Exploring Yanmar B17 Mini-Excavators: Finding the Ideal Machine with Original Parts and Strong Performance

Question:

For approximately 8 months, I have been scouring the market for mini-excavators from top brands such as Kubota, Takeuchi, and Yanmar. Despite viewing numerous options, none of them convinced me enough to make a purchase. Feeling determined to widen my search, I recently inspected a Yanmar B17 model that was advertised with over 2000 hours but turned out to have 7400 hours - a case of mistaken identification! Another Yanmar B17 with 6000+ hours was also available for sale, but I found the hydraulics lacking in strength. Subsequently, I examined a worn-out Takeuchi machine along with another Takeuchi TB0 15 model that seemed hastily put together. However, my search gained momentum when I came across a Yanmar B17 with 4000 hours on the clock. Despite showing signs of weathering, this machine surpassed all my expectations with its robust performance, original components, and well-maintained undercarriage (excluding the track tread). The owner, having owned it for an extended period, was willing to negotiate a deal for cash. While there is some play in the main boom pins, the overall condition of the excavator is impressive. Rust is a concern in certain areas, and an oil change is on the agenda due to the limited usage since August 2007. A speed limiter issue was resolved, and a small mishap involving a broken hose ended with me getting "baptized" by antifreeze. As I look for English and European manuals (Owners, parts, and service), any recommendations or leads are greatly appreciated. Thank you for the valuable advice and support in my journey as a novice in the field of mini-excavators. Mike (Note: The revised text has been optimized for SEO by including commonly searched keywords such as mini-excavators, Kubota, Takeuchi, Yanmar, machine condition, hydraulic strength, undercarriage, rust, speed limiter, and manuals.)