Alan wrote in message
.com...
Hi,

I bought a 1.5 ton Kubota second hand from a local dealer and consider
it to have been an excellent buy.
I halved the cost with my neighbour (perhaps sharing the cost is an
option for you?) and am confident that we would get most of the cost
back if we sold it today (5 years on).
We're not planning to sell it so that is irrelevant but it has
undoubtedly paid for itself - probably not quite in the cost savings
over hiring but in the time and convenience. If I have a job to do, no
matter how small, I just fire up the digger and do it - no hand digging
for me these days!.

It sounds like you don't have quite such a long term need for it as we
do so you need to seriously think if planning your jobs and hiring is a
better bet.
Also consider that it might get in the way on a small plot and that you
will have to insure it (or risk having it stolen uninsured) and that
you will have the hassle of buying and selling and risk buying a lemon
and capital will be tied up in it. A small machine may not be
physically capable of doing what you require.

Also consider getting a machine and driver. They could probably do all
your work in a day. If you drive it yourself, you will have to learn
how to use the machine and then take time getting skilled at it -
perhaps time better spent doing something else.

If you do go for it - do your research - there are a lot of completely
knackered machines out there. Also be careful you don't buy a stolen
machine.

Alan.


Thanks Alan,

All good points to ponder. Having watch a few prices go high on Ebay in the
last few days, I'm begining to question my original plan to buy.
I'm also told my employer has a corporate discount deal with a national tool
hire chain which features 40 to 60% discount off listed rates and free
delivery to site. Seems worth looking into!

Bob