I just finished pricing out a new FEL for my used tractor (Kubota M4030SU), and at close to $6500 I could almost buy a small used skid loader for that kind of money (probably around $10,000). I would be using the loader for moving compost/mulch, manure, brush/small trees, loading a 16ft dump trailer with 4ft sidewalls, and assisting in pond construction (along with an independent backhoe). Any opinions on what is the better value for the money? How does using a tractor FEL compare with using a small skid steer?
You are just about three years behind me. The $6500 was the same price I found for a FEL for the 1976 265 MF. All the used ones were JUNK.
For $7200 I got a very strong construction grade FEL. It came with a good 60 HP JD diesel engine and a heavy backhoe.
The JD 310B backhoe is an awesome work horse. I have changed out the fluids and replaced some hoses and fittings. I use it more than the 265 MF by far since I have torn down buildings, dug drainage ditches and will move 500 to 1000 tons of dirt so I can build a shop insight of the house and near electrical service.
I thought about the "another old machine to keep up" and decided I was too old to be living in fear of something that may or may not happen. I use it on the place so if it breaks it can set.
Just got a thumb mounted on it and both buckets rebuilt. Parts and welding cost was only $900. Both buckets are better than then they were years ago and at my rate of usage are good for another 30 years. The only part engine part was a new starter off ebay for $105 and my 14 year old son did most of the changing out work and I did the wire connecting. There should be a law against selling a BH without a thumb. :B
I am glad I went with the backhoe vs just a FEL for the tractor. I love having a naked tractor in tight spots when disking, bushhoging, box blading. Now after a tree trimmer showed up with a JD skid loader with grapple I think I need one too. :B
The backhoe is not idea for everything but it one awesome universal piece of equipment to have around the place. About a month ago it was so hot and dry when the daughter lost some kittens (not sure where it was a tom cat or something else that killed them) the ground was just too hard to dig with a shovel period. She put them in a shoe box. The son fired up the backhoe and without moving I swung the bucket into the edge of the woods and made one scoop of dirt and the son put the box in the hole and I neatly put the dirt back into the hole and then pressed it down with the hoe bucket then shut down the backhoe.
Not only does the BH let me overcome some of my physical limitations but it has a very heavy four post roll cage and a very heavy metal top offering the operator a lot of protection. It is worn out in the minds of many but to me it is the best backhoe I have ever owned.
When I get the BH stuck it will get itself out so far. Not so with the MF tractor.
Since it still runs fine I would not price the BH for what I have in it. If it dies hard I will find another one. Consider adding another machine if that is what you want.
