Buying Advice 30 acres and plans to build a new house - Equipment to get?

[HOPocrisy]

I am into year two of a vacant 30 acre parcel, mostly woods, 5 acres of prarie, mix of flat and Michigan hilly. My MF135 with Davis 101a loader is super useful but it has no power steering and that loader will hold enough to make turning almost impossible. Its been great with the box blade and land plane for smoothing the 1/4mile gravel driveway and clearing camping spots. Up next is grubbing, stumps and clearing 100x100ft area for my future home. Id like any excavation for the home to be from my equipmemt. Eventually want a fruit tree and berry bush area.

My main urgent need is a mechanical shovel.
My debate is how ro accomplish that.

Lowest cost would be a PTO drive backhoe for the 3point on my tractor. Highest cost would be a 50-70hp modern backhoe. Also a Mini-ex is under consideration as I have tight atv trails that a bachoe wouldnt fit in.

I dont have enough experience to know what I truly need versus what is nice to have. going the tractor backhoe seems ok but will it have enough power to dig stumps and how inconvienient is it to take it on and off to use other three points?

The backhoe would let me remove and sell the davis loader. I like that option as the BH would be my construction machine and keep the Massey for a paint restore and for cutting and planing only. But the price differwnce could be $20k between those two options and I've got a 12x16 cabin I am working on that will end up around $10k. Any advice on backhoes would be appreciated, I cant imagine spending more than $25k on it so its a used machine 10+yr old for sure.

 

[etpm]

Here is my limited experience opinion. About 18 years ago I needed to put in my own septic system if I wanted to occupy my newly built house in less than 6 months. Even though I had never even sat on a backhoe I bought a 1970s Case 580CK backhoe. My only tractor experience previous was a Ford 9N my neighbor and I bought together a couple years before. So I learned how to operate a backhoe. Then I put in the septic system and the county was very happy with it and several employees were brought out to my place so they could learn what a proper Infiltrator type septic system should look like. I also put in several ditches for water, power, and phone. I dug about 800 feet of ditches for the water, power, and phone. Then I dug out a bunch of stumps. A bunch. Then put in an extra 250 feet of driveway through the woods. Then repaired another 200 feet of road. And removed more stumps. I moved many yards of dirt and rocks. At least 8 yards of rocks and probably 30 yards of dirt. The Case 580 CK is meant to be a Tractor, Loader, Backhoe, A TLB. I could remove the backhoe but it would be a chore. Anyway, to me the Case is a beast. It is heavy and still the hoe will throw it around. I have lots of rocks and am super glad I have the thing to get the rocks out of the ditches I am digging. I also have a Yanmar YM2310 that I bought a few years ago. I keep thinking about buying a backhoe for it but I know it will only be good for digging narrow ditches of limited depth, and the rocks on my land would be a big chore for a small backhoe. It is a great machine, has a loader, and there is no way I will be getting rid of it. If I was in your position I would buy a used TLB that was plenty big enough to do the jobs you need it to do. Really plenty big enough. At the same time I WOULD NOT remove the loader from your existing tractor, it is too useful. At least the one on my small Yanmar is. Instead I would add a bunch of weight behind the rear wheels, like a ballast box, or something similar, to make the front end lighter when using the FEL. Not only does it make steering easier it also takes some load off of the front end which is good for the tractor. On my small Yanmar I can have more than 1500 pounds of weight hanging from the 3 point. I do and it makes a big difference. My Case is big enough that it is hard to maneuver in tight spaces, I always need to be aware of the hoe behind me. And it is pretty long. That's why having the Yanmar YM2310 is great. It is much smaller and the bucket most of the time is plenty big enough for what I need to move. So really, having both machines is great, the Case is big enough to easily handle the big jobs and the smaller Yanmar gets used most of the time for the rest of the stuff. You can always sell the bigger backhoe and just keep your present tractor, but I bet you won't.
Eric

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN!

 

[rScotty]

I am into year two of a vacant 30 acre parcel, mostly woods, 5 acres of prarie, mix of flat and Michigan hilly. My MF135 with Davis 101a loader is super useful but it has no power steering and that loader will hold enough to make turning almost impossible. Its been great with the box blade and land plane for smoothing the 1/4mile gravel driveway and clearing camping spots. Up next is grubbing, stumps and clearing 100x100ft area for my future home. Id like any excavation for the home to be from my equipmemt. Eventually want a fruit tree and berry bush area.

My main urgent need is a mechanical shovel.
My debate is how ro accomplish that.

Lowest cost would be a PTO drive backhoe for the 3point on my tractor. Highest cost would be a 50-70hp modern backhoe. Also a Mini-ex is under consideration as I have tight atv trails that a bachoe wouldnt fit in.

I dont have enough experience to know what I truly need versus what is nice to have. going the tractor backhoe seems ok but will it have enough power to dig stumps and how inconvienient is it to take it on and off to use other three points?

The backhoe would let me remove and sell the davis loader. I like that option as the BH would be my construction machine and keep the Massey for a paint restore and for cutting and planing only. But the price differwnce could be $20k between those two options and I've got a 12x16 cabin I am working on that will end up around $10k. Any advice on backhoes would be appreciated, I cant imagine spending more than $25k on it so its a used machine 10+yr old for sure.

Sure, I've been right where you are. A little land, needs a cabin, mechanical ability and not much money.
What i bet you will find is how handy it is to have one tractor to do chores and another for
heavy work. I'm thinkiing you are already more than half way there...

I have two buddies who had Massey Ferguson 135s that lasted just about forever. Thousands and thousands or hours with no repairs at all. Both were gassers with the Continental industrial engine. A more reliable tractor would be hard to imagine and near impossible to build. You already have the Davis Loader which is a good one. But original power steering was optional on the MF, not very popular, and not all that good anyway.

What you could do is buy a modern new power steering add-on kit specifically for your Massey 135. Amazingly, they still sell them Do a Google search. Several vintage tractor parts places have them and even Amazon sells a complete nice-looking kit complete wit hoses and controls for the MF135 for $800. Hard to go wrong for twice the money.

I guess you probably know that 3pt backhoes are death traps on any tractor big enough to have automatic draft control - which includes the Massey 135. That's why you don't see them much or at all for sale new anymore.
But you are all grown up and I can't preach.... I used one myself for years - though never on a sort of lightweight 3pt like was standard on the 135. Mine only nearly got me once. I bailed out sideways just as the BH control panel punched me in the stomach on it's way to tearing up the seat.
As far as 3pt hoes go, I wouldn't. But there is no problem with a backhoe mounted on a subframe if they make a subframe to fit the 135 that would be safe and handy. Also, if you find one be sure to get it with a PTO-drive pump & reservoir. The MF's feeble 4.5 GPM hydraulic pump won't run a backhoe.
And always turn

If I were doing what you are, and the MF is in decent shape I would put a power steering kit on it and call it your 3pt and loader chore tractor. Done.

Then spend some time looking around for a good old yellow pre-2000 industiral backhoe/loader. A JD310 or Case 580 would be my choice. Ask around at the maintenance dept of your local school, church, town, or utility dept.
Maintenance departments often replace on a time/depreciation schedule and some are required to offer to the public.
Those industrial backhoes run forever, are infinitely fixable, and some are even well-maintained. Parts are cheap and anyone can fix them. 10 to 20 K would buy a very nice one - but expect to spend another 2500 for new tires and batteries.
My buddy spend 12K for his 1996 2wd 310 with a 4 speed and reverser, I spent 30K for mine with cab, AC, 4wd, and powershift. Used as we do, they probably won't ever wear out.
Luck,
rScotty

 

[2manyrocks]

My experience has been that having a Terramite T5c backhoe/loader means its always ready without swapping implements. Its also designed to operate as a backhoe/loader. However, bigger is better when it comes to removing large stumps or rocks as well as moving material you've dug up with the hoe so I think a larger TLB would be very useful.
The little mini-ex machines may be good for tight spaces, but they are little, the ground speed is relatively slow and there's no front loader bucket on them. Might work for you anyway if you keep your MF/loader. But if you sell your loader and buy a miniEx, moving material any distance may not be convenient or time efficient. You could fill a trailer with the bucket on a miniex, but then how do you transport the trailer and then unload the material where you want it? It's much more convenient if you can scoop up a good amount of material with a FEL and then move it where you want it.

I think you'll at least want a thumb on whatever you end up with to move trees and brush.

 

[oosik]

I went the other way. "Man's got to know his limitations". Mile long gravel driveway - house foundation - septic system - well. I went with speciality contractors. Particularly important since my house is a Pan Abode. Precut cedar timber house. You miss it on the foundation - you can not build the house.

We ( wife, son and I ) built the house - entirely - ourselves. Saved enough to pay for all the speciality work.

 

[Hay Dude]

I am into year two of a vacant 30 acre parcel, mostly woods, 5 acres of prarie, mix of flat and Michigan hilly. My MF135 with Davis 101a loader is super useful but it has no power steering and that loader will hold enough to make turning almost impossible. Its been great with the box blade and land plane for smoothing the 1/4mile gravel driveway and clearing camping spots. Up next is grubbing, stumps and clearing 100x100ft area for my future home. Id like any excavation for the home to be from my equipmemt. Eventually want a fruit tree and berry bush area.

My main urgent need is a mechanical shovel.
My debate is how ro accomplish that.

Lowest cost would be a PTO drive backhoe for the 3point on my tractor. Highest cost would be a 50-70hp modern backhoe. Also a Mini-ex is under consideration as I have tight atv trails that a bachoe wouldnt fit in.

I dont have enough experience to know what I truly need versus what is nice to have. going the tractor backhoe seems ok but will it have enough power to dig stumps and how inconvienient is it to take it on and off to use other three points?

The backhoe would let me remove and sell the davis loader. I like that option as the BH would be my construction machine and keep the Massey for a paint restore and for cutting and planing only. But the price differwnce could be $20k between those two options and I've got a 12x16 cabin I am working on that will end up around $10k. Any advice on backhoes would be appreciated, I cant imagine spending more than $25k on it so its a used machine 10+yr old for sure.

If it’s just ONE machine, I’d buy a used 4WD backhoe. That’s the best bang for the buck mechanical digging, pushing, lifting, backfilling, tree clearing, stump digging tool there is.
They are practically giving them away because the mini-ex and skid loader combo has replaced the backhoe.

But a backhoe can still do so many things.

 

[EddieWalker]

When I bought my land back in 2003, I bought a used 1998 New Holland 555E open station 2 Wheel Drive backhoe. It had 1,900 hours on it and I paid $19,000 for it. I have over 8,000 hours on it now and it hasn't had a major break down. Lots of little things have broken on it, and I've replaced just about every hose on it, along with rebuilding most of the cylinders. It is easily the most useful tool that I own for clearing trees, moving dirt, and burying water and electric lines. About ten years after buying it, I converted the front bucket to the Quick Attach system, and bought a grapple and pallet forks. The grapple is a game changer. I can get so much more done with it then before. I dig up a tree, cut it into lengths that I can carry with the loader, and haul it to the burn pile. My loader is rated for 6,000 pounds, so it's able to pick up some fairly heavy stuff.

If I could go back in time, I should of bought a 4 wheel drive backhoe. There are times when I just can't do anything because it's only 2 wheel drive. There is a saying that a backhoe is never really stuck, you can always dig/pull your way out with the hoe stick. This is true, but sometimes it takes hours and hours to do this!!!! Now if it's muddy out, I wont risk it and I wait for the mud to dry out.

If I had more money, I would buy what my neighbor has. A 4 wheel drive, cab backhoe with a 4 in 1 bucket. That really is the ultimate machine for clearing and maintaining your land.

 

[rScotty]

When I bought my land back in 2003, I bought a used 1998 New Holland 555E open station 2 Wheel Drive backhoe. It had 1,900 hours on it and I paid $19,000 for it. I have over 8,000 hours on it now and it hasn't had a major break down. Lots of little things have broken on it, and I've replaced just about every hose on it, along with rebuilding most of the cylinders. It is easily the most useful tool that I own for clearing trees, moving dirt, and burying water and electric lines. About ten years after buying it, I converted the front bucket to the Quick Attach system, and bought a grapple and pallet forks. The grapple is a game changer. I can get so much more done with it then before. I dig up a tree, cut it into lengths that I can carry with the loader, and haul it to the burn pile. My loader is rated for 6,000 pounds, so it's able to pick up some fairly heavy stuff.

If I could go back in time, I should of bought a 4 wheel drive backhoe. There are times when I just can't do anything because it's only 2 wheel drive. There is a saying that a backhoe is never really stuck, you can always dig/pull your way out with the hoe stick. This is true, but sometimes it takes hours and hours to do this!!!! Now if it's muddy out, I wont risk it and I wait for the mud to dry out.

If I had more money, I would buy what my neighbor has. A 4 wheel drive, cab backhoe with a 4 in 1 bucket. That really is the ultimate machine for clearing and maintaining your land.

Eddie, thanks for mentioning the NH. I should have added the Ford/NH backhoe in with the JD310 and Case 580 before. They are all yellow, have the same price and features, and each one is as good as the other. They are incredibly ruggedly built, which means they age slowly. So a buyer can inspect one himself or pay a dealer's mechanic to do an inspection. Paying for an inspection is common with used commercial machines - and have reason to believe that however it is working now is exactly how it will be working years from now.
rScotty

 

[HOPocrisy]

Here is my limited experience opinion. About 18 years ago I needed to put in my own septic system if I wanted to occupy my newly built house in less than 6 months. Even though I had never even sat on a backhoe I bought a 1970s Case 580CK backhoe. My only tractor experience previous was a Ford 9N my neighbor and I bought together a couple years before. So I learned how to operate a backhoe. Then I put in the septic system and the county was very happy with it and several employees were brought out to my place so they could learn what a proper Infiltrator type septic system should look like. I also put in several ditches for water, power, and phone. I dug about 800 feet of ditches for the water, power, and phone. Then I dug out a bunch of stumps. A bunch. Then put in an extra 250 feet of driveway through the woods. Then repaired another 200 feet of road. And removed more stumps. I moved many yards of dirt and rocks. At least 8 yards of rocks and probably 30 yards of dirt. The Case 580 CK is meant to be a Tractor, Loader, Backhoe, A TLB. I could remove the backhoe but it would be a chore. Anyway, to me the Case is a beast. It is heavy and still the hoe will throw it around. I have lots of rocks and am super glad I have the thing to get the rocks out of the ditches I am digging. I also have a Yanmar YM2310 that I bought a few years ago. I keep thinking about buying a backhoe for it but I know it will only be good for digging narrow ditches of limited depth, and the rocks on my land would be a big chore for a small backhoe. It is a great machine, has a loader, and there is no way I will be getting rid of it. If I was in your position I would buy a used TLB that was plenty big enough to do the jobs you need it to do. Really plenty big enough. At the same time I WOULD NOT remove the loader from your existing tractor, it is too useful. At least the one on my small Yanmar is. Instead I would add a bunch of weight behind the rear wheels, like a ballast box, or something similar, to make the front end lighter when using the FEL. Not only does it make steering easier it also takes some load off of the front end which is good for the tractor. On my small Yanmar I can have more than 1500 pounds of weight hanging from the 3 point. I do and it makes a big difference. My Case is big enough that it is hard to maneuver in tight spaces, I always need to be aware of the hoe behind me. And it is pretty long. That's why having the Yanmar YM2310 is great. It is much smaller and the bucket most of the time is plenty big enough for what I need to move. So really, having both machines is great, the Case is big enough to easily handle the big jobs and the smaller Yanmar gets used most of the time for the rest of the stuff. You can always sell the bigger backhoe and just keep your present tractor, but I bet you won't.
Eric

Thank you this is very helpful. I have seen and been interested in the Case 580. Reviewing your notes I see on Tractordata.com how this all works, the 580CK predates the 580K and 580E and looks like the CK has slower 1st gear, which makes sense for Ag work. The later models seem truly more construction machines without the standard tractor features.
I will 100% look out for a well maintained 48hP 580CK made between 1966 - 1971 with a loader and a hoe on it. No fancy electronics, plenty of power, relatively inexpensive. and my #1 need right now, digs holes in the ground!