MMiller,
Looks like you and me and Highbeam are on the same page. I agree with what you and he have pointed out. Like Highbeam mentioned, the multitude of 5 minute jobs for the back are ubiquitous. I've used mine for everything these last couple of months. At least everytime I think I'm done with it, that is.
As far as getting a rental, I have no trailer so I'd have to get it delivered. The contractor who pioneered my road charges his least price for a CAT 450 backhoe...$87.50/hr. Plus driving to and from my property (1hour also @ $87.50) That is the cheapest rate he has. But it is not available at the drop of a hat. (His Dozer is $180.00/hr.) At that backhoe rate, I've paid for over 1/2 of mine already and will probably have 100 hrs on it come Summer meaing I'll have more than paid for it by then. I know he works faster and more efficiently than I do, but for the 5 minute job the travel cost would kill me or I'd just never do them.