How many hours is a lot for a mini excavator?

[IamBruce_Driver]

This is for the operators and mechanics out there.

When you are buying a used machine, which is the bigger red flag: a mini excavator with relatively low hours (like 1,500) but no verifiable maintenance records, or one with super high hours (like 5,000) that comes with a full, documented service history?

 

[Buildscope]

I’d take the high-hour machine with full records any day. Low hours don’t mean much if you don’t know how it was treated or serviced. A well-maintained excavator can run strong past 8,000 hours, but neglect can kill one before 2,000. With the high-hour unit, you can see what’s been replaced and spot patterns of care. The low-hour one could be a gamble unless you can inspect it closely or get oil samples tested.