B and L series bh operators

[kootenai]

I am new to backhoe ops. With the relative limitations of a bh on these models, what projects do you/ have you done?

 

[deathtoblackberries]

I have a B2920 with the BH65 backhoe, I finished my first backhoe project this afternoon removing a 20' vine maple here's the before/after pics.

 

[sandyc]

Digging up and burying stumps, transplanting trees and anything else my wife wants. Digging up and moving boulders that grow here over the winter.

 

[gwdixon]

Just about anything that requires a large hole.

 

[jim_wilson]

I've got a B3200 with the BH77 hoe on it. I haven't done a huge amount with the hoe yet - but last year after taking down 10-12 large aspens along my back property line - I dug out the stumps. The largest stump that I took out - was too heavy for the loader to lift - which puts it in the 900+/- range. Yesterday I used the hoe to dig out a LARGE rock that was blocking the way where I wanted to lay a drainage pipe. I tried to get this thing out a couple of years ago with a rented trackhoe - but I just couldn't get into a good position to get to it. Using the B3200 / BH77 yesterday I was able to dig out a spot so I could get the tractor in - and then dig around the rock enough to pry it out of the ground. Turns out the thing is about 6ft long , 3ft wide - and approximately 10-12 inches thick. I'd estimate that the rock weighs in at 1500-2000 pounds. The hoe got it loose - and let me move it around in the hole - but I can't actually lift it out of the hole (which is about six feet down from where the tractor is). I'm going to have to use some Dexpan - break it in half - and then lift the pieces out.

Before the B3200 - I had a BX23 - and I used the hoe on that for putting in drainage pipe, digging out a foundation for my barn, digging down the foundation on the house to put in waterproofing and drainage - etc. A big part of the reason why I got the B3200/BH77 was for the extra digging depth/reach of the larger hoe. So far it's coming in useful.

 

[BXpanded]

Just dig a hole beside the rock deep enough to get it out of the way. Drag it in and cover it up.

 

[charlz]

Mostly digging trench for irrigation lines. I also made a 4' wide 'crumb blade' for mine that I use every-other spring to clean out dirt ditches. I don't like digging them out as that actually makes them wider over time, just scrape the crap out of the bottom and make a nice clean water-way. Both of these uses are likely easier done with a mini-excavator but I can't really justify having one sit around just for these uses. For removing and transplanting trees and the like it sure beats the crap out of a shovel

 

[Carl_NH]

Plant lots of trees, dig smaller stumps, build 400' of stone walls, trench several 100' of water and electric, transplant large rhodoendrons, dig foundation for barn, turn over compost piles, its invaluable picking, holding and cutting log length wood.

Help the neighbors with shovels.

 

[rmorey]

I have "the other orange" brand, (Kioti) with a 2475 BH. Everyone else has mentioned the rock and stump capabilities. But you can plant an apple tree with these things inside of 5 minutes. :thumbsup:

 

[kootenai]

Thanks for the replies. I am about to pull the trigger on a whole new package and I am trying to curtail the inevitable buyers remorse. ie, did I really just buy a $5000 shovel? I don't need it, but I want it. I knew you guys would help me justify its use.