331 and 442 Prove Good Combination for Excavating Company

Joe O'Kain

Joe O’Kain has been a big believer in Bobcat® loaders—both skid-steer and compact track. He’s owned 28 of them during the past quarter century.

And now he’s a big believer in Bobcat compact excavators, too. His company, O’Kain Excavating, Knoxville, Tenn., owns a 442 and 331. Both machines are used for digging footings, ranging from small residential jobs to large commercial projects.

“I have been pleased with the performance of my Bobcat loaders for years and the same is true of the excavators,” says O’Kain. “Of course, excellent service from my local dealer (Bobcat of Knoxville) has enhanced my level of satisfaction.”

While O’Kain works both excavators together at times, the 331 is typically used on smaller jobs where access is limited and the 442 on bigger projects.

The 331 is a popular size 40 hp unit with a digging depth of more than 10 ft. “It’s ideal for many of our jobs,” says O’Kain. “The excavator is easy to maneuver, has fast cycle times and a nice instrument panel.”

The 72 hp 442 has a digging depth of 167 in. O’Kain purchased it to replace a 20,000-lb. excavator. “The tail of that machine stuck out 13 in., which is a lot when you are up against a retaining wall,” he says. “The zero tail swing 442 greatly reduces the chance of damaging the excavator or other objects. Plus, because spoil placement is easier, productivity is better.”

The weight of the 442 is about 3,500 lb. less than the excavator it replaced. “However, it’s got plenty of power to operate attachments such as the hydraulic breaker,” says O’Kain. “It’s a tough machine.”

According to O’Kain, both Bobcat excavators are very operator-friendly with comfortable cabs and easily accessible controls.

“My operators were pleased when I purchased these two machines,” he says. “I’m very pleased, too.”