Bremse
Member
When I was looking to buy a scut I went through the same questions of backhoe yes or now. I could probably get by without one for the most part but that is true for the whole tractor in my case (4 wooded acres). I don稚 use the tractor much but when I do I知 glad I have it. Same is true for the backhoe I decided to buy along with the tractor. Yes, it was a few grand but it was a lot less than adding it later (if at all possible). I opted for the lower end tractor model to make up some of the difference (GC1710 vs GC1720) as I see more utility in the hoe than in the extra couple of hp of the higher end model. Another thing to consider is that if you ever want to add rear remotes (really handy for hydraulic top link and tilt on a box blade or if you want to run a log splitter) you already have the power beyond hookup and just need to add a valve when the hoe is off. I don稚 have much time to use my tractor due to work and 4 little kids at home so when I have a bit of time for a small project it痴 usually on short notice and I get interrupted a lot. Renting wouldn稚 be very feasible and I would just end up not doing the project. I don稚 own a truck and my vehicles can稚 tow a the typical rental equipment trailers so I壇 have to arrange (and pay) for delivery on top of the rental itself.
If you get the hoe then definitively spend the few hundred bucks for a thumb. Then you can use your hoe as a long reach grapple and you can easily lift logs to move or to cut up. As others have mentioned, they also make for nice ballast for loader work. I would also add a hook to the bucket.
If you get the hoe then definitively spend the few hundred bucks for a thumb. Then you can use your hoe as a long reach grapple and you can easily lift logs to move or to cut up. As others have mentioned, they also make for nice ballast for loader work. I would also add a hook to the bucket.
