Buying New | KX-040 vs. KX-033 | Compact Excavator

[Killingitcountry]

Hello everyone,

As the thread title says - I'm bringing home one of these two machines brand new this spring. Does anyone have any experience with either machine? Both machines? The 6-way blade on the 040 is attractive but the 033 has a non-DOC/DPF Tier 4 engine which I like. Avoiding the DP filter and associated emissions equipment would be an advantage, no? Or should I just get the most machine I can afford and hope the emissions stuff isn't too much of a headache once the warranty is long gone? I have about 200' of french drain to put in, two armor stone sets of stairs (back and front of house), small retaining walls, general landscaping/gardening ... paths throughout maintained grassy areas as well as about 5,000 feet of roadway through the untouched back-40 of my 50 acre property. I don't plan on having this all done fast ... just pick away at it.

I'm a few years out from this, but, I would love to eventually pick up a used tow rig and trailer and do small jobs to supplement my income. Would my desire to do this sway your machine recommendations?

Thanks everyone!!

James

 

[UpNorthMI]

I have a KX040, I purchased last year, enclosed cab, 4 way blade, hydraulic thumb, quick attach mount. I love this machine, I do a certain amount of drain type work but a lot more woodland work, digging out roots and similar. I would not worry about the DPF stuff, I have several tractors with DPF and have had no issues.

I find the 040 is compact enough to get to whereever I need to work but is man enough to do anything I need to do. I purchased the biggest model I could tow with my 3500 GMC diesel and gooseneck equipment tilt trailer. The 040 is only a little larger (15-20% ?) and heavier than the 033.

I was not too worried about the 6 way blade as my excavator is not my main machine to grade with, the 4 way is needed to fill trenches etc.

 

[Killingitcountry]

I have a KX040, I purchased last year, enclosed cab, 4 way blade, hydraulic thumb, quick attach mount. I love this machine, I do a certain amount of drain type work but a lot more woodland work, digging out roots and similar. I would not worry about the DPF stuff, I have several tractors with DPF and have had no issues.

I find the 040 is compact enough to get to whereever I need to work but is man enough to do anything I need to do. I purchased the biggest model I could tow with my 3500 GMC diesel and gooseneck equipment tilt trailer. The 040 is only a little larger (15-20% ?) and heavier than the 033.

I was not too worried about the 6 way blade as my excavator is not the machine to grade with, the 4 way is needed to fill trenches etc.

A great testimonial - and a beautiful machine! Thank you! I'm glad to hear that your KX-040 performs well in the woods as this is likely where my mini-ex will live for the first summer. I've got a pretty nice piece of untouched land - and I can't do a darn thing with it until I get a road put in. What's the fuel consumption like with your 040?

 

[UpNorthMI]

The 040 seems to do well on fuel, I don’t have any stats but I work it for many half days before putting fuel in it. I see you are Ontario based, the cab is real nice for working on cold / humid days. Make sure you buy with the thumb and quick attach. I mainly run mine with a rake as per photo, or a ripper. I have 2 buckets the 24” bucket makes big holes very quickly! I’ve not mounted the 12” bucket yet.

I have over 300 acres to play on, there is always work to be done. If I can be of more help let me know.

 

[Killingitcountry]

The 040 seems to do well on fuel, I don’t have any stats but I work it for many half days before putting fuel in it. I see you are Ontario based, the cab is real nice for working on cold / humid days. Make sure you buy with the thumb and quick attach. I mainly run mine with a rake as per photo, or a ripper. I have 2 buckets the 24” bucket makes big holes very quickly!

I have over 300 acres to play on, there is always work to be done. If I can be of more help let me know.

I already made the mistake of buying a tractor with no cab (BX25D - great little tractor but clearing snow sucks) - the mini-ex will absolutely be a cab model. Whatever I buy - I'll be getting the quick coupler, 24" bucket, thumb, radio, hydraulic coupler kit, 36" hydraulic tilt-ditch bucket with cut edge and a 12" bucket so I can leave the backhoe on the BX alone and never look back haha. 300 acres - so nice!! Whatever I decide, I'll post back here as I go through the process. Cheers, James.