Backhoe/Excavator Question

[kubotafan]

I am considering getting a BX or a B series TLB but have also wondered about a small excavator. I have a B3030 tractor for loader work and tilling. I have never used either a TLB or excavator so am looking for pro and cons for both. I am looking for something to do small trench work that can get on and off properties leaving very little foot print behind. If I go excavator route what model numbers should I be looking for?

[KeithInSpace]

? From a cost perspective, your best two options are adding a BH to your machine or get a used up contruction TLB. Either would cost ~$5k to $6k

The used TLB would be stronger, but it would be MUCH heavier and would be a PITA to maintain, I'd think.

I'd look at the Woods BH6000 on the back of your B3030. Someone else would have to weigh in to tell me if it could handle more BH, but it has done all the trenching I've ever asked of it and my BX2230 (somewhat similar in weight to your B3030) treads very lightly, even on wet dirt/grass.

[radioman]

you certainly can add on a aftermarket 3pt hitch versions to the B tractor. I would say it would be easier to maintain. You probably will need to add on a hydralic port for it in the back.

[kubotafan]

I was thinking of something that would be a little lighter for trailering than my B3030 with loader and BH. I should have mentioned that my tractor is a B3030HSDC (cab version) and the Kubota hoe would have to be adapted to make it fit.

I do some hired out work so am not just thinking about the initial cost but which would be the most practical. The tractor is used with a tiller during the spring and summer and a snow blower during the winter so having a second machine would save changing implements.

[kthompson]

I have used TLB some but a fair amount on small (5 ton) excavator. My thoughts are:
For digging the excavator is faster. If you have one with offset boom you can dig closer to walls or such than the TLB can. You are able to dig any where you are in the full 360 rotation (lift capacity is not the same over sides). You are able to dig and rotate which ever direction you need to for dumping even to a full 360. You just don't have that much swing with a TLB. You don't have outriggers on the excavator that must find stable ground. On excavator it is easy to dig and drive up a few feet with out hardly breaking stride.

If you will be doing every now and then work would suggest the BH on tractor due to cost of separate machine and travel speed on job site. Excavator is about walking speed best case.

As to brands and models of excavator, I would want to do that the same way a tractor. Find out what dealerships are there. Begin with them. Hoses have been my need the vast majority of the time. If you buy an excavator do get manuals.

[amigauser]

Originally Posted by kthompson

If you will be doing every now and then work would suggest the BH on tractor due to cost of separate machine and travel speed on job site. Excavator is about walking speed best case.

As to brands and models of excavator, I would want to do that the same way a tractor. Find out what dealerships are there. Begin with them. Hoses have been my need the vast majority of the time. If you buy an excavator do get manuals.

I agree. A mini excavator is much better tool than a similar sized backhoe for digging and will do it much faster/easier. The trade off is $$ vs. an add on backhoe for your tractor. There are quite a few mini-ex's for sale due to the bad economy but they still are much more expensive than an add on tractor backhoe. If you are making a business out of this, I would get the mini Ex, but for limited home use the backhoe makes more sense.

[kubotafan]

My closest and most convenient dealer would be my Kubota dealer. What model numbers should I search for? I do not want a big unit - under 2 ton. Where do I look for used? I am familair with Tractorhouse but don't think they have excavators.

[amigauser]

For Kubota a KX41 miniex would have similar or slightly better capabilities than a backhoe on a B3030.
http://www.kubota.com/f/products/kx41_Specs.pdf

If you want a Kubota BX sized miniex you could get the much smallar KX008 Kubota excavator.
http://www.kubota.com/f/products/k008_Specs.pdf

[kubotafan]

Originally Posted by amigauser

For Kubota a KX41 miniex would have similar or slightly better capabilities than a backhoe on a B3030.
http://www.kubota.com/f/products/kx41_Specs.pdf

If you want a Kubota BX sized miniex you could get the much smallar KX008 Kubota excavator.
http://www.kubota.com/f/products/k008_Specs.pdf

I see where there are KX41-3 and KX41-2 machines. I think the KX41-3 is a newer model. Can someone can give help as to the difference between the two?

[20 20]

exacavtor is better but then there is price to consider