Bobcat E35 Mini Excavators For Sale

What Makes the E35 Popular

The E35 hits a sweet spot for contractors who need real digging power but can't always bring a full-size excavator. The zero-tail-swing design means you can spin 360° in tight spaces—think between buildings, along fence lines, or in residential backyards—without worrying about smacking the counterweight into walls or parked cars.

You'll see these machines on all kinds of jobs: trenching for utilities and drainage, digging pool excavations, breaking up concrete with a hydraulic breaker attachment, loading trucks, and general site prep. The 10+ foot dig depth handles most residential and light commercial foundation work, and the auxiliary hydraulics let you run thumbs, breakers, augers, and other attachments without adding extra plumbing.

Arm Options Explained

Bobcat offers three arm configurations, and it actually matters for your work:

What to Check When Buying Used

Hour meters tell part of the story, but not all of it. A well-maintained machine with 4,000 hours often beats a neglected one with 1,500 hours. Here's what actually matters:

• Rubber tracks: Look for cuts, chunks missing, or excessive wear on the lugs. New tracks run $2,000-3,000 depending on width, so factor that in if they're shot.
• Hydraulic leaks: A little seepage around rod seals isn't unusual, but if you see puddles or wet fittings everywhere, walk away or negotiate hard.
• Bucket condition: Worn cutting edges and teeth are normal, but if the bucket's bent or cracked, that's a red flag about how hard the machine was used.
• Cab and controls: Test everything—joysticks, pedals, switches, AC, heat, radio. Broken HVAC might not matter in September, but you'll regret it in July.
• Hour range: Under 2,000 hours is low for these machines; 3,000-5,000 is typical for rental units. Over 6,000 hours, make sure the price reflects it.
• Maintenance records: Not everyone keeps them, but if a seller has service history, that's a good sign.

E35 vs. The Competition

If you're cross-shopping, here's how the E35 stacks up against other popular 3-ton excavators:

• Kubota U35-4: Very close on specs. The E35 edges it out slightly on bucket breakout force (7,240 vs 6,834 lbf) and lift capacity. Kubota's known for fuel efficiency; Bobcat's known for dealer network.
• Cat 305.5: Similar performance envelope, but Cat machines typically hold value a bit longer. E35s are often easier to find on the used market and may be priced more competitively.
• John Deere 35G: Deere has a nice cab and solid controls, but the E35 has better hydraulic flow (15.9 vs 13.2 gpm), which translates to faster cycle times—matters when you're loading trucks all day.