used mini or new?

T

TCtreeswinger

Branched out member
I am slowly starting my own small tree company. I plan to run pickup and dump trailer (used) and a mini. I am not a mechanic by any means but am tenacious when I'm broken down. I've been looking at used minis in the 10000 dollar range. So my question is, is the savings on capitol worth it for breakdowns when half the time I'll have to bring it in or should I spend the capitol to buy new? What can I expect to break on machines with approximately 1000 hours? Any input would be great.
 
Usually, when you're just getting started, downtime is cheaper than time. Once business gets cracking, payments are cheaper than down time.

1000 hours isn't that much on a diesel powered mini, around half the life of a gasser's engine.

The main wear items are the engine, pump, and drive motors. All are replaceable, usually commonly available rather than dealer only.
 
That's a good point about downtime I'll be buying an arb trolley well before mini anyways so work won't have to stop. Thanks!
 
The key is to buy a well taken care of machine. Get the maintenance records and build a relationship with the previous owner. They can be invaluable when questions arise. I purchased a machine with 1k hrs on it (gas) and it was quick to pay for any work I may have to put into it this winter. It is amazing how much you can do with them after working so many years without. I would buy used in a heartbeat again if it was taken care of.
X2 on the trolley idea
Lumberjack is spot on with the time vs breakdown comment. When small you have time. But when you are busy you just need that machine back... Now.
 
Yes I know there value in time and back saving I've used them for several years now. I've been looking on craigslist and machine trader websites anyone have any luck with these or are you buying from colleagues and such?
 
You starting your own tree service...better get some mechanic skills realized! Hydraulic, electrical and welding also helps too. Shit breaks. Your accumulation of technical prowess pays off many times more as things progress. To the point, you be making enough money to pay others to do what you know needs to be done. That said...for an owner operator doing tree guy thing a mini is a leap in efficiency. The mini is the money! We use it all the time. We have a early 2000's era ram rod 900t, turf tires with a branch manager grapple. I bought it for $5,500 5 years ago. Recently we re powered with new 25hp kohler and replaced the pump, for about $3,000. You buy this used, good luck taking it anywhere to get it fixed in a timely cost effective manner, figure it out, onsite hopefully, the resources are available on line (forums like this maybe)or a call away to the manufacturers. If you can do tree work, you can work on the equipment you will depend on.
 
Haha I was just reading about that frashdog and my mechanic skills have definitely improved over the years im just not confident they are up to par with you folks. But like my diesel tech friend says " its all nuts and bolts"
 
I got a Vermeer 600 with a Kubota diesel and about 400 hrs for 10k, GREAT investment. Haven't had much to do on it in three years, rad rebuild (80$) and starter rebuild (120$). At least being able to turn a wrench is a must, you should get good at it quick :)
 
You have to watch surrounding city Craigslist. I got a '02 dingo 420tx for $3400 earlier this summer. I ran and got it the first day I saw it about 2 hrs away. Old rental unit with like 1500 hrs on it. Used it for the summer and just had new engine installed for $3200. So I'm at $6200 and I have 2 hrs on a new motor. Need a set of tracks soon tho. I use the Craigslist app and I check everywhere within 4 hrs of me for all kinds of stuff. Dump trucks, minis. There's deals you just have to stay on the prowl.
 
I bought a dingo 425 with the wide tracks with 1300 hours on it. New engine was put in at around 1100 hours. I paid 8,800 for it from vermeer northeast. It was a trade in. I just purchased a brand new branch manger grapple. That combo has been amazing for us. Just used it today to do some pruning and it was really sweet. Kinda overkill but a good opportunity for us to get used to the grapple.
I would say buy used and keep looking. Their are deals around, you just have to be ready to jump on them.
 
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