While not on the level of that "backhoe" we bought the vibratory compactor.
The boss (wife) has installed several patio's with it and it has worked fine so far. Only shut it down once, the bolt holding the pulley onto the engine shaft came out and was rolling around in the cover,,, Talk about a racket. New bolt and some blue loctite later.....
Is it as good as a whacker, or a Mikassa or Bomag or whatever my brand of choice would be? Nope, I am sure it is not. But it was $600 instead of the $1500 on Sale I was getting quoted around here. It is really a pretty simple machine and does have a B&S motor on it which for how much that thing will get used, will last a real long time.
I am in Dave's camp on this I guess, I do not have the same expectations of HF tools as I do of their name brand counterparts. But, as Dargo say's I have found most of their electric tools to be junk.
I have had their 3/4" socket set though for about 15 years, and their is the occasional Craftsman socket in there,,,,,, but for the most part it has worked fine.
We have looked at that same backhoe,,, it certainly has some advantages.
I just took a pass on a very,,, Very rough terramite for $3000, working, but did I mention it was rough.
Full tilt back hoes can be had for $5K in rough shape if you have patience. And lord knows there is no comparison in what the machine is capable of.
I have also looked at doing the cad plans ones, but heck, by the time I bought all the pieces, I could probably have the HF and be out there working.
I must also say in a bit of defense of HF, their return policy has always been very favorable too me. Look at the thread about the Quick hitches and a number of guys have returned them. I do not remember seeing anyone saying that HF would not take their's back.
I am certain though, if I was too buy that tool, that the first job I would want to do would be just heavier then the machine could handle............................