Such a fantastic conversation! Thanks for bringing us along.

Thanks, Stan! I am returning a CAT 302.7 and 303.5 because they both feel under powered (especially in the swing gears) and twitchy (un-safe when compacting on road edge cuts in the mountains because they have a computer, which activates solenoids to determine how much power to give or split among what hydraulic commands). CAT service has been INCREDIBLE with trying to diagnose/get more power. If I did not live in Western NC (mountains) then it would probably not be an issue or as much of an issue. But, in the mountains, where I am always on a slope, trying to swing uphill has to be easy and tracking along slopes has to be totally predictable. I am going to demo a CAT 304 because it is a 20hp jump up from the 303.5 but only weight 400-800lbs more. That extra power may negate these issues...don't know 'til I try it. However, in the mean time, I am looking at other companies...especially Kubota...because the balance, power, hydraulic over hydraulic, breakout of bucket, traction seems tops or close to it! (especially when comparing across 4-ton machines: Deere, CAT, Bobcat, Hitachi, Yanmar, Volvo, Case, Takeuchi).

That's some salesmanship right there, technical knowledge delivered eloquently on-camera while walking. I see why you drove to buy it there!

I have a Kubota u55 and I love it. Never once left me down. Replaced starter and tracks and sprockets. Best machine ever.

I ran alot of them, you did good. I just swapped my yamnar for a new u55, love it! Ive ran the 40s for a few years, great machines for the size. It will out lift almost every other brand that size.

Forty years running equipment, I own the same mini, tough little machine, very dependable, easy to maintain, congratulations

I have a Yanmar Vio35. Absolutely love it. No major issues. Hydraulic quick coupler is a must if you plan on changing buckets regularly. Huge time saver. Plan on moving to an SV40 in the next couple years.

Bought my Kubota U55-4 used about 2.5 years ago with 1000 hours on it. Has been super reliable and I run it pretty hard, with it running a Prinoth mulcher head on it most days. I’ve put 1000 hours on it in 2 years with no issues other than a few external hydraulic hoses and a new track. I hate that I missed you at the Equipment Expo. Really wanted to meet you! You inspired me to become a KZfaqr about 3 years ago and it has changed my life!

Finally your getting a good machine, been waiting for this for 6 years! I was using a KX71 back in 2003, with an extend-a hoe. No A/C but it did have heat.

I have had 4 of the 040’s and have never had a problem with them. Kubota usually has 0% financing for 48-60 months on the machine and I trade them in and get a new one every five years. Best work horse out there👍.

I love running those 3-6t Kubota diggers. So tidy and easy to use. Plenty of power and just fantastic to use. Also need to add a quick hitch to it.

Only thing I could knock the excavators for when I’ve ran them was, the blade is not made for cutting dirt at all, it’s strictly made to push loose Material, which isn’t a make ya or break ya but it was aggravating. They’re good machines from the baby ones to the biggest they make👍Stan we gotta get you switched over to cat controls lol, we call your farmer controls John Deere controls down here in Indiana.

I have a KX 033-4. It’s a great machine. Only problem I had to this point was a snapped Zirk fitting. Machine digs great and the angle blade is nice

Iam retired now but when I had a property maintenance business not too many years ago Kubota equipment performed the best. Currently I have a BX23S compact tractor for our own property maintenance and when our 14 year old lawn tractor dies its replacement will also be Kubota. I always go for dependability in equipment and Kubota for skid steers, mini ex, lawn and compact tractors they have always been a treat to own and maintain. One last thing the service backup is excellent but during Covid parts became a problem. It seems that parts and accessories availability is mostly back to normal now. Nice mini ex Stan. I know Blaine is going to enjoy it as well. Cheers 🇨🇦

Excellent video Stan! Thank you for sharing with us!

I have a lot of hours on a kx57-4 it’s a great machine you made a good decision don’t worry about the emissions if you run it correctly it will be trouble free just limit the idle time

Kx121-3 6 way heat /ac cab , absolutely amazing machine ! Zero issues 3400 hrs I would some paint fading …. That’s it

Top marks to that salesman, nice to have someone who is honest & has a thorough knowledge of the products he sells, & not pushy..

I have built and sold a few houses. I just bought a 10 acre farm that is breaking up into 3 smaller properties including a 5 acre farm. The first perk was buying a used kx0404. It feels like just the right size. I never drove an excavator before but am enjoying learning...eventhough it took a couple hits to learn that the boom sticks out further than my L47 TLB boom. You are going to love it.. personally I think its an absolute honor to own a Kubota. I can feel an orange high flow skid steer in my future..

Looking forward to seeing more videos featuring this machine in the future, I've used mini excavators including Kabota only a couple of times before. I want some proper training on them so I can get a license to be a full time operator but no one will pay for me to do it so I'm stuck just doing bits and pieces every now and then, but perhaps now I can learn something more about them from you.

We bought the KX 033-4 back in 2020. We have about 700 hours on it. The only thing the machine is ever needed was a radiator because the plastic reservoir cracked and Kubota fixed it under warranty. Otherwise great unit. We know the feeling we drive over three hours to a certain dealership because all our local dealers cater to the bigger companies, and if you’re a smaller company, they don’t care about your business.

Very informative video Stan, thanks for sharing.

I have put about 2,000 hours on a kubota 40. I love that machine. It’s never given me an issue mechanically. It’s built well and holds up. I do a lot of concrete demo and I use the mini ex the most. 4-6 inch you can use this machine exclusively. My only complaint is when you’re rocking/bucking the machine around you can knock the pattern lever down and you lose some controls, flip it back and you’re good to go.

great video, good machine. I just traded my 5 yo KX040-4 up for a KX057-5 because I wanted an additional auxiliary circuit and to get the new cab features loaded with the rear camera, telematics, etc. If the -5 was available on the KX040 I would have gone that route because the power to weight ratio was very good. Will have to see how things shake out on the 057-5. Thanks for taking us along on your trip.

He was a real stand up guy . I would definitely go to him when I’m ready for a machine

So I sold my JD 35 with over 4000 hours, John Deere did not want my business and never had anyone that would call me back when I wanted to order a new one. I went to Bobcat, and almost bought a E42 but their financing process too long and I was hearing how long the rental companies had their excavators out of service due to parts shortage. I had a 15 min call to my Kubota dealer, within 2 days they found a U55-5 and I had it the next week. Great machine so far, the U55 handles trees and heavy lifting in tight areas for what I needed.

I have a Bobcat 435 (10,500 lbs) zero swing. Bought it used 5 years ago with 2900 hours. I got lucky, it wasn't an abused machine. Nothing like buying new though. Nice Kubota, good luck with it Stan.

I bought a similar version of this machine new in 2014. kx121-3S, 10500 lb ,6way blade. Best machine I ever bought. Tier4 great machine is all I can say

My tips for buying used equipment are 1. Buy the greasiest machine you can find, it was at least greased. 2. Buy in the off season when guys need $ because work is slow. 3. Look around the oil pan for RTV, telltale sign that it leaked.

Congrats on the KX-040! I have one too. I chose it mainly for it's lifting capacity. All mini's in that size dig about the same. However, the KX-040 will lift much more than a Cat 304 and do it for substantially less money.

You buy from a dealer that can service it and provide parts. They all will have their issues to some point, more than others. I have a Doosan and love it, great service in my area is why I bought it. Best of luck with the new machine, I think it's a great purchase.

19 Kx040-4 open cab have put 800 hours on it and never have had any issues what so ever only complaint is hitting that aux button everytime you lift the lever up when getting in and out.

Top resale,engineering simplicity,notoriously good reputation,dealer networking and parts,all good reasons to buy kubota.Several great brands manufactured today,you can't go wrong with kubota products.

Holy crap. Your ace hardwares are intense out there!!!

This was very helpful on deciding which mini excavator to purchase.

That's one heckuva dealer!! We have the KX71-3 that is perfect for towing behind a 1/2 ton pickup. Nice machine you got there!

I would have got the hydraulic coupler right away. Saves tons of time. Makes you much more efficient on job sites

Both of you guys are smooth operators. Sales and the magic flow of your equipment.

Hey Stan, your neighbor to the north here....got a new 48U-5 from Lano's in Anoka last year. Love the zero tail and plenty of power. Had a open cab 131-3 awhile back until it was stolen off a jobsite. This heated and cooled unit sure is comfy. Good luck with the precip we got coming in, hopefully the temps stay up...😎

Great machine! We’ve had our kx040-4 for five years now, the machine is a reliable beast!

Good video as usual and great looking 70k investment......can't go wrong with a kubota

I have to say I love this video... the no nonsense information here is great. Being a new civilian operator professionals like the both of make me 😊

I have had a kx40-4 for about 3 year. The machine is awesome ! I can say enough good things for the price point

I am looking for one in the future. I ran them years ago. I am over with all of the technology. Extra outside lights would work. Other than that. Turn the key. Put the arm down. Go to work. Thanks for sharing this one.

Congratulations and best of luck Stan!

I bought a U-55-5 last year...never looked back. That machine has been incredible work horse around the farm...clearing land and blazing trails like nothing

I bought a cooper rental Bobcat skid... and I'd do it over and over again. I am very confident that the machine was maintained well.

About 5 years ago i bought a Kubota U-25 mini Xsight unseen from a equipment rental outfit in Nebraska, it had 315 hours on it. When it got here (I used USHIP, truckers bid, went great) it was every bit as good as they said, it was a great transaction. 2 years of use and I sold it, thinking I was done moving dirt (wrong), quickly for what I paid for it, and all I did was grease it and put diesel in. I'm a crane opterator, and appreciate smooth controls, the U-25 had them. What he said about the extra counterweight v. a bit more tail swing over the U series makes perfect sense to me. Some great eye candy in that store!

Welcome to Wisconsin!! They are well-known. Big time dealer. I have driven by them many times.They take up half the town.Hope the new iron works well for you. Thanks 😊.

Bought a new E 42 3 years ago for a going out of business present to myself, similar to that machine you just bought. Ran all the major brands over the years, small differences, no complaints. I went with Bobcat because the customer service was just outstanding at that particular dealer I purchased from, and when you're spending that kind of money on a tool, or toy in my case, gut feelings do matter. It was also 4 hrs from my home.

I have the Kubota U35-4, about 1100 hours. It is a great machine. Very powerful for a 9,000lb machine. No major issues, just regular maintenance and a new set of tracks recently. I would highly recommend Kubota equipment.

Stanley as a former governmental employee, never buy from a city, county, state or federal government auction on surplus equipment, while we have fleet maintenance, it is done by people who may or may not be qualified to work on the equipment, and many time the maintenance records are not accurate and our massaged many of the times. Just like on our fleet for the state, oil changes was done 9000 mile, but the records showed it was done at 3000 miles. Also the equipment saw a lot of abuse from the employees who would run it hard, and abused it. And the sad truth it is that way in all 50 states, when the equipment is owned by the individual worker it was better cared for, but the governmental equipment they treated hard.

Stan you bought Kubota to go with that nice orange trailer. Wise choice.

Gotta love buying from someone you can trust. & if that software works well on documentation, that's worth its weight for resale, not to mention proper maintenance, protecting YOUR investment... & anybody (well... Lol!) can tow it, I'm sure makes a diff (tho I've had my chauffeur/comm lic. since '77, harhar!) Thanx for the ride around, looking forward tl.the real life review too!

I bought a KX41-3V last year…. I love it…. It goes with my Kubota BX25D tractor and 1984 Chevy C30 dump truck to make up my side business… Stanley’s Tractor Service… I’ve been working in Landscaping for over 30 years… 25+ at my local Government

Love my 97 skid steer! The 333g deere is my favorite to run. Nice cab good visibility but that electronic coupler for attachments! It's a BIG problem when u use them to push snow

Having around 6k operating hours on a kubota kx057 and 080 together, I can agree with the salesman about how nice of a machine kubotas are. The only downside to these machines is how uncomfy the seat gets after about 8 hours of operating. It makes sense putting in a big comfy chair for operators. Our backs get way more fucked up then any cdl truck driver ever could. I'd also recommend getting a custom bucket ordered for this machine, it can handle a 5' shallow bucket no problem whatsoever.

sweet new mini, now you need an engcon!

I was the guy that went around smack talking, if it wasn't yellow or said cat, Komatsu it wasn't a really excavator. Well these days I'm eating crow ( Eating my own words). I use a local rental company for my smaller jobs and have grown to like the Wacker Neuson mini's. The ez36 and ez26 are my choices. The 36 with the thumb and enclosed cab is a great machine. Has more room inside than a cat and might even be a little smoother even after being a rental and we all know how abused rental are. My next buy will be a Wacker and would love to hear your thoughts on them in a video

Nice ride Stan!

Nice video. Kubota seems to have a very full lineup of excavators and if you need one for homeowner jobs a smaller no tail swing may be a good choice. The KX 40 punches above its weight. Go Heat and AC - Man Up in Comfort...

What a great sales associate! I really appreciate this video a lot!!! Wish I could go there and start a relationship with them and buy from their store! It is honestly pretty dang difficult to find really knowledgeable folks who are also honest and cares about the customer’s best interest besides their own!! I’m a female and have a little bit of background from summer work in construction when I was in college and I really enjoyed it and the people - good people is my experience. But I ended up switching majors from Civil Engineer to Chemical and Environmental Engineering and ended up working in semiconductor manufacturing in yield and data analysis, then left to start a more “family friendly” insurance agency business which I did 7 yrs until I ended up selling it after my second child (high risk pregnancy early on then complications post birth for a couple yrs - both of us are doing great now, hallelujah!). So, ended up becoming a stay at home mom and an opportunity presented itself - to fix up a 4 unit property we acquired, which I did part time for a couple yrs and as old tenants moved out. I’ve loved getting back into this kind of work again and all the learning, and my husband has helped teach and guide me a lot! ❤️ Really rewarding when you can see the fruits of your labor complete! Now I’m lookin to take classes (so far KZfaq is the only teacher I know of but still, I’m Learning! Sometimes I even share w my husband;)). I’ve since learned how to use a larger John Deere Tractor (my dad would be so proud! Lost him when I was 10 but he owned a John Deere store and also built houses as a Civil Engineer), which I’ve used to help me rebuild our driveway with permeable pavers! I was able to also help my husband fix mold in drywall impacting 4 rooms in our little 1500ft home which had occurred due to long standing water heater leak we hadn’t known about for years! We have also been saving for a long time to build a nice family home on our current lot to replace our low quality, 1950s 1500ft cinderblock house. We thought we finally did it but after talking to architects and modular home people, somehow according to them it would be $400/ft2, which is absolutely ridiculous and almost insulting and makes me angry for everyone in America! But we know what we paid to do full renovations to a 4000ft 4 unit property which doesn’t come close to what they are telling us it would cost. So unfortunately we have concluded this means we will have to do it ourselves even though hubby is working full time! And now im really feeling the pressure!! I feel like it must be “me” to do it! I wish my dad were alive to be besides me and coach me along the way. I would know I could do it then with his help! But since he isn’t around anymore im trying to do the next best thing - learn on my own and through trial and error. How great it would be to work w a sales guy and shop like this one in the video: who I could TRUST to give me good, honest, and wise advice. Heck, maybe he’d even be willing to hire me part time and I could learn while making some money at the same time! 💝 im sure a place like that, especially in a smaller town probably knows some subs or handy men too to potentially refer to someone like me and my husband - especially if I was doing one aspect of the project where it may be more efficient, even cheaper, to use multiple people or get it done faster! Sorry, long winded female here! 😂 Just excited to be participating and sharing stories in the industry! Ps we are in Vancouver WA area, close to Portland OR . If anyone knows of any classes, mentors, or good shops I might want to check out as far as residential home construction building from scratch, please let me know! I’d love to learn welding also. 🙏🏼💙 Thank you for allowing me to share.

The Richie Bros thing reminds me of our old bucket truck. It came from I80 Bucket Truck Sales in Illinois which suspiciously had a fire right before they were going to be investigated by the state. It had the 6.0 Powerstroke which they said was bullet poofed (it was always in the shop) and anything they didn’t spray paint white was sprayed with black bed liner.

Mr. STANLEY HEADS UP @10:15 the control switch. If it moves down slightly it’ll seem like you have very very slow movement it’s causing a bleed over between cat/deer it drove me crazy for about a hour until I figured out what was going on. And I’ve had cat, komatsu,deer, and Bobcat. My kubota by far is the best. That’s 20 yrs of experience with the 14,000lb excavators and down. Plus the two thumb options slim and wide for easy cleaning up right from the factory. Everything else is one style.

Congrats on your Kubota KX040. I am out in Northern California and last year bought a U17 Kubota from my local dealer GARTON Tractor. I have never been disappointed in my purchase. We of course are a pretty good span away size wise but for what the machine is capable of for the size they are amazing. I looked at others and design and being the Manufacturer name through and through was a deciding factor. I have made modifications to the Thumb and have a few other ideas for foot control track peddles. I couldn't tell if yours has foot peddles but I am sure you know it makes operation more functional. I'll keep keeping an eye out for future videos

I am taking delivery in the next few days of a new 1.8 KG (4,500 lb.) VOTE Machinery VTW-18 mini-excavator with thumb, cab, and adjustable width tracks purchased from China. I could not find anything used or new under $25,000.00 in my area (Seattle, WA), that was under 6,000 lbs., that I can easily get into back yards going through gates and narrow spaces between houses. The cost from Vote machinery was $11,800.00 new. There was $2,100.00 in shipping and warehouse fees, and there will be sales tax and Federal import taxes as well on top of that. I expect to be into the machine under $16,000.00 when all is said and done. It has a Kabota power train. Good luck with your new Kabota.

My plumbing and drain company uses a kx-074 and so far it’s been amazing. There’s about 400 hours on it and never gave us an issue yet.

Great machine I love mine. Money maker. Some great attachments.

So I just bought a JD 35D back in October from a independent dealer and after going threw it replacing some things that were pied together and cleaning it up. It appears to not be a bad machine but for what I paid for it if I could do it all over I probably would have bought a Sany with a 5 year warranty included.

I own the exact same machine except with the very rare six way blade. Great little machine with 1500hrs and I've had very few issues. Issues have been that I found that the pins and bushings wear out a bit faster then they should and ive had the main pin that holds the bucket and thumb break once due to a faulty part. Other than that I'd buy it again any day.

I prefer yanmar, but dealer support is key, you have a good relationship with your salesmen.

Nice machine!

Takeuchi are my machine of choice. They make monster skidsteers.

I bought this same excavator new about a year ago. I have 330hrs on it now and it has been great! No problems. I’m really happy with it. I’m sure you will be too.

You were down in my neck of the woods, one town over.

I own a 19 kx-057-4 Best mini ive ever ran. 0 problems and strong as hell. Id buy another one without even thinking about it.Way better than a cat.

Nice one Stan. 👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

I can’t believe you came to my neck of the woods to buy equipment!

great video and great machines you purchased

You definitely made the right choice . Until you have problems with the regeneration system. I'm speaking of a 40 from 3yrs ago we paid $ 5500. To have it fixed while it was still under warranty. In Kubotas defence could've been just a fluke or maybe the wrong dealer. When it ran it was beyond perfect. Never heard of anyone else having the same problem???

You bought Kubota... you bought right.

Love the kubotas articulating blade

That's one sweet Kubota KX 40. Love the Orange 🍊 club trailer. I love Kubota and Takeuchi both excellent high quality machines. Enjoy and God bless 🙏

Love my KX040-4.

You asked about buying from a municipality, but I'm going to go ahead and say that buying from a tool rental place can be a good idea. Here's the bottom line: The machines might get beaten on, but the rental business has a pretty large CAPEX in them, and they have to take care of them. I would suggest the following considerations: 1. Bigger (medium and up) companies generally have a really nice maintenance facility setup. Not that little Mom & Pop shops can't take good care of their equipment, but I've rented from a variety of places over the years, and the kind of shop they have is going to be a good indicator of how well their equipment is cared for. Not perfect, but good. 2. Buy from someplace you rent from on a regular basis, because you'll know if their stuff is ragged out or in good shape. 3. If you're a regular customer, you'll be in a position to find out about good deals.

I have a KX040-4 and 2 U17-3s. Love them all. Haven’t had one issue on any of the machines in 5 years of owning them. Always impressed how much the U17 can move and lift for such a narrow track width.

I love my Sany SY50U

I really like my bobcat E42. Sub 10'000lbs class. Handles stacking 2x2x4 concrete blocks. Feels very stable. Runs a 36" class 4 tooth bucket just fine. I personally felt the kubota was under powered wile digging but would buy one for trail work in a heartbeat for the track speed. My E42 feels slow and sluggish tracking up hills.

We own a kx080-4 kx057-4 u35-4 u55-5. The 55 is a real beast

In my area I am planning on buying a CAT next year. Biggest reason is they have the best parts and service infrastructure in my area. They might cost a little more but so does having a broken down machine.

I own two of the KX-080 machines Great machine’s no problems ! done a lot of excavation and wood clearing with the machines

Nice machine, thanks good luck.

23:50 LOL! That definitely regretted letting you do that.

Good for you getting the angle blade. Once you have one it’s hard to go back! Our kubota mini has been excellent!

Corey is a great guy bought many machines from him!

Nice machine from everything I see. I also agree with others on the store owners professionalism, knowledge, and salesmanship skills. If I ever needed to buy a excavator that is more than a micro mini machine, “that I could actually afford”, your size machine would be a wonderful option. Thanks for the cool video. God bless. ✌️😎👍

I bought a new Bobcat e35i in 2015. Extended long arm, cab. In the 8 years so far it's been amazing.

can you tell Kubota "a thumb is NOT an aux hydraulic attachment". it is dangerous to have the thumb turned off every time you lift the safety bar

That is the biggest True Value store I've ever seen!

Thank you sir, appreciate your honest opinion.