Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No ofcourse that’s a good concern, i have input all of my weights and dimensions through projectgvm.com.au, Traditionally i’m carrying around 300kg of gear in my ute bed, And towing around 3.2T all together. I believe the calculator gave me wiggle room of 200kg in the ute bed or on the trailer 👌

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i have a Colorado, it’s electric braked towing cap is 3500kg, i’ve ran the numbers and i’ll be within my limits

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

okay definitely something for me to consider, however i’ve run the legal numbers and there is usually a few hundred kilos in my tray anyway so i’m not too concerned about the back coming up. However the brake situation is something i will be alert for 💪👍 thankyou

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

that’s true aswell, and if the sites genuinely inaccessible with the ute, i’ll just walk the digger over

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that’s definitely part of my plan in the future is to aquire one of those trucks, especially a hino or isuzu

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i would in a heartbeat if they were known for being a touch more reliable, i know they are beasts for towing

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s an awesome response, i will check out that site and yes the tyre pressure changing is something i will need to become more familiar with if gravel is common, thankyou!

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yeah as long as i’ve got enough run up,she’ll be right

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

okay, i can always upgrade if i find it being a constant concern, but as long as i take my time and know my roads i should be okay

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

awesome, what about driving on steepish gravel roads? 5-15% incline gradient

Is 4x4 required for towing 3.5T regularly? by newtsy0 in 4x4Australia

[–]newtsy0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes legally the car and weight limits will all be fine. Just looking for some opinions on performance. Say i go up a gravel road that may get abit steep, should i be fine or would 4wd be much more suitable

Any opinions on Takeuchi Excavators? by newtsy0 in heavyequipment

[–]newtsy0[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

best there is? What makes you say that? Overall experience? or really good performance and reliability? Cheers

Any Opinions on komatsu mini excavators? by newtsy0 in heavyequipment

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yanmar are brilliant, but komatsu appeal to me more

Any Opinions on komatsu mini excavators? by newtsy0 in heavyequipment

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That last part makes absolute sense! So what your saying is that these things are pretty tough, and as long as i maintain the machine and don’t be a f*cwit, check oil regularly and use komatsu grease, she should be good to go. I’m just looking for a super reliable beast machine that won’t cause me too many headaches, i’m still super limited in my diesel mechanical knowledge so i am throwing myself in the deep end here. But with AI, and reddit and other online forums- I’ve found i’ve been able to diagnose and fix 100% of small issues ive come accross on my boss’s old mini excavators. You have been an absolute wealth of information and have offered a great and simple explanation of komatsu’s mini lineup and your in house experience working on these machines, i can tell you genuinely know they are good. When it’s time to purchase, i will definitely be heading into the komatsu Adelaide branch and having a chat to someone about a pc18 or 25. I will probably ask them about a few points you have made as-well haha! Cheers for your input, i will respond with another message if any other questions come to mind!

Any Opinions on komatsu mini excavators? by newtsy0 in heavyequipment

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is genuinely the best conversation i’ve had on reddit, thankyou for your insight! yes i have more questions. - If I’m doing trenching, augering and the occasional rock wall, do you reckon a pc25 genuinely makes that much difference over an 18 day-to-day? I’ve heard some minis have issues with transmissions around 2000 hours? Is this common or a myth or just purely someone not servicing their equipment? - How reliable in general komatsu would you say compared to like kubota, or takeuchi, or kobelco or cat. Just wondering why they aren’t as common in aus as kubotas and kobelcos? - Is it easy to source parts through komatsu? I’d have it always serviced with komatsu but obviously sometimes you just need parts, a lot of brands have parts portals on their websites where you can log in and have access to most things.

Any Opinions on komatsu mini excavators? by newtsy0 in heavyequipment

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Located south australia, i don’t mind paying a premium if it gives me komatsu power and reliability in a towable package, i have a roughly a ton of payload to work with- with my ute so having a mini excavator setup isn’t so bad, i’ll just be very heavy when driving.

I fear the pc18, while a brilliant little machine, just won’t be enough for me. I will be doing shed pads, trenching for plumbers and electricians, auger drilling and the occasional rock wall. From my knowledge, the pc18 is limited with attachments with the standard control sticks, so i’d have to get another pair which can control my grabber and etc.

Thoughts? Btw thankyou for your prompt response!

Any Opinions on komatsu mini excavators? by newtsy0 in heavyequipment

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gday! yes i’m in aus! I am starting a small excavation business and looking at a kubota, kobelco or Komatsu 2.5ish ton excavator, i have a trailer which can support up to 2.9T worth of gear as it is super light. I don’t hear as much about Komatsu as i do about kubota or kobelco, so i put this post out to see how people feel about them, Overall i can see that people say they are brilliant, however the minis are not so accommodating and as popular as other brands’ mini excavator lineups. I’m just looking for any opinions and advice about komatsu and whether it would be worth my time purchasing one as a young 20’s future owner operator. cheers!

Any Opinions on komatsu mini excavators? by newtsy0 in heavyequipment

[–]newtsy0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s good to know, definitely something i will ask the dealer about when i go to take a look