New kx27 or keep the old u27 (tired)

[0121tree (jack)]

Hello everyone

Looking for real world advice on a purchases of a new kubota kx27-4.
Kubota are offering less then 2% over 3 years

Currently I run a 2016 u27 (tired ex hire fleet purchased when we first started 4 years ago) 3500 hours have spent a fair few thousands on maintenance and is constantly increasing. it’s out on jobs 65% of the time, are we are only getting busier, There’s lot of attachment I would like to get but hesitant due to my current machine having an odd ball hitch and they wouldn’t be transferable without major modifications.

My concerns are the depreciation of a new The 2000 hours probably 10-15k

 

[Gunners]

I'm assuming you do tree work judging by your name? The kx27 will be a lot more stable than the U27 with the counterweight, you can also spec the twin aux lines for running a selector grab etc which might be useful in your game. I think the kx27 has a 4cyl engine too which should give it a bit more grunt, if not be smoother worst case at idle. I know the kx30 is a popular machine for the tree boys with bigger aux output for flails etc, and a bit more weight for lifting. But downside is its heavy to tow too (barely legal with no attachments or mud on the tracks which may or may not bother you)

Whatever machine you decide on, depreciation with plant isn't really ever a major factor to consider. Everything depreciates, but the advantage of an excavator is it can earn you more than it costs you! If your getting downtime with your existing machine from breakdowns, and see a potential upgrade in performance/ more attachments to improve productivity, and you have plenty of work coming in - then its a no brainer!

 

[doobin]

My Bobcat E27 depreciated 12k over four and a bit years and 2000 hours.

I’d call that an utter bargain. That’s £6 per hour to have no worries and everything covered under warranty.

 

[Storrsy]

The KX027-4 has surprisingly poor lifting over the side in terms of stability. Less than quite a few zero tail swings. I guess because it's so narrow at 1400mm. Nothing is more expensive than down time so if your U27 is starting to cost you money in repairs it's going to be cheaper to have planned finance and a reliable machine to turn to each day, plus you can get the extra hydraulics specced for rotating grabs and the like- looks tidy and professional etc.

 

[Storrsy]

My Bobcat E27 depreciated 12k over four and a bit years and 2000 hours.

I’d call that an utter bargain. That’s £6 per hour to have no worries and everything covered under warranty.

Can still pay better to find a good used model but this is where I struggle- nothing decent out there and if there is it's top money- waste of time. My TB125 has cost £1.40 and hour in deprecation, so has made me an extra £15k over buying new, and it's bottomed out now more or less so every job it does is basically pure profit.

 

[doobin]

Can still pay better to find a good used model but this is where I struggle- nothing decent out there and if there is it's top money- waste of time. My TB125 has cost £1.40 and hour in deprecation, so has made me an extra £15k over buying new, and it's bottomed out now more or less so every job it does is basically pure profit.

I hear you and you know my figures on my jcb 86c…

But for a main / only frontline machine- if £6 per hour depreciation is too much I think OP should look closely at his business viability.