Thoughts on smaller sized rubber-ducks?

[245dlc]

I was wondering what some of you guys think about 5.5 tonne-10 tonne sized rubber-ducks (wheel excavators)? I have had some experience with larger machines like 16 tonne and up but I was wondering how smaller machines compare to operating in tight places, backyards and the big one soft ground? I've thought about acquiring one as out here most of the ones you'll find are usually 140 size and bigger for me it could solve my big problem of transportation for a tracked machine but I'm curious as how they handle off-highway and if something as expensive a duck would pay for itself as fast or faster? The only ones that seem to be available out here are the Terex/Schaeff brand and the Hyundai line after speaking to a fellow on another forum in the U.S. he had pretty good experience with his Hyundai R-55W, have any of you guys run a Terex/Schaeff machine and they must of been alright for parts considering they are from Germany which is a lot closer to the U.K. than Canada or the U.S.?

[ianoz]

Can't help you there Bert ,Very few of the full size ones out here .And even less of the minis .First excavator i operated was a Hymac rubber duck . From what i remember ,not real good on soft going .

[Muz]

This is a specialised market


I looked at 5's, 10's and the rest, and thats when I had customers that would have used them regularly on a self drive basis ,(which is what my line of work is) and I still couldnt make them stack up

I'm glad I didnt do it in the end ... but if you are an owner driver, thats a bit different

As for the digging ability, its a lot different to a tracked machine of the same size (which I'm sure you know). In short .. if you have a lot of road based work .. I'd say yes,, otherwise ,.. unless you have contracts with long term roads contractors or some otherwise specialist contractors who specialise in that type of machines requirements .. I'd say tread carefully

[245dlc]

Yeah it's just a thought for now and I doubt I'll ever get one, but I've gotta look at all my options.

[Dan]

IMVHO you need to be a bit 'special' to drive them ..... (In a professional manner you understand?) I allways carry spare trousers if I have to drive one