Storrsy
Well-known member
5-6 ton definitely hits a bit of a sweet spot IMO They're pretty capable and a world apart from anything towable but still can get them in and work in places with out have to raise the canopy on all the trees8ton would be the next size up for me, but I’ve driven many and really don’t see a huge advantage over my 6ton, I’d rather the 15/20k in my pocket and the job take 10mins longer in a day! So when you coming to have a go @Gunners ?
So many jobs I've had mine on where a 3 tonner wouldnt stand a chance but 8ton plus would start to be a bit physically large. There's a good argument for any size machine though I find.
GazCro
Well-known member
The cost between the 6 and 8 tonner certainly makes you think about whether an 8 is worth it but for me the 6 tonners nearly stand on a patch of ground as big as an 8. If the 8 fits its way more productive. I've also done a few jobs where the 8 tonner has been able turn round with the bucket going over obstacles which a slightly smaller machine wouldn't and so would have been a lot more awkward. Something else to think about is attachments go up in price with bigger machines as well if you really want to optimise them.5-6 ton definitely hits a bit of a sweet spot IMO They're pretty capable and a world apart from anything towable but still can get them in and work in places with out have to raise the canopy on all the trees
So many jobs I've had mine on where a 3 tonner wouldnt stand a chance but 8ton plus would start to be a bit physically large. There's a good argument for any size machine though I find.
R
rossandson
Well-known member
It definitely was good fun! But also I think because don’t use big kit all the time.
Sometimes small is beautiful and easier plus more skill required quite often that people don’t realise.
Storrsy
Well-known member
And this is the trouble- basically we all need pretty much every size from a micro up to a 13 tonner but just have to find a compromise somewhere along the line. I guess if you only run one or two new machines it's finding that balance but given how diggers hold their value I think there's definitely merit in the one man band setups having 4 or so different sizes of older kit, it's rare your ever be left in the lurch even in the event of one breaking down. I really don't think think I've lost much money on any of my diggers over the last 5 years or so.
6
6feetdown
Well-known member
Yeah we had micro tb016 5 ton and 8ton in last few months of 2021
D
DaveDCB
Well-known member
I guess I sit in the middle with the 6ton, anything smaller micro/1.5/2.5 i can pick up for £60 a day the same day and if I need anything bigger I get someone in on a 13t for afew days and that’s generally plenty for what I need, or if it’s longer the local plant company has every size up to 36ton on self drive 
Furniss
Well-known member
I have 1.7 - 3 - 8t machines - I reckon for a lot of our work à 6t would be ideal that's why I'm sorting one ... but I'm tempted to keep the 8t just in case ... cos unless it's a direct replacement size wise there's always an excuse for keeping the old ones 
V8Druid
do it as well as you can,but learn to do it better
doubt you'll ever get a better price for it s/hand, than at the moment though KevI have 1.7 - 3 - 8t machines - I reckon for a lot of our work à 6t would be ideal that's why I'm sorting one ... but I'm tempted to keep the 8t just in case ... cos unless it's a direct replacement size wise there's always an excuse for keeping the old ones
...... but know what you mean .... they don't eat or drink and'll almost never drop below a certain point in value, especially looked after
Furniss
Well-known member
Dated but tidy old bus 5700hrs 2012 and not much to go wrong.doubt you'll ever get a better price for it s/hand, than at the moment though Kev
Had 1000hr service and wash over Christmas.
V8Druid
do it as well as you can,but learn to do it better
6
6feetdown
Well-known member
Nice clean looking machine
Storrsy
Well-known member
Ill have it off you if you don't want it!
Storrsy
Well-known member
Thats surely had a paint job? Looking at the dipper and counterweight, no rust runs on the white cab etc. Or do you just touch it up here and there?
Gunners
Well-known member
Payment in baguettes and cheese only
Storrsy
Well-known member
Haha suits me. And a roadtrip to France- I'm sure I could twist Rory's arm to go down there in his lorry to collect
GazCro
Well-known member
Bit risky though if he's sees something in the nettles for himself there be no room for your digger.Haha suits me. And a roadtrip to France- I'm sure I could twist Rory's arm to go down there in his lorry to collect
Furniss
Well-known member
Ive had it 6 years about .... i saw it in original condition(few panels painted up in company's colours) so had some of it re painted, like most of us I don't generally like painted machines but Clements plant who I bought it from said you wouldn't tell and tbf they did a first class job and hard to distinguish from factory and its lasted very well.
Since then its only had me driving it ,mostly light work and 2 or 3 light scratches on counter weight touched in, oh and i don't need to clamp shite against dipper .... few marks on it but its not bad....we just don't do that kind of work.
D
DaveDCB
Well-known member
Good to know the quality of Clements plant paint from a owner after afew years, seen they have a proper booth etc.
Gunners
Well-known member
Haven't updated my thread for a while. Lots been going on this year and I wont bore you all with every job but this one below was a good one. Took an existing track, installed drainage, kerbs and surfaced with tarmac for the school I work for. All completed in the holidays before the kids went back. Got to white line it in half term along with some other areas. Biggest road/ car park area I've ever done pleased with it considering I had to make the design up including the levels! No point having GPS on these kind of jobs - I don't even have a drawing!
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