savaytse66
Bronze Member
I'm in the market for a tractor, and I'm trying to justify the purchase of a small backhoe. I'm currently looking very hard at a Kubota BX25. I know there are some projects I can tackle right away with it, but as my lovely wife has so nicely pointed out, I'm not sure that long-term, the BH will get as much use as I think. So what I'd like to do is compile a list of things I can do with my own backhoe.
Now I've heard, and I completely understand, the argument that it's often cheaper to just rent a backhoe when I need it and avoid the upfront cost and maintenance of my own machine. But convenience means an awful lot to me, and with two small children, renting a backhoe and maximizing my use of it during the time I have it isn't necessarily feasible.
So anyway, here's my list of things to do with my backhoe off the top of my head:
So that's my list. I've often heard that there are many things to do with a backhoe that I wouldn't immediately think of, so I'm curious what all of you would recommend adding to the list. I realize that not everything will necessarily apply to my situation (1 acre of property, no room for a pond), but maybe some of your ideas will help justify my purchase. Even though I really want the BX25, if I cannot justify the BH, I'll probably scale down to a smaller model.
Looking forward to your ideas!
Now I've heard, and I completely understand, the argument that it's often cheaper to just rent a backhoe when I need it and avoid the upfront cost and maintenance of my own machine. But convenience means an awful lot to me, and with two small children, renting a backhoe and maximizing my use of it during the time I have it isn't necessarily feasible.
So anyway, here's my list of things to do with my backhoe off the top of my head:
- Terrace my corner vegetable garden that currently grows on a slope
- Dig a 75' long trench for a new sewer pipe (within the next two years)
- Yank out and possibly re-locate a couple small trees
- Re-work a few flower beds that were originally built half-a$$ed
- "Till" the vegetable gardens every year (note that I do not have enough garden area to justify an actual tiller)
- POSSIBLY grade and excavate for the foundation of my new garage addition. It's approximately 30' x 30' and would involve grading down about 24" and then trenching down another 12 - 16".
- Tear down a small railroad tie retaining wall
- Build and maintain a small compost area (though I can probably do this with just a loader)
So that's my list. I've often heard that there are many things to do with a backhoe that I wouldn't immediately think of, so I'm curious what all of you would recommend adding to the list. I realize that not everything will necessarily apply to my situation (1 acre of property, no room for a pond), but maybe some of your ideas will help justify my purchase. Even though I really want the BX25, if I cannot justify the BH, I'll probably scale down to a smaller model.
Looking forward to your ideas!