Backhoe backhoe alternative?

[Cliff_Johns]

This has probably been covered, but I can't find it using
the search.

What I really want is a small (and I mean small) backhoe.
I don't see digging deeper than 3 feet. I want to use it for
some stump removal, shallow trenching for a beam-on-grade
foundation for a garage and for digging holes for planting
small trees and bushes. The kind of thing I could do with
a shovel twenty years ago.

Are there alternatives to a backhoe that would do this
type of lighter work for less money?

I am a fan of having as few engines as possible, so I'm
looking for something that would run off the tractor PTO
or hydraulics

Are there threads that already address this question?
Thanks for any suggestions you might have. (related to
the question, that is /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif)

Cliff

 

[JayC]

Well, I don't know how much help I can be, but what about a small used compact excavator? I think those can be picked up relatively cheap. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Nevermind. I just noticed the PTO/hydraulics thing. Sorry. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Today's not my day. It was one of those days that seem like nothing is going right.

 

[bigpete]

Cliff,

I evaluate the same question from a similar circumstance every year or two. On one occasion I hired out the job because it was too big for self-help, and on all the other occasions, I found myself buying a top-notch shovel, a new pair of leather work gloves, and a bottle of Advil. The work was completed in a reasonable time in all cases, and it wasn't too 'unhealthy' for me to do a little ol' fashioned digging in the others. The work savings from moving the"dug" or "fill" materials with my FEL is really the Godsend.

My better-half and I have a solemn pact: When my back loses its ability to keep up with my initiative, I'll buy the backhoe. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[cisco]

Well, you can get down 1.5 to 2 feet with your FEL. Such must be, of course, as wide as your FEL, at a minimum. For smaller holes (fence posts, small trees), a post hole digger attachment is relatively inexpensive, and most get about 3 feet down before you need to fiddle with extension tubes.

 

[AndyMA]

Having had small and now midsize backhoe for many years, nothing else digs like a backhoe. I can do in 5 minutes what would take half a day with the front bucket. With 5% the mess. I said it before and I'll say it again, I'll never be with out one.

Get a 6 1/2 or 7 1/2 hoe and you'll love it.

Andy

 

[yooperdave]

Have you looked into a lackender hoe?

Small hoe at a small price.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

 

[Cliff_Johns]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Have you looked into a lackender hoe?

Small hoe at a small price.)</font>

Found the web site.
Interesting contraption. Does anyone on TBN actually have
one and use it on a tractor FEL? I'd be interested in hearing
pros and cons of this attachment.

Cliff

 

[gray]

I have seen a quicktach trenching bucket attachmant for skid steer type units that could go on a tractor if power allows.

It was able to trench 8 to 12 inches wide and had up to 36 inch depth? It looked like a long, narrow backhoe bucket on a quicktach plate. Only thing that might do what you ask?

 

[theonlybull]

the only thing i'd be worried about, is the frontend of the tractor, with that on the fel, you'll be able to put some serious loads on the front axle. both from the weight point, and from the torque from backing up, trying to dig...

 

[gray]

I believe the loader limits will protect against over working the axel. All loaders go to bypass before doing any structual damage. The only thing to be carefull about would be moving the tractor around while the attachment is deep in the ground.
If you were to put that type of load on the loader arms, then you may have an issue? Skid steers may be able to take it?