Back Hoe -vs- Excavator... Which do you prefer?

[Storm56]

How do you mow with an excavator? When you went across the lawn, did you try any sharp turns? Not trying to argue, just curious...

 

[Localmotion]

How do you mow with an excavator? When you went across the lawn, did you try any sharp turns? Not trying to argue, just curious...

You can get flail heads which fit onto the linkage that normally carries the bucket for mowing - it makes a really useful tool as you can reach high up and far out from the cab - ideal for clearing bruch etc...

To turn on a lawn you use the bucket to lift the front of the machine, and then track oneside forwards and one backwards while slewing to turn the bottom of the machine - this leaves no marks.

Interesting that everyone is assuming (probably because of the video) that an excavator has to be tracked - what about rubber ducks?...

 

[JoeBuyer]

You can get flail heads which fit onto the linkage that normally carries the bucket for mowing

I have seen some flail heads in the past starting in the $5k to $7k range and going way up from there. What brand and size do you have? That would be very useful, I had forgot about those. Note that these can be used on an excavator or TLB.

 

[Storm56]

OK - I retract my statement, not single use machines! Still for sure, in my case, not nearly as versatile a TLB.

 

[20 20]

Thanks Localmotion.

I actually made a mower for my baby mini out of an old lawn mower, didn't have the $$$$$ for the flail head, works great for what I need. We've had this argument in the past and I'd rather not get into another p'sing match on whos mommy wears combat boots. Like I wrote, 2 different creatures(BH vs EX) an ex will out dig a BH any day, but a TLB is more verstile(for all around jobs). For my needs I'd rather have two different machines, the versatility of the ex to swing and dig and a tractor with dump trailer to haul away the spoils. I have been asked before if I had to get rid of all my machines except one which would I keep. Too me this was a very simple answer my EX stays, way to many uses.

 

[Localmotion]

Thanks Localmotion.

I actually made a mower for my baby mini out of an old lawn mower, didn't have the $$$$$ for the flail head, works great for what I need. We've had this argument in the past and I'd rather not get into another p'sing match on whos mommy wears combat boots. Like I wrote, 2 different creatures(BH vs EX) an ex will out dig a BH any day, but a TLB is more verstile(for all around jobs). For my needs I'd rather have two different machines, the versatility of the ex to swing and dig and a tractor with dump trailer to haul away the spoils. I have been asked before if I had to get rid of all my machines except one which would I keep. Too me this was a very simple answer my EX stays, way to many uses.

Totally agree - if & when budget allows I would definately consider purchasing a backhoe (purpose built JCB, Case, CAT etc, not tractor mounted), but here and now our excavators manage fine, plus we still have a tractor fel when needed.

We just completed a job which was a prime example of the benefits of a 360 machine over 180...

A guy had a new septic tank installed, and the builder contracted a JCB to dig the hole. Unfortunately the site is very tight (only just the width of our lorry), so once backed in, the JCB could only pile the soil up on one side. Once the tank was in, they then realised that there was no way for the JCB to load the spoil onto a lorry - simply not enough space, and 360 machine was needed (to my benefit).

That said there have been plenty of occasions when I wish my excavator had a front loader with 4in1 bucket...

 

[swick1]

I own a tiny tlb and rent excavators all the time. They are much better for jobs where you have to control where your spoils are placed precisely. A mini excavator will be stronger than a small backhoe and have more reach. They don't get dragged around by the hoe as much as a tlb either.

 

[caver]

You can drive a TLB to the next site a mile down the road...... still lusting for a mini ex though

 

[Localmotion]

You can drive a TLB to the next site a mile down the road...... still lusting for a mini ex though

Round here I have seen some Spanish tracking their excavators several miles along the road to the site :laughing: Definately don't recomend it though - tends to wear rubber tracks our rather quickly!!!

We use our 7.5 tonne lorry to move our excavators around - loading and unloading is each a 5 minute job including strapping and signage, so if travelling more than say 5 miles, it is quicker than driving a backhoe!

 

[excav8ter]

Had a JCB hoe once......first time I got in an excavator I realized a BH was not the machine for me. Bought a Kobelco Sk120 and now have a Kobelco SR135.... I have never missed my old BH....not for a second. I do demolition, concrete/asphalt removal, sewer, water and storm sewer installation and repair, resi and commercial excavating, slope and river bank restoration and many other things. I personally have no use for a BH. Especially with my Kobelco SR35 and my Takeuchi TL130 in my fleet.