1LuckyDog
New member
So, long story shortened.
We bought 47 acres of woods that was logged ~15years ago.
A house has been started by the previous owner (PO). It is weather tight but that is all.
The driveway is 1/4 mile of logging road. One very steep spot on a turn but rather flat & straight before and after that spot.
When the PO dug the foundation and cleared for septic, well and drainage, he just left everything where it fell. I have some large boulders, lots of rocks, and big piles of dirt & stumps EVERYWHERE. I also need to back fill along the foundation.
Construction acquaintance suggested getting a 580, 310 or 416 Backhoe for ~35-40k. Clean things up then sell it.
I probably would do that or rent one if I there more often or needed to move in soon. I have like a 6 year plan before we move there permanently. So it is really more like a vacation or weekend camping spot. Lots of weekends spent there and two (2) week-long vacations there over the course of a year.
I have (had? ) an early 1950's Case 320 Backhoe. It has bit the dust. I spend more time fixing it than using it and it is turning into a mobile HAZMAT generator. It did show me how much fun and useful a backhoe can be. Learned A LOT with it. One big lesson has been that a lose backhoe assembly can be un-wieldy.
I think I want an L48 or L39 Kubota TLB. (used with low hours).
What would you consider low hours? (i.e. Less than ??)
Looking long range. I know clearing the land and cleaning up the 'dirt' will take longer, but I have time. I want something that I can just jump on and go. I do understand and appreciate the maintenance that needs to be done. For me, it's part of the fun (that got to be old with the Case). These models can just drop the BH and put the 3pt hitch on. That would be great for road maintenance. (Box blade?)
Being New Hampshire, I'll need to plow snow. Modified Truck Plow for the FEL? Snow Box/Blade? Just the FEL by itself? I don't think I want to use a blower backwards for 1/4 mile.
I need to eventually clear an acre or two infront of the house. This will give a real nice mountain view to the south and be a food plot for wildlife. Haven't even started the plan other than to know it will need to be done. I do not want to mow more than once year if I can help it. Thinking flail mower.
I have found an L39 with Hydraulic Thumb and an L48 without any thumb.
I REALLLY want a thumb for moving the rocks and building some retaining walls.
Really leaning towards the L48 because it is easier to add a thumb than to add size or HP. BUT - I REALLY want a hydraulic thumb. (did I mention that yet? :licking: )
So, what are the problems I'm not seeing here?
Is there something else I should consider doing? Other tractor/loader/backhoe combo that I should be considering? I know about the JD110. Just seems like an L48 or L39 has gotten better reviews, especially about the 3pt hitch. YMMV
We bought 47 acres of woods that was logged ~15years ago.
A house has been started by the previous owner (PO). It is weather tight but that is all.
The driveway is 1/4 mile of logging road. One very steep spot on a turn but rather flat & straight before and after that spot.
When the PO dug the foundation and cleared for septic, well and drainage, he just left everything where it fell. I have some large boulders, lots of rocks, and big piles of dirt & stumps EVERYWHERE. I also need to back fill along the foundation.
Construction acquaintance suggested getting a 580, 310 or 416 Backhoe for ~35-40k. Clean things up then sell it.
I probably would do that or rent one if I there more often or needed to move in soon. I have like a 6 year plan before we move there permanently. So it is really more like a vacation or weekend camping spot. Lots of weekends spent there and two (2) week-long vacations there over the course of a year.
I have (had? ) an early 1950's Case 320 Backhoe. It has bit the dust. I spend more time fixing it than using it and it is turning into a mobile HAZMAT generator. It did show me how much fun and useful a backhoe can be. Learned A LOT with it. One big lesson has been that a lose backhoe assembly can be un-wieldy.
I think I want an L48 or L39 Kubota TLB. (used with low hours).
What would you consider low hours? (i.e. Less than ??)
Looking long range. I know clearing the land and cleaning up the 'dirt' will take longer, but I have time. I want something that I can just jump on and go. I do understand and appreciate the maintenance that needs to be done. For me, it's part of the fun (that got to be old with the Case). These models can just drop the BH and put the 3pt hitch on. That would be great for road maintenance. (Box blade?)
Being New Hampshire, I'll need to plow snow. Modified Truck Plow for the FEL? Snow Box/Blade? Just the FEL by itself? I don't think I want to use a blower backwards for 1/4 mile.
I need to eventually clear an acre or two infront of the house. This will give a real nice mountain view to the south and be a food plot for wildlife. Haven't even started the plan other than to know it will need to be done. I do not want to mow more than once year if I can help it. Thinking flail mower.
I have found an L39 with Hydraulic Thumb and an L48 without any thumb.
I REALLLY want a thumb for moving the rocks and building some retaining walls.
Really leaning towards the L48 because it is easier to add a thumb than to add size or HP. BUT - I REALLY want a hydraulic thumb. (did I mention that yet? :licking: )
So, what are the problems I'm not seeing here?
Is there something else I should consider doing? Other tractor/loader/backhoe combo that I should be considering? I know about the JD110. Just seems like an L48 or L39 has gotten better reviews, especially about the 3pt hitch. YMMV