E35 Bobcat. Recently, I test drove a brand new 303.5e Cat excavator and was impressed by its solid construction. However, despite the specifications indicating otherwise, I found the Bobcat to be faster and have more breakout power. The Cat representatives were not pleased with my feedback, but I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. The air conditioning in the Cat was just average, similar to my experience with Hitachi, while the Bobcat's air con is almost freezing. This has made me hesitant about purchasing a Cat later this year. I would need to compare them side by side with the same bucket to truly assess their performance. I also considered a Kubota U35 initially, but was put off by the amount of bodywork hanging over the tracks during certain rotations. My friend's Kubota KX121 (4.2t) impressed me with its durability over 7000 hours of use, and I am curious to see how his new KX040 replacement holds up. Cheers, diga.
Hey there! I'm Billman. I live in Brisbane, Australia, and run a business as a plumber, drainer, and general hire contractor. I've operated various excavators over the years, from brands like Takeuchi, Hitachi, Bobcat, and most recently, Cat. I recently test drove a brand new 303.5e Cat excavator and, although it seemed well-built, I found that my Bobcat was faster and had more breakout power.
I was excited about potentially buying a Cat, but after the test drive, I have some doubts. I would need to compare them side by side with the same bucket to truly see the difference. The air conditioning in the Cat was average, similar to my Hitachi, while the Bobcat's air conditioning was almost freezing.
I originally considered a Kubota U35, but I noticed some bodywork hanging over the tracks during rotation, which was a concern for me. I'm curious to see if the newer models like the KX040 have addressed this issue. If you have more details about the specific model you were looking at, that would be helpful.
Cheers,
Diga
Hey there, I had a 2014 U35 where I noticed some bodywork hanging over the left-hand side track when rotating in an anti-clockwise direction with the cab facing around 10 or 11 o'clock. While I think Kubota machines are top-notch, I decided to go with the E35 Bobcat after comparing it directly to my 2012 ZX 35 (800hrs) in the same conditions. The Bobcat outperformed the Hitachi in terms of speed and digging power, despite only having a slightly higher horsepower. Many people I know swear by Kubota machines for their reliability and longevity, but the Bobcat just seemed to have an edge in this specific scenario.
I will research that a bit before making a purchase decision. Thank you for your assistance, my friend.