Backhoe Are small backhoes worth the $??

[Gary Fowler]

I have been looking around on Craigslist and tractorhouse and small backhoes like the B21 are really scarce and carry top dollar prices even for models built in the 1990's. Most of the ones for sale are in the 1700 hour + range but seem to be ok (at least in the photos) It seems every good deal I find is when I am out of the country working and by the time I get home they are sold and nothing online anywhere. I will just have to be patient. I really wanted to get something small that would get into tight spots and not rut up my yard. I can get used 580 Case etc for about the same price as the B 21 but dont want anything that big. I do want it big enough to handle a fairly large rock of say 2 feet long x 1 foot in diameter which is about the size of most or smaller, although I have dug some out with my FEL that put a load on the LS P7010 when picking them up. When you dig something out like that with the FEL you end up with a large hole to fill in and tamp down, hence wanting the back hoe for that and planting trees, maybe digging up some and relocating also. That 7300 Cub Cadet is about as large as I would go I think.

[tractchores]

One use for the BH that has not been mentioned is it makes an incredible rear ballast. My BH weighs in right around the same as the tractor's dry weight, so I'm putting ~1400 lbs right on the rear wheels when its on. That translates into a much more usable FEL and great traction. I often carry it around when doing FEL work in the mud or hauling heavy stuff just for its weight.

[Ken45101]

I have been looking around on Craigslist and tractorhouse and small backhoes like the B21 are really scarce and carry top dollar prices even for models built in the 1990's. Most of the ones for sale are in the 1700 hour + range but seem to be ok (at least in the photos) It seems every good deal I find is when I am out of the country working and by the time I get home they are sold and nothing online anywhere. I will just have to be patient. I really wanted to get something small that would get into tight spots and not rut up my yard. I can get used 580 Case etc for about the same price as the B 21 but dont want anything that big.

I would guess there are two categories of B21s that come on the market: beat to heck and back rental fleet units and lightly used homeowner ones.

As for Case 580, and that type, this may be a good time since prices are down with the downturn in the construction industry. However, again, I've seen some pretty poor condition construction equipment. Before I bought the B21, a local had a 580 type for sale. I tested it out, just driving it in his yard. The brakes wouldn't stop it!!! His comment: "Well you can just drop the bucket if you need to stop". I live in very steep terrain. NO thank you!

I will just add: decent equipment is not cheap, either new or used. Beware of any cheap "bargains". YMMV,

One use for the BH that has not been mentioned is it makes an incredible rear ballast. My BH weighs in right around the same as the tractor's dry weight, so I'm putting ~1400 lbs right on the rear wheels when its on. That translates into a much more usable FEL and great traction. I often carry it around when doing FEL work in the mud or hauling heavy stuff just for its weight.

You bring up a point that I wanted to mention. My B21 manual is very clear: do not operate without some rear ballast. If you remove the backhoe unit, you need to add weight on the rear like a box blade or something else heavy.

[LBrown59]

I'm currently in the process of purchasing a JD 2000 series tractor and was thinking about getting a backhoe. I would use it to maintain the area around a one acre pond and plant some trees. My dealer says their about $5,000. Are these small backhoes worth the money? Anybody have one?

Well worth it to me.

I have one of the smallest... it's a BX23 and the Backhoe is one of the reasons I bought my Kubota...

MyBX23

[underdog02817]

You've rented a mini excavator ...... spending seven grand in rental fees to do all that work around your place.

I spent seven grand buying a backhoe to do the work around my place (on my schedule, not the schedule of the rental yard), but when I'm done, it is still worth five grand if I decide to sell it.

Just a different perspective, I reckon.

A backhoe transforms my tractor into a totally different animal, with a whole bunch of new capabilities. After having one (well, actually two), I would have a really tough time being without one.

Amen to that. It was the reason I picked my BX25 over others. I liked the fact it was "designed in" from the ground up.

With that said I weighed the options of renting weekly versus the added cost of buying one up front and to me the convenience of having it available when I want and where I want made more sense. I have rented equipment in the past and always feel rushed to get the job done with it to get it back within the alloted time rather than take my time and do it right. Or just pace myself to not over do it on me personally. And there are many jobs where I wish I had the equipment and made due without it.

Its not that you have to stretch to find uses its that now you dont have to comprimise.

Believe me,if it is absolutely a one time use then yes renting but if you have any intentions of multiple projects that might take cumulatively 7 weeks or more.......

And not talking solid straight work time. if you rent one and really need all that weeks time you are tied to it. You cant just do a little here and a little there at a reasonable pace.


I bought mine knowing I have some drainage to dig, a bunch of retaining walls I want to build and some to rebuild. The builder that built my house must have buried a ton of rock and stumps to one side of the property because it is major sinkhole heaven there so now I can dig it up a bit and really fill it properly. No more hose, prybar and wheelbarrow for a few days everytime one opens up. This is just the start....

[cowpatty]

Exhibits 1-6

I have picked up a Small Block Chevy out of a truck and lifted it over the tailgate. It probably went 600 pounds.

Like Ken said, you can drag a whole lot more than that and maneuver it that way. Feel free to use my "sled" idea.

[Gary Fowler]

Good job with the tree and restoration of the area after removal.

[YesDeere]

Mine was in the package. Was gonna sell it. No way after multiple culverts and a new septic field. Also digs a mean fire pit

[MtHam]

Not sure if mine is considered small, but having done approximately 75 hours of backhoe work in the last 2 years with my B3030/BH75, I would say it is definitely worth it. Rental would have involved a 2 hour round trip drive each way, but even if rental was closer, it still has more than paid for itself. And having been purchased 2nd hand (almost new) it still holds most of it's purchase price and will provide years of future use.