Search results

The John Deere 35D excavator usually has an operating weight around 7,672 pounds (according to web source). That weight makes it a mini excavator, so it's light enough to manage wooded hillsides better than a big machine. The low weight helps with stability on slopes and reduces the ground...

On most CASE machines the fuse box is under the seat or behind the right-side panel by your leg. Some models also have a small panel behind the cab door that pops off. It’s usually marked but kind of tucked away. If the fuel gauge quit, I’d check those fuses first before chasing wires.

From what I’ve seen, prices aren’t dropping anytime soon. Demand is still high, and supply is limited because of export rules and used equipment shortages. If you’re planning to buy, it might be better to act now rather than wait for a big price drop.

Traditional trade skills are still needed, but they are not enough anymore. The field is changing too fast, and contractors need to learn the new tech just to keep up. Skills like BIM (Building Information Modeling) are essential because they fix problems before you ever break ground. And...

What helped me was showing up on time, doing the work right, and asking questions when I didn’t know something. People notice that stuff fast. And if there’s a chance to learn a new skill or run a machine, I take it even if it’s small. Little things add up, and you move up quicker than you think.

I’ve used a CAT 308 a bit, and it does the same thing. Rocks keep coming up after leveling. I usually pull them out with the bucket and move them off the road. Sometimes I make a few extra passes with the blade to smooth things out. It slows the job down, but it keeps the surface cleaner.

A backhoe makes more sense when you need one machine to do a bit of everything. It can dig, load, and move around the site without much setup. And if the job isn’t deep digging all day, the lower rental cost can save you money. I’d pick it for smaller sites, light trenching, or work where...

I used SmartEquip a few times and it didn’t feel like real-time diagnostics to me. It’s more of a parts and service platform with manuals and breakdowns in one place. It’s handy for ordering parts and checking diagrams, but I still rely on the machine’s own system or a proper scan tool when I...

Too late reply but I’ve done this once before, and yeah, it depends on the dealer and your lease terms. Some will let you roll the balance into a new lease if you’re upgrading with them. Others will hit you with early termination fees. Best to ask your dealer directly, they sometimes make...

It’s usually handled by transport companies that specialize in moving heavy equipment. They use lowbed or flatbed trailers and secure everything with heavy chains and straps. Most of the time, they won’t ship until payment is cleared to avoid problems. It's true tho, ff the buyer changes their...

Yeah, 15° is around the point where things start to feel sketchy. It really depends on the operator and how the machine’s balanced. Best to go straight up and down, keep the bucket low, and avoid sudden swings.

That really depends on the make, model, and how it’s been looked after.

Between the 75-2 and 95-2, I’d say go with the 75-2 unless you’re dealing with really heavy loads all the time. It’s easier on fuel and still powerful enough for most farm work. I’ve also seen smaller setups like the Rhinoceros XN08 mini excavator...

Ah, classic one that. Happens to the best of us, mate. A slipped track usually means you’ve hit a bit of uneven ground or had the tension set a touch loose. First thing, lift the side that’s slipped off just enough so the track can move freely. You can use your boom and blade to balance it, but...

Been there a few times myself! In my case, if my mini digger won’t start and I need to move it, the safest way is usually to release the hydraulic travel motors so it can be pushed or pulled a short distance.

Around here, a 3-ton mini usually rents for about $250–$350 a day, depending on the area and how long you keep it. If you’re doing grading, a tilting or wide grading bucket saves a lot of time. You might also want a rake bucket if there’s debris mixed in.

I’ve never seen one actually unscrew itself. The swing bearing is built to handle rotation both ways. What can happen is wear if the machine always swings in one direction, but it won’t loosen like a bolt. Regular greasing and checking the bolts on the slew ring should keep it fine.

Hey folks, I’ve got a few questions about mini diggers and excavators. I’ve been running a small 3–4 ton machine, and it’s great for tight spaces, but I’m still learning its limits. How often do you check or grease the swing bearing and bucket linkage? I’ve heard different answers, and I don’t...

Same here. You’ll want to go through a quick pre-shift check before every use. Look for leaks, loose bolts, and track wear. Make sure the fluid levels, safety lock, and attachments are secure, then test controls and alarms before digging. Always check the area for utilities or unstable ground first.

In real-world use, once you’re digging near the max reach (around 8–9 ft) on a 3–4 ton mini, efficiency and stability start to drop fast. If you’re constantly working at full arm extension or need deeper, wider trenches, it’s smarter and safer to step up to a 5–8 ton machine.