Got mini-excavator, selling BX24 TLB

RodSerling · Feb 24, 2014

Congrats. A backhoe just can't compare to an excavator when it comes to excavating

. One word of advice, don't leave that 2x4 under the bucket to hold the boom, as it loads more weight on the 2x4 it could really hurt someone bad if it lets go or gets nudged. If you're worrying about the space ratchet strap the boom to the ROPS or set it down on the ground. (Nanny rant over). Now go enjoy your mini.

Sodo · Feb 24, 2014

Don't have any real excavating per se, but that can change. I will be digging some ATV trails across a hillside (and the on-going land cleanup). May rent it out to an associate who has expressed interest. Looking forward to ability to spin 360deg, dump spoils where I want it.

I'll knock the 2x4 out intentionally and see if the boom drops, then I'll know how it behaves. I don't expect it to drop more than a couple inches, but this is the first time I've ever parked it. Agreed ratchet strap to the ROPS is more certain, saves more floor space too.

One of the bucket pins is bent, haven't quite figured out what to do. Hoping theres a way to use hydraulics to bend it back, as it may be difficult to get it out as is. I will get pics of this problem next time (100 miles away).

robertm · Feb 25, 2014

Sodo said:
I just bought a kubota KX41-3v mini-excavator. It has 1200 hrs, $14k, 3700lbs, hydr thumb, travel speed 2.6mph. I'll use it mostly for land cleanup then sell it if it doesn't get used. I'll sell my BX24 and get a 30hp tractor with just an FEL. I think the KX41 + a tractor (no backhoe) will cost the same as a (newer) 30hp TLB, and be more useful. It was interesting that the little KX41 takes up only 50% more barn space than the (removed) BX backhoe. And it moves - the backhoe just sits there, only way to move it is to attach it to the tractor. In my search, I heard more than once "the days of the $10k mini-X are long gone." One salesman told me so many contractors went under there were lots on the mkt a few years ago. But in the last 4 years nobody bought new machines so there are very few 2008-2012 on the mkt now. Or they have 5.000 hours. Had to drive it 1.5 miles in the snow, uphill. It took 65 minutes, it doesnt go 2.6mph uphill. Snow was almost as deep as the tracks, i was getting worried, arrived at my barn 9:15pm.

Where are you located?

jel1988 · Feb 25, 2014

The BX should sell quick and fetch a good buck. The reason a bought a new machine was the price differential wasn't that great!

Sodo · Feb 25, 2014

robertm said:
Where are you located?

I'm in Seattle, WA, my barn is in the cascade mtns in central WA.

Yes a used BX with low hours go for about 65-75% of a new BX. You can buy a lot of implements with that difference.

Sodo · Mar 13, 2014

Wow, what a great eBay deal on a KX41-3v, $12,000 (910 hours). This would sell for $16,000 here. I'm kinda bummed that I didn't find this one.

mike69440 · Mar 14, 2014

Sodo said:
I'm in Seattle, WA, my barn is in the cascade mtns in central WA.

Yes a used BX with low hours go for about 65-75% of a new BX. You can buy a lot of implements with that difference.

For a tractor replacement, I'd suggest the heaviest duty small CUT with full size loaded tires you can get with no more than a 54" bucket. 30 Hp tractor is a bit large for close quarter work, if that is of concern.

Excavators rock.

Sodo · Mar 18, 2014

Mike I'm thinking of a B2620, b29xx, B3030, B3200 etc. FEL must lift 900+ lbs. Was happy to learn that Kubota FEL # is the capacity in KG. So FEL model LA463 lifts 463kg x 2.2 = 1018lbs

Sodo · Apr 29, 2014

Sold the BX24. Now looking for a B2620 B2920 B3200, B3300 ?or? L2800 or L3200

jim_wilson · May 13, 2014

Sodo said:
Mike I'm thinking of a B2620, b29xx, B3030, B3200 etc. FEL must lift 900+ lbs. Was happy to learn that Kubota FEL # is the capacity in KG. So FEL model LA463 lifts 463kg x 2.2 = 1018lbs

Where did you hear that? I've never heard that before.

If you're looking for something that is truly going to life in the 900-1000 pound range - you're going to need to look at the largest B series or a small L series. I have a B3200 with the LA504 - and I know that the FEL is lifting somewhere in the range of 900-950 pounds of actual weight. I've loaded up the FEL with a pallet on the fork frame - with 80 pound cement bags - and that is right about where it tops out.