Backhoe Mini excavator or backhoe attachment

[Green Acres Homestead]

What three side did you dig. I assume tge one facing the house was not touched

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I started out to get a FEL only for the MF 265 and new was the only option and around $6K+ for a 60 HP tractor.

Found a good running 1983 JD 310B (13K pounds) but well worn backhoe for $7200. Been working it hard this week but that is the most we have used it the two years but it gets used often for short periods of time.

Knowing myself I would never use a BH if it was not ready to go at a push of a button. I do enjoy the MF 265 for bush hogging, box blading, etc with NO FEL installed.

While the JD BH has not had any running issues one does have two engines to service and keep up with but there is nothing to hitch/unhitch which is a requirement do to physical limitations.

Everyone has their own preferrences.:thumbsup:

I can tell you a JD 300 series is not for work in small back yards.

 

[Code54]

The side I didn't dig is the direction I wanted the tree to fall if that makes sense. Sort of leave those roots as the hinge....
Hope that explains it - just dig fairly deep and rip out most of the roots on those three sides so when you reach up to lever it over it moves - don't want to get it swinging back and forth - that could be bad

 

[Gale Hawkins]

The side I didn't dig is the direction I wanted the tree to fall if that makes sense. Sort of leave those roots as the hinge....
Hope that explains it - just dig fairly deep and rip out most of the roots on those three sides so when you reach up to lever it over it move - don't want to get it swinging back and forth - that could be bad

That is a good plan for falling the tree you are digging and especially if gravity is working against you. :thumbsup:

 

[wedge40]

Some great facts and logical advice and also valuable insight into the equipment. That taking off and on implements is a pain. I will be using a fair amount loading logs, making logging roads/trails to get my one ton in, ski and walking trails and landscaping. I would need something with a thumb to move brush and load logs.

Anybody know about how long a mini would dig out out a 12 inch maple stump. I know there is alot of factors here but a rough estimate. An hour or 30 minutes.

This is like asking how big a tractor I need. Mini excavators are anything between 0 and 12000 lbs. At least that's how they are classified on machinerytrader. A one ton mini wont be much use digging stumps. So you should tell us what mini you're looking at.

Wedge

 

[Localmotion]

To repeat what lots have already said....

For Speed, Stability, Comfort and Agility (you can get an excavator far more places than a backhoe) go for the excavator.

For budget, ease of transportation (assuming your tractor is road legal), and if it's not going to be used often, go for the backhoe - Just don't expect it to perform as well as an excavator as these are purpose built for the job....

 

[Localmotion]

This is like asking how big a tractor I need. Mini excavators are anything between 0 and 12000 lbs. At least that's how they are classified on machinerytrader. A one ton mini wont be much use digging stumps. So you should tell us what mini you're looking at.

Wedge

A 1t is fine for digging stumps - it just takes a bit longer and needs chains...:laughing:

 

[EE_Bota]

I am looking at mini-ex too.

Reason...more capable.
Needs...almost non-existent.
Helpful: my brother and my best friend and I are willing to go in equal partners for a used one. All of our needs are minor. I have the least need of the three.

We are looking to spend $5-6 K each. My brother has lots of equipment..a ditchwitch, dump truck, bobcat, several tractors, and a Woods backhoe on one of the tractors. Yet, even he still would prefer a mini-ex.

 

[Green4310TLB]

Depends on your projects. I had a huge old Ford Dinosuar of a TLB liked it, but is was a very old used machine. No problems digging out trees, moving heavy farm equipment etc.. Sold that one and got the baby green one. It is probably more useful on a daily basis, easier on fuel and fits in the garage. Now I wish I had a mini ex to do real digging projects again. Maybe some day - after I pay off this one. You will be happier with the mini if you already have a small tractor.

 

[Localmotion]

Of course there is another reason to go with the mini excavator....

It leaves your tractor free to pull the dump trailer :laughing:

If you buy a backhoe I'm guessing it won't be long before you're in the marlet for a dump truck or another tractor and trailer... :confused2: