These are some of the nicest minis built. Spendy yes but really smooth. They also have lots of little things that are neat. Factory quick connect, oringed pins, and a couple other nice little things
Sorry to here about not being able to log. Hopefully the weather break's for you guy's real soon. The white tin makes a world of difference. God bless & good luck.
The 305.5's are a dang nice machine. You know Cat use to be a lot more expensive than other brands but they always had a better resale value. Now they're all about the same price and Cat still holds a better resale value and Cat does have the best parts availability out of anyone so if you are broke down you're not sitting around waiting for parts! Great video Tim!
We had a 2011 John Deere 200D excavator and it made even the die hard CAT guys in town a little jealous I believe. Lol. I hope a John Deere mini test drive is in the works. I'm hoping that's what you were referring to right there at the end.
Love it when new equipment comes in, we just got in a 313FL Cat. Make sure you get the quick connect because sounds like you're fixing to put different attachments on it. Stay safe Dwayne
My Uncle retired from that Thompson store a few years ago. Cat yellow is in the family although I never liked their skidders. He bought a lawn mower from the JD dealer down the road from him. He always told people if you need a mower go see JD if you need equipment come see me!
My friend put a 12"Tree shear on his mini Kubota so he can clean around the fields that keep growing in. It works great. Their are a lot of attachments for them
Hey Tim! I believe that series mini has a kubota engine in it. Also you won’t need to add another set of auxiliary lines to run an attachment with a thumb. The thumb runs right off of the primary aux. lines that one has on it. They just put a T and valve on both lines right before the couplers out there on the stick. Then they direct plumb the thumb into that T. Then to run an attachment like a brushhog. You retract the thumb all the way up, close those valves to lock it in place, then release the pressure in the lines, then hook your brushhog up to the couplers, then turn the valve under the right side panel to change it from 2-way flow to 1-way continuous flow, then you are good to go!
They r sweet little tractors for the size. I've ran one a good bit. Kubota 40 is nice too. Not as comfortable but I'm 6'4 so none of em r really. Cab is super tight on cat. I would rather have open cab on mini. Seems like ur on an off more
From what I have seen of the mini's, check out a yanmar if you haven't gone too far in the process yet. They seem to have some longevity and good power to them; especially for a person who knows how to upkeep their machines.
I love your videos! Makes me want to get back out there. We had a small operation, chain saw and cable skidder with my father. Hard work, but some of the best memories.
Thats a nice shop ! But you know ... they're never big enough 😁 I let my wife lift me in my tractor to ,she ain't bad but hold on ! Weather is stupid here in western pa too .
Just bought a new 305.5 cab one last year! If u get the quick attach, keep it lubed! I run a blue diamond severe duty brush cutter on mine sometimes and love it.
@@redstonepenguin9134 I've replaced so many on f250s and some of the freight liners is ridiculous they clog up so bad in short amount of time if it dont go into regen yes it helps with environment but hard on flow for the engines
@@redstonepenguin9134 that's the best thing to do and let it go through its regen every time it can those filters r to much to replace crazy having to pay 900 to 1400 for a new filter
DEF and the DPF on the volvo G series loaders we had was a pile of crap. one time all three sat with the same fault. volvo could not get enough parts for them as same happened to all machines.
from what i know the smallest engine that cat actually makes is the c7... i heard that this engine is made by kubota. that being said kubota is awesome and very good at what they do.. i personally have a 304e and i love it.. also a kubota from what i understand...
I just bought the same machine. The engine has a Kubota controller, under the seat, so I think it's a rebranded Kubota. I did order the angle blade which has been much more useful than expected. Plus the thumb, which is one of my disappointments because it is not a progressive link thumb. I have found the hydraulics underpowered while pushing the machine up for a turn and just plane pulling. All of my large cat excavators have had the strength to drag the machine around with the bucket. Oh and the travel speed is dreadful at 2.8 MPH. I did machine some pedal extensions, which I will be happy to make another pair and send them to you. All in all, a good machine. But today's big machines just spoil a man.
Don’t waist your time with cat we got a Takeuchi tb290 in 2014 and have 3000 hrs with not one breakdown and have just got another new one last week. I thought it wouldn’t last but has been one tough machine!!
We have a rental at work from Thompson cat our excavator is getting worked on they gave us one just like that for a rental I would highly recommend you go with a different machine
You should not buy a Caterpillar excavator with a push blade on it made of thin metal tubing.(like rectangular muffler tubing) They break off at the worst time. Such as leveling up on a hillside frequently. Or frequently lifting it by the boom and the dozer blade. I was using one on flat land and the dozer blade broke completely off Just using it for stabilization shortly after somebody else was using it to level up on a steep hillside. All other brands I have seen use solid iron for the dozer blade lift arms. you should know that if those are made like crap the rest of the tractor probably is also.
that end of the line is easy to get to.. the other end is not as easy.. the cab needs to come off.. they fixed that on the next gen machines... only reason i know about the cab needing to come off is when i was buying my machine i went to cat and talked to a mechanic about it and he was working on one like the one in the video and he was pulling the cab off to get to the lines..
not sure what the quick attach for that one is but for mine that aftermarket one on eBay is 2300 and the one for the 308e is 5000 from cat... its more than 1500
I'm a CAT guy ,but , I ran a 305 on a job and didn't like it. It was not balanced well, and the cab is uncomfortably tight. I have two older Bobcats 331 & 341. I also ran newer Bobcats and didn't like them either. I like Kubota but the local dealers are less than accommodating not to mention parts availability is not the best. I also do not like all the electric and electronics on the new machines.
My experience from kubota is they use weaker/smaller pins and bushings...... the kubota we had was wore long before the takeuchi and the deere we have.
Don't hesitate get the quick attach! Thanks for sharing!!!
These are some of the nicest minis built. Spendy yes but really smooth. They also have lots of little things that are neat. Factory quick connect, oringed pins, and a couple other nice little things
Wow Tim that tin has really lifted the shop and it looks a lot brighter and cleaner and gives the appearance of a much bigger shop well done.
We’ve got 5 of the bob cat mini excavators with cabs and ac at work. The push blades are 4 way tilt, nice units
Cool video, Tim!
Thank's for sharing!
I have to take a closer look at the CAT machines this size..
That tin really brightened the shop up looks good
Aww Tim it's a baby.. Hope you and Anna Kate have a great day..Take care..
Oh, and I love the convenience of the angle blade. Some food for thought.
Sorry to here about not being able to log. Hopefully the weather break's for you guy's real soon. The white tin makes a world of difference. God bless & good luck.
The 305.5's are a dang nice machine. You know Cat use to be a lot more expensive than other brands but they always had a better resale value. Now they're all about the same price and Cat still holds a better resale value and Cat does have the best parts availability out of anyone so if you are broke down you're not sitting around waiting for parts! Great video Tim!
The 3.3L and 3.8L engines found in the Cat skid steers and excavators are made by Kubota for Cat.
We had a 2011 John Deere 200D excavator and it made even the die hard CAT guys in town a little jealous I believe. Lol. I hope a John Deere mini test drive is in the works. I'm hoping that's what you were referring to right there at the end.
Good afternoon. That ending lol. Looking forward to seeing how it works out.
Love it when new equipment comes in, we just got in a 313FL Cat. Make sure you get the quick connect because sounds like you're fixing to put different attachments on it.
Stay safe
Dwayne
Love that new iron!!!
My Uncle retired from that Thompson store a few years ago. Cat yellow is in the family although I never liked their skidders. He bought a lawn mower from the JD dealer down the road from him. He always told people if you need a mower go see JD if you need equipment come see me!
My friend put a 12"Tree shear on his mini Kubota so he can clean around the fields that keep growing in. It works great. Their are a lot of attachments for them
You better not give Mrs. Jill a heart attack, good woman is hard to find and expensive to replace!!!😁😁😁
Shed is looking good Tim, You are like the Energiser Bunny, you never stop:):)
End of last year we bought a 259d skid steer from CAT, almost bought a 303 from them, ended up getting a Yanmar ViO35, pretty pleased with it so far.
Hey Tim! I believe that series mini has a kubota engine in it.
Also you won’t need to add another set of auxiliary lines to run an attachment with a thumb. The thumb runs right off of the primary aux. lines that one has on it. They just put a T and valve on both lines right before the couplers out there on the stick. Then they direct plumb the thumb into that T. Then to run an attachment like a brushhog. You retract the thumb all the way up, close those valves to lock it in place, then release the pressure in the lines, then hook your brushhog up to the couplers, then turn the valve under the right side panel to change it from 2-way flow to 1-way continuous flow, then you are good to go!
great video Tim , nice mini ex and the shop upgrade is moving a long be safe and have a blessed day !
They r sweet little tractors for the size. I've ran one a good bit. Kubota 40 is nice too. Not as comfortable but I'm 6'4 so none of em r really. Cab is super tight on cat. I would rather have open cab on mini. Seems like ur on an off more
You are exactly right, I’m not going to buy one with a cab.
@@cotontop3 till you find a hornet's nest while doing brush work!
Lol
That shop is looking great.
with a good rototilt that is a neat machine.
From what I have seen of the mini's, check out a yanmar if you haven't gone too far in the process yet. They seem to have some longevity and good power to them; especially for a person who knows how to upkeep their machines.
Its looking good Tim. Love them flags. Another great video. Stay safe and God bless you'll.
I love your videos! Makes me want to get back out there. We had a small operation, chain saw and cable skidder with my father. Hard work, but some of the best memories.
Tim the shop is looking good. Can't wait to see that video
Thats a nice shop ! But you know ... they're never big enough 😁 I let my wife lift me in my tractor to ,she ain't bad but hold on ! Weather is stupid here in western pa too .
I'm looking at a 305.5 now and was wondering why you chose a Kubota kx057-4 ?
I know nothing about excavators, but this was cool!!
A lot are built in Athens GA plant some in Sanford NC one of my trucks hauls these every month. Probably more plants also
Good video have a great day and be safe
Just bought a new 305.5 cab one last year! If u get the quick attach, keep it lubed! I run a blue diamond severe duty brush cutter on mine sometimes and love it.
Tin sheet on the walls finish off the building, probably adds $5000 to the value
Nice very nice that DEF system is a pain though
There is no DEF. But it does have a dpf. U can tell when it regenerates, it gets pretty warm on the left rear of the cab.
@@redstonepenguin9134 I've replaced so many on f250s and some of the freight liners is ridiculous they clog up so bad in short amount of time if it dont go into regen yes it helps with environment but hard on flow for the engines
@@zackpionjr7673 true. I try to run at full throttle, hope it helps out. Got about 168 hrs on mine.
@@redstonepenguin9134 that's the best thing to do and let it go through its regen every time it can those filters r to much to replace crazy having to pay 900 to 1400 for a new filter
DEF and the DPF on the volvo G series loaders we had was a pile of crap. one time all three sat with the same fault. volvo could not get enough parts for them as same happened to all machines.
from what i know the smallest engine that cat actually makes is the c7... i heard that this engine is made by kubota. that being said kubota is awesome and very good at what they do.. i personally have a 304e and i love it.. also a kubota from what i understand...
Should be a Kubota V2403.
Doug Decuir
Nice compact excavator
Keep doing your thing Tim!! Love the shop videos !!
Yes he’s correct, I live in New Bern North Carolina, we have a huge Cat plant in Charlotte and Morganton.
40+ horsepower of raw digging power. Got to have a cab though for me. Want to put a small bush hog on it to cut banks and ditch lines on my property.
good video keep them coming from new York
I just bought the same machine. The engine has a Kubota controller, under the seat, so I think it's a rebranded Kubota. I did order the angle blade which has been much more useful than expected. Plus the thumb, which is one of my disappointments because it is not a progressive link thumb. I have found the hydraulics underpowered while pushing the machine up for a turn and just plane pulling. All of my large cat excavators have had the strength to drag the machine around with the bucket. Oh and the travel speed is dreadful at 2.8 MPH. I did machine some pedal extensions, which I will be happy to make another pair and send them to you. All in all, a good machine. But today's big machines just spoil a man.
Talk to Bubba Dean at Thompson Cat in tupelo. Tell him Lindsey Smith said to give you a good deal!! He's a good dude
Nice machine
Cool video Tim shops looking great Napa mike
You ought to check out the 308
Another good on Mr Tim .
Looking great 👍
Pretty sure that machine is built in Athens Georgia. I work about a mile up the road from the plant.
Great job enjoyed that!!!
another great video,the shop is LOOKING good
I put the color coded bands and zip ties on those hydraulic hoses.
Got her sister at work. Just don't swing under pressure and ur good
What exactly do u mean?
A 304. It's hydraulics are just way too weak
It's a smooth little machine though. That's the only issue I have
Don’t waist your time with cat we got a Takeuchi tb290 in 2014 and have 3000 hrs with not one breakdown and have just got another new one last week. I thought it wouldn’t last but has been one tough machine!!
Awesome video tim enjoyed watching.
Check or watch the outside hydraulic connectors. We found two that were finger tight.
Build you a handrail on them steps it's making me weezy..lol.
We have a rental at work from Thompson cat our excavator is getting worked on they gave us one just like that for a rental I would highly recommend you go with a different machine
Great video
Cat makes one even smaller 301.5
What is in the room at the top of the stairs.
David Phillips that’s the reload room where he makes his own rounds.
I love cat equipment but I had two of those and they were junk. I got rid of them and bought the older E model. Cat really messed up on the E2’s
Shops looking good. A no income week is a real bummer.
You should not buy a Caterpillar excavator with a push blade on it made of thin metal tubing.(like rectangular muffler tubing) They break off at the worst time.
Such as leveling up on a hillside frequently. Or frequently lifting it by the boom and the dozer blade. I was using one on flat land and the dozer blade broke completely off Just using it for stabilization shortly after somebody else was using it to level up on a steep hillside.
All other brands I have seen use solid iron for the dozer blade lift arms.
you should know that if those are made like crap the rest of the tractor probably is also.
that end of the line is easy to get to.. the other end is not as easy.. the cab needs to come off.. they fixed that on the next gen machines... only reason i know about the cab needing to come off is when i was buying my machine i went to cat and talked to a mechanic about it and he was working on one like the one in the video and he was pulling the cab off to get to the lines..
not sure what the quick attach for that one is but for mine that aftermarket one on eBay is 2300 and the one for the 308e is 5000 from cat... its more than 1500
What is Let’s Dig going to say about that! Love your channel great vid
I run the same cat every day I would buy the Kabota all day long
Kubotas pins are garbage
Cat everything is garage
Those are great machines and are built in GA at cat's new plant;;;;;;
Up outside of Athens GA
Been there for few years now
I've worked at that GA Cat plant. I was apart of the hydro valve unit assembly team.
IDK, Can ya trust a "machine" salesman without a pair of boots on?😂
nice 👍👍
what kind of lights did you put up in the garage?? like what brand?
I think all the details about the lights are in this video- Complete LED light changeover in my shop! th-cam.com/video/yktygQd_Hq8/w-d-xo.html
Is this your next toy?
That's a little Kubota motor
it may run half a day
U have a killer shop. Always enjoy your stuff man. Whst is little room up top. Place to crash when u piss off ur wife haha ? I'd stay in thst shop
That's a toy! Mines 36ton lol
👌👍 THANKS Tim, [ AT LEAST YOU DON'T HAVE OUR (BELOW ZERO & KNEE DEEP SNOW) we have here in Minnesnota....... Shop LOOKING GREAT...😍😍😍😍😍
Dirtninja rubbing off on you?
dont you talk about Kubota
I'm a CAT guy ,but , I ran a 305 on a job and didn't like it. It was not balanced well, and the cab is uncomfortably tight.
I have two older Bobcats 331 & 341. I also ran newer Bobcats and didn't like them either. I like Kubota but the local dealers are less than accommodating not to mention parts availability is not the best.
I also do not like all the electric and electronics on the new machines.
First
Get a kubota
Or Komatsu
My experience from kubota is they use weaker/smaller pins and bushings...... the kubota we had was wore long before the takeuchi and the deere we have.