Buying Advice End Loader, Backhoe, or ???

[LibraryMark]

Folks -

I am trying to decide what type of machine to get, I've got about $5K to spend. We own 17 acres of mostly woods, and I would like to clear a little more of it. I also need a machine that can lift heavy objects (old milling machines, lathes, boulders, etc.) from time to time. One that can move snow and dirt pull small stumps. As I work by myself, I need something that I can get in and out of when the bucket is in the air. That rules out a skidsteer.

I have an old Michigan 175 loader - it's strong as heck, but the tires do not hold air longer than a day, The Detroit 4-71 in it is really tired, and it's so heavy (24K Lbs), it leaves awful ruts in the yard and takes an acre to turn around with. Even with all that, it was really handy. Currently it's yard art because one tire has a gash in the sidewall. Before the 175 I had a Case W5 and that was handy and a good size but not being 4WD made it useless in some situations.

I figure my choices are another (smaller) end loader like maybe a Case W7 or similar, or a backhoe or a tractor with a loader.

What's the best choice given my meagre budget? Anyone know of something near SW Michigan?

Thanks -

Mark in SW MI.

 

[Streetcar]

Replace tire on existing equipment, 5 grand is not much of a budget for heavy lifting

 

[jeff9366]

Payloaders, Skid Steers and Fork Lifts have rear engines which serve as counterbalance to Loader lifts.
Tractors have front engines. Tractors are primarily designed to PULL, not LIFT.

In order to lift 2,500 pounds SAFELY with a Tractor/Loader you need around 1,700 pounds rear tire and Three Point Hitch counterbalance to keep the rear wheels on the ground. With large rear wheels and small front wheels tractors are unstable relative to Payloaders, Skid Steers and Fork Lifts.

Most use a tractor Three Point Hitch implement as counterbalance. This can make for a very long tractor unit, decreasing maneuverability.

Tractors older than 15 years have less FEL lift capacity than new tractors of similar weight.

 

[4570Man]

You’d be lucky to get something that even runs for 5k. If you do it’ll be a worn out money pit. Either save more money or fix your loader to do the heavy lifting.

 

[Scrambler82]

Keep checking used equipment, Crags List... etc.

I found the my Tractor on Craigs List, after about three months of looking, it isn't what you need, but it works for me.

I wanted a Mahindra for what they claim is their lifting capacity for the FEL... (another story), I checked out Craigs List everyday and found a used, 2 years old Mahindra, Max28, with the FEL lift I want, very low hours, bought it from the next state up and they delivered it for a very reasonable cost.
It works well, and does what is needed, so I win, but it cost in the $15K range and came with a FEL, BH, and Box Blade, so something bigger, to do logging with... it will require a larger budget as above stated.

Maybe it is better to do just put tires on the old Michigan, and work her until you can raise the budget or find a used tractor with the capacity you want.

Good Luck on your search, post what you find !

 

[LibraryMark]

Keep checking used equipment, Crags List... etc.

Maybe it is better to do just put tires on the old Michigan, and work her until you can raise the budget or find a used tractor with the capacity you want.

Good Luck on your search, post what you find !

I knew the first words out of everyone would be "That's not enough money". Here's the thing - I bought my case for $1600 and used it for many years. The Michigan was $2K and I used that one for at least 8 years. For me, $5K is a real step up. If I put any money into the Michigan it will only be enough to get it out of my yard. Would I like to spend more? Sure. As I am retired, it's not likely I will be saving up to any serious extent.

 

[4570Man]

And they’re broke down and not useable. Point proved.

 

[crashz]

I'd keep your old loader running and get some used tires for it. Nothing will beat is lifting power. It will do most of the things you need and you can add a machine from there.

 

[LibraryMark]

And theyæ±*e broke down and not useable. Point proved.

The Case worked fine, I sold it to buy the Michigan. If it wasn't too big, I would have fixed the tires by now. Point dismissed.

I can't justify $15K for a tractor.

Honestly, folks - I just joined this forum today to ask for some help and ideas. Would I be better with a backhoe? Or a smaller end loader? Or what?

If all you can come up with is, "you can't get there from here" then don't answer. I have done just fine on the cheap for a long time. I can fix things that are broken when I need to.

 

[4570Man]

I see a lot more full size TLBs around vs small loaders but all the old ones are still 2wd.