Anyone use walk/tow behind backhoe?

[BeezFun]

I have a mini backhoe from Northern Tool. The one they sell today is more rugged than the one I have. It is not the fastest backhoe, but I've dug 120' of a 20" trench 4'-5' deep in clay and hardpan.
It is a good backhoe - had mine over 20 years. I dig drainage ditches, put in sauna columns, culverts, etc. You can always sell it if you don't want to keep it. But the first one I used, I rented. You may be able to find one to rent.
NorthStar Trencherman Backhoe 270cc Honda GX Engine | Backhoes | Northern Tool + Equipment

That's closer to what I was looking for. I should see if I can find anything used for sale, then I could sell it when I'm done.

 

[Qapla]

We use a Bobcat mine Excavator with a 9" bucket that has a 13HP engine and fits through a 36" gate. Digs great.

I understand your concerns about the tracks. The one we have uses rubber tracks. When driven carefully, they do not leave the damage standard tracks do.

 

[Taylortractornut]

Harbor frieght also sells a trencher man copy for about 1/2 of the northern unit but Probably do for your job

 

[tcreeley]

Harbor Freight one looks like a good one.

 

[sunshine coaster]

I have a u15 kubota, 1.5 ton that has rubber tracks, fits easily on a sheet of plywood, it would do your job without any damage and way faster than the ones you are inquiring about....

 

[Soundguy]

if you can't use a scut backhoe, then forget a towable one. same foot print.

a small trencher on the other hand may do what you want.

I have a woods 6500 3pt hoe on a subframe I built for a ford 850.. it's pretty small.. probably smaller footprint than the chinese tow behind models that have the fixed outriggers that go more towards the front instead of folding out to the side like a tractor mounted hoe.

I looked over both styles extensively when picking out a hoe... both had benefits.. but in t he end I went with the tractor mounted one.

soundguy