Backhoe why do I want a backhoe???

[huckie]

I am very close to buying a tractor the only problem is I am not able to convince myself that I will be able to get rocks out of my yard/lawn/woods with just a box scraper and the fel. Stumps don't worry me the the rocks do. Any thoughts would be a help.

 

[bx23barry]

Well I'm old, sick and about wore out. The little back hoe lets me do stuff I wouldn't even think of attempting and will pay for it self in what I would have to hire out without it. I don't think I will lose much when I move to the nursing home and sell it either.

 

[patrick_g]

Stumps and rocks both sucumb to blasting. You can blast quite a lot for the price of a backhoe. Of course the backhoe will do more than just dig out rocks and such but isn't as much fun as blasting. I need to rent a backhoe to dig out some for cattleguard installation. My wife agreed that I should buy a backhoe but she insisted the tractor have cab and heat and A/C. My Kubota tractor (with cab) cannot be fitted with a Kubota Backhoe. GRRRRRRR.+++++++++++++++++++++++ Pat

 

[GaryE]

Huckie,


I do not know for sure what size tractor you are looking at, but based on your other posts, I am guessing something in the low 30hp range? And based on your description I think your land and mine are not all that different.


That said, I have found the best way to get at the rocks is with my backhoe. But I have to tell you most of the time I am just to lazy to hook it up. I have no problem digging out 600# - 900# rocks with my FEL. Although there would be no way I could do this without the tooth bar and the larger pistons on my Koyker loader. It may take a little longer and make a bit more of a mess but it does get the job done.


Digging around root is a different story. For that the FEL is just too big. So I guess a lot will depend on how many rocks you are planning to move! But if you are going to be doing any serious digging I would NOT recommend a 3ph backhoe. Do yourself a favor and go with a subframe mount. You won't be sorry.


Hope this is of some help,


Gary

 

[RFB]

The Kubota with "cab and heat and A/C" and backhoe. Rhino 85 subframe mount on L5030HSTC.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/3286/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

The Rhino is stout, the design is well engineered, and the company gives good customer support.

 

[Glowplug]

Nice subframe backhoe with thumb. Kinda makes me want to go out and get one!!

 

[Willl]

Stumps and rocks both sucumb to blasting

Yes, does sound like fun. But the neighbors might think other wise.

 

[RonR]

As much as I'd like to have a BH, I plan to rent a small one for the few times I might need it.

Just as much fun, at much less $$$$$.

Ron

 

[fireguy1451]

same here i would love to have a BH for my MF2300 buy cost vs total use just doesnt add up for the little i would use one on a 1.5 acre lot.

 

[wushaw]

It all depends upon how many rocks/stumps you need to remove and if you are able to make the time for renting excavator.
I have a BH just because of the amt. of stumps I had and still need to remove.
I can do it on my own time not when the equipment is available and then what if you miss one after you've returned the excavator.
You can always sell it after you no longer need it.