[fastfredracing]

I have rented a mini at least once every season for the last 6-7 years. I have a big project at home that I almost have to do this season. It is the kind of project that will take me a few wees to do , and then some dress up a month or two later. I also have some other digging I'd like to do at my shop. I figure I'll use the thing for a few years, finish up all the projects that I have been wanting to get done, and sell if off when I'm finished
I'm sort of a geek, and I like projects. I'll probably buy something broken, or needing some love, fix it up, and more likely than not, in two years, it will be way nicer than when I bought it ( might even make a buck on re-sale, )
My budget is 5k. I see them in this range frequently, running, maybe with a leak or two or small issues . I have been watching, and you can find one for 3 or less needing a hydraulic pump, head gasket or something like that. I am thinking JD 310, or Case 580 they must be real common, cause I see tons of these for sale when I shop.
I know to look for play in the pins, and hydraulic leaks, noisy pumps, and things like that. Any thing else I should know? I'd prefer diesel, but have no qualms about gas.
I'd love to grab a little Kubota, or compact , but man can you throw some money in them. By the time you have a deck, loader, and hoe, you have 25 k in one.
I'm not trying to make money with it, just the occasional home project, once or twice a year.