KX040-4 vs KX 121-3

[jeffthogmartin]

Hi i Need some advice for my first excavator purchase.

I am looking at purchasing a used mini ex and I am torn between two models at a local dealer.

2020 Kx040-4

&

2012 Kx 121-3

They are nearly identical in hours, both abround 1800-1900hrs, both are tight machines in good condition, both have quick couplers both are open canopy machines and both are around the same price.

The 121-3 has a 6 way blade and the 040-4 has 4 way (the blade doesn't matter much to me tho)

I will be using it for development of my 17.5acre mountain property in tn. Things like installing septic, digging trenches for drainage, moving rocks, clearing timbers, collecting firewood digging out for additional outbuildings etc.

I am torn between the two machines bc my gut is leaning toward the older 121-3 due to no emissions and dpf and more sinple to fix myself should I have to ( I am reasonably handy). But my logical brain is saying to buy the newer machine bc it's 8 years less wear on all the components.

What do you all think? Anyone have any input? If I were to resell in 5-8 years which would be easier to resell? Any and all advice/help is welcome and greatly appreciated

 

[JasonW]

If the hours are similar the wear and tear should be similar if equal taken care up.

I’d vote towards the 121 due to the 6 way blade.

Does either one have a thumb?

 

[jeffthogmartin]

If the hours are similar the wear and tear should be similar if equal taken care up.

I’d vote towards the 121 due to the 6 way blade.

Does either one have a thumb?

Yes, I forgot to mention, both have thumbs.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Given the fact they are so close in almost every way, I would personally go for the older one.

I am also a DIY’er and work on my own stuff (almost to a fault); So the less computer/emissions stuff, the better in my opinion.

Full disclosure, I have never owned, worked on, nor sat in any of those machines. My opinion is just from a "general viewpoint”.

I tend to like simpler’er machines in general….As a matter of fact, it is the reason I decided to get a 2501 instead of a higher HP machine, and I still drive my 21 year old Cummins 5.9l.

Did you take any pics of them you could post?

Thats my .02…Good luck sir

 

[jeffthogmartin]

Given the fact they are so close in almost every way, I would personally go for the older one.

I am also a DIY’er and work on my own stuff (almost to a fault); So the less computer/emissions stuff, the better in my opinion.

Full disclosure, I have never owned, worked on, nor sat in any of those machines. My opinion is just from a "general viewpoint”.

I tend to like simpler’er machines in general….As a matter of fact, it is the reason I decided to get a 2501 instead of a higher HP machine, and I still drive my 21 year old Cummins 5.9l.

Did you take any pics of them you could post?

Thats my .02…Good luck sir

Thanks for your reply! This is exactly my train of thought just helps to have others opinions as the world of excavators is new to me.

I do not have any pics but here are the listings if you'd like to check them out.

https://www.dmasonequipment.com/inventory/?/listing/for-sale/258704813/2012-kubota-kx121-3-mini-excavators?dlr=1&accountcrmid=107334&settingscrmid=107335

https://www.dmasonequipment.com/inventory/?/listing/for-sale/256919383/2020-kubota-kx040-4-mini-excavators?dlr=1&accountcrmid=107334&settingscrmid=107335

Thanks again!

 

[Bee-Positive]

The KX040-4 looks like it's been left out and beat up a bit. May not affect the mechanical soundness but is that an indicator of how it was treated? Just an observation.

 

[L35]

I guess the only downfall to the older unit is end of life (Kubota supported) components will come up sooner.

With the newer if emissions are a concern that can be dealt with through the aftermarket.

 

[JasonW]

If the blade doesn’t matter for what you need you can find an older model with the 4 way blade cheaper.
That said if the 6 way blade model is still available in a few months I’m seriously considering making the trip and buying it.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Along the lines of what @Bee-Positive was eluding to, I also question why a 6 year old model is sellling for the same price as a 14 year old model?

Is there some difference(s) that I am not aware of???? Could be….I have never shopped for one.

There is too much that I don’t understand to give an “informed opinion” though.

I just tend to like “older and simpler” I guess, but that may not be a “plus” for some people as @L35 mentioned about parts.

………..wish I could be of more help.

Good luck!

 

[L35]

Along the lines of what @Bee-Positive was eluding to, I also question why a 6 year old model is sellling for the same price as a 14 year old model?

Is there some difference(s) that I am not aware of???? Could be….I have never shopped for one.

There is too much that I don’t understand to give an “informed opinion” though.

I just tend to like “older and simpler” I guess, but that may not be a “plus” for some people as @L35 mentioned about parts.

………..wish I could be of more help.

Good luck!

Older low hour machines in good shape demand a premium because of lack of complexity.

 

[BAP]

The description for the 40 says that they are putting new tracks on it which is quite a bit of money which is being passed on in the cost. I would want to know what other undercarriage parts they are planning on putting on. Are they changing the sprockets? The rollers both top and bottom? How are the tensioner pistons? How is the alignment? Do the drive motors leak? Undercarriage repair is expensive. For the 121 I would be going over the undercarriage very carefully to check for issues.

 

[JasonW]

I called about the 121 this morning, it’s already sold.
The description didn’t match either, it was listed as a one owner but during the videos you can barely hear the guy talking over the machine it was owned by duke power bought by them they installed a thumb sold to a farmer a few years ago who traded it back in and the whole time the hour meter wasn’t working? But they state it’s working now?
Still probably not a bad deal but I don’t see how that is a one owner?

OP they also have a KX057 for the same price as the 121 was. Which would be better if you have means to transport it, or if you only plan on using it at your property. I’m looking for one that will fit inside my dump trailer.