Willy, I believe you are right on. IMO, those who can or will eventually purchase some kind of equipment, it's imperative to do due diligence when building a machine (if considering new) or determining long term use (even if purchasing used).
That decision can determine how creative and functional that choice can be long term.
At 65 years old, never having use of, owning, or renting anything other than a 15 to 20 Hp Cub cadet, or having a friend use his mini ex to help me install a septic tank, everything I have done is by hand or using non-specific tools for such. I remember mounting up the 7 ft snow plow on the front of the truck in the spring if 2019 and using it to clear the wood from the beach.
It worked... at the cost of a few plastic parts on the truck that got in the way when pushing some good sized logs across the beach.
I realize now that was the day I knew I needed something more than the various tools I was repurposing to get the work done I needed.
Given that, I'm all about attempting to make the most out of any purchase. Making the choice to purchase new AND add the backhoe we're two of the most important things (other than the cab model) that would serve my needs more than I could have ever imagined.
Is it a mini ex? Nope ... it's much much more. The trade off to a full mini ex is big no doubt, but the Swiss Army knife abilities of the ag tractor (as a TLB), in my setting, provides so many capabilities that I have to pinch myself every time I climb in.
I start up that tractor and head into limitless projects with pure enthusiasm, knowing that I can start and finish projects, that as of yet, I can't even begin to put limits on.
I wonder each day why I didn't do this 5, 10, or 20 years ago. All I can say is I'm so glad I finally saw the light and made the investment later in life that could provide so much independence to managing my properties.
Don't wait... be happy!
Don and Carol
it's a Mad Mad Homestead -YouTube