Snow Farmer
Member
Hey guys, looking for opinions here.
We have a good low hour backhoe (2004 Cat 420D, 1,500 hrs.) here on the farm, but I have been thinking about trading it for a 'midi' excavator.
Found a 2012 Cat 308D-CR at the local Cat dealer, it has 5,227 hours on it, has approximately the same capabilities as the 420, except won't dig quite as deep (15' vs. 18') I've been thinking that an excavator on tracks, especially with a thumb, would be more versatile on the farm. We don't contract backhoe services, just use it for general digging, trenching, hoisting, and also some loading, but we have a farm tractor & a skid steer for shifting gravel, dirt & manure.
It is handy for travelling to the farther corners of the claim (2 - 3 miles one way)
Is the 308 a good machine?
Is 5,227 a lot of hours (too many hours?)
Will it run a smaller mulcher? (3 or 4 foot, 308 does 35 gpm)
Thanks in advance
We have a good low hour backhoe (2004 Cat 420D, 1,500 hrs.) here on the farm, but I have been thinking about trading it for a 'midi' excavator.
Found a 2012 Cat 308D-CR at the local Cat dealer, it has 5,227 hours on it, has approximately the same capabilities as the 420, except won't dig quite as deep (15' vs. 18') I've been thinking that an excavator on tracks, especially with a thumb, would be more versatile on the farm. We don't contract backhoe services, just use it for general digging, trenching, hoisting, and also some loading, but we have a farm tractor & a skid steer for shifting gravel, dirt & manure.
It is handy for travelling to the farther corners of the claim (2 - 3 miles one way)
Is the 308 a good machine?
Is 5,227 a lot of hours (too many hours?)
Will it run a smaller mulcher? (3 or 4 foot, 308 does 35 gpm)
Thanks in advance