Backhoe Backhoe for pond cleaning

[Buck]

One component of my rationalization list for buying a backhoe for my JD790 is that the banks of my small pond are rather messy.

A friend of mine tells me that the best way to clean the pond banks is to hire a larger backhoe operator. Clearly, this is the superior solution. However, I don’t care, because I want a backhoe.

What I do care about, though, is that he said that the reach of a CUT backhoe is just plain ineffective for pond maintenance.

Any experience(s) you could share?

Thanks,

Buck

 

[sweettractors]

What size pond do you have? I dont think I would key a purchase like that on just 1 job. Is there any other chores that the backhoe would be used for?--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New 3 Point Backhoes for 20-60 HP Tractors*

 

[Buck]

Ken,

I wouldn't key the backhoe purchase on one job either. I hope I conveyed that idea in the phrase, "One component of my rationalization for a backhoe....".

With respect to the other question, I actually have two ponds. One is about 100'x50', the other is 70' x 70', eight foot deep...

 

[JerryG]

Buck,
Without seeing your ponds, I don't think that you be able to do very much. By the time you set the tractor in a safe place to where you wouldn't get stuck or slid in, you wouldn't have very much reach. I know that is the way it would be on my ponds. Although, I do know that ponds are constructed differently in different parts of the country and your ponds may or may not be like mine. A trackhoe seems to be the ideal piece of equipment for that type of job.

 

[Buck]

Jerry,

Thanks for the frank response. That was my fear. I must be looking for more excuse fodder for a backhoe.

Thanks!
Buck

 

[mrcaptainbob]

I think it would be the IDEAL piece of equipment and that you should get it...preferably before Christmas. And if I'm wrong about that.....well, you still have yer backhoe!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[GerardC]

<font color="blue">A trackhoe seems to be the ideal piece of equipment for that type of job. </font>

I agree. G

 

[EddieWalker]

The real problem with working along the edge of a pond is getting into position and dealing with the mud.

The hoe will only go aproximately 180 degrees. You have to line up your tractor along the side of the shoreline so you can get the material away from it.

Then it will run downhill to your tractor and creats even more mud. Removing those mud piles is another thread all together, but getting unstuck is something you'll have to get real good at.

If you haven't learned to walk your tractor sideways with a hoe, you will have to learn this. If not, you'll need a dozer.

Get the backhoe anyway. It's something you'll always enjoy using and find dozens of things to use it on.

 

[Banjo]

Buck,
get the hoe anyway. I designed and built mine this year and although I haven't used it all that much (because I only finished it a few weeks ago), I'm a fan already.

I was moving dirt, digging out trees, digging out old concrete, and the like and loving every minute of it. I was surprised at the power of a small machine, for example digging out scrubby "Manitoba Maples" was so easy, and yet even the small ones were pretty much immovable "by hand". The hoe was much easier for this, than a chain on the loader ... especially for the more stubborn ones.

For the pond situation, the swing limitation could be a real issue. Also check, many smaller hoe's don't swing the whole 180°.

cheers, Andrew

PS. I'm *sure* the pond edges would be cleaned up to some extent though /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ... yea, yea, that's the ticket /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[erosol]

Go and buy the backhoe! It's only money and what else is it going to be doing, but sitting there in the bank and interest rates are too low to make anything. I just bought one, Woods 7500 with aux. pump too. There are just some many things you can do with one, don't wait on someone that might show up. Here in TN you'd be lucky to have one out of 10 poeple you call to show up. Must be making Meth or something else around here that pays better.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif