Buying Advice Backhoe on a SCUT - yea or nay?

[seymojo536]

Get the backhoe. Get a tiller. And pick up a set of forks. Now you're covered for 90% of any future jobs.

 

[4570Man]

Renting is too expensive and time consuming for a small project. Your options are use a shovel or don’t do the project. I had a backhoe on my tractor and it was great. It easily paid for itself. I don’t think you’ll find very many people that actually have a backhoe say they wish they didn’t have one. The renting idea is kinda silly IMO. Next time you want to use your tractor and all the times after that stop and think if that project is worth $300 or more and waiting several hours. I’m guessing you find 1 or 2 things a year that are. If renting is so great why do you own the tractor? Very few people actually have to have one anyway. A more practical discussion would be owning a tractor backhoe vs another digging tool.

 

[Jchonline]

It's all but impossible to even get a hand shovel into my red rock gravel and clay combination, even with the help of a pick axe. BH took several stumps out with little effort. Would have been even less trouble for an experienced operator, but I'm still learning.

I was more referring to the size of the job.

 

[JLH4]

Nobody has mentioned a stand alone BH, I'm leaning that way. That way you can us the BH and FEL at the same time (son on one me on the other) or load FEL with BH and move dirt to where you want it.
Just another idea IMO!
Joe

 

[MaineGuy1]

I bought a Kubota BX 25D with a backhoe, didn't even have a clue what jobs I would use the backhoe for. I found all kinds of landscaping jobs for it and other stuff I didn't know I would be doing, like digging up an old septic system, digging an underground water line, digging up and moving rocks, getting me unstuck, etc. Many people say not to purchase one unless you are going to use it, Sometimes I purchase things just incase I might need it. It all comes down to spending the extra $$ or not. Whenever I make the decision to save a few thousand dollars I usually kick myself in the *** wishing I would have spent the extra. About spending an extra $1500 for a little larger tractor and a few niceties, don't even flinch, just do it.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Weird how people see nothing wrong with having a camping trailer or classic car that never gets used, or Golf Clubs, but somehow you need to have use for a tool all the time to own it. You can always sell a used hoe for what you paid for it, IF you bought a good one, used. Try that with the other stuff I mentioned. I would not buy seldom used stuff new.

 

[shooterdon]

Backhoes are the most expensive addition. I talked to the guy who did my landscaping and he wisely talked me out it. He lives less than 4 miles from me and when I need backhoe work done he comes over and does it. I have needed him twice in 6 years...cost about $500.

But I only have 20 acres mostly wooded so not much need for one.

They are nice to have, and it is likely many users try to justify why they spent the money they did. None of my projects were urgent. Waiting a few days to dig a trench to run power was not a big deal time wise for me and he was there within a couple of days. Neither is digging out stumps, and I have a few more to deal with this year.

Just be realistic and list all the jobs you will or could do. If you have a contractor or neighbor who has a backhoe and experience it can be cost effective and you do not have the learning curve. They will do the job safely in half the time....one reason I do not rent.

Also consider the space you will need to store it when it is not in use. It should be stored under a carport at least or a garage/pole barn.

 

[djefferis]

Weird how people see nothing wrong with having a camping trailer or classic car that never gets used, or Golf Clubs, but somehow you need to have use for a tool all the time to own it. You can always sell a used hoe for what you paid for it. Try that with the other stuff I mentioned.

Best post I've read in a while and fits my thoughts 100%. Too many people view tools as something only a "pro" should own. To me there is a difference between paying a fair price for these "homeowner" units knowing they will last for quite a while and hold resale and going overboard buying a mini excavator that cost 3-4x as much and would never prove beneficial without weekly use to Joe Handyman.

Toss in ATV/UTV's, boats and Motorcycles on that list too...seriously, how many "toys" do you see for sale every winter - offered up looking like new and someone looking to recoup their loss.

Lots of things "sound" like fun - look at the photos in those glossy brochures they hand out for jet ski's or motorcycles...don't those people look like they are having fun ? Funny, they don't show the guy working OT every week to make a payment or the joy of loading a trailer and driving 3 hours to arrive at a public lake already overfilled with people every weekend. Tractor makers do the same thing - show the guy out there doing serious work with that SCUT - realistically, many of them CAN do the job - but time is money and time wise, a SCUT is not going to be quick.

My concern is more towards "will it do anything" I dont expect to dig a septic with it or clear building lots, but I also want something strong enough to clean up and create a small ditch - not will I use it. I agree, used equipment prices for well cared for tractor with loader and hoe will hold up well - those are popular implements that most people will find "value added" - just like selling a Harley - most buyers agree a boost in power is an upgrade, but things like personalization or over the top mods just dont hold value. The more I think about it - the more I feel I will be able to find some jobs around where it would be useful - developing and clearing out some livestock springs (areas where a larger hoe would have difficulty reaching - many of these were originally done by hand years ago - so even a small tractor is going to be a big improvement), clearing stumps and just garden cleanup.

Just finished doing the math on things and looks like it will work out. Now to just find the best deal out there and wrap this up.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I would sooner be at the controls of a hoe, than a Jetski. I can't swim, so maybe that isn't a good example. Recreational stuff costs a fortune, get it home, and it's worth a fraction, and you would be hard pressed to find a buyer. Put an Ad in for a used hoe for sale, and see what happens.

 

[coldsteelva]

I have a GC1720 - I bought the package because it would always be easier to have it, than trying to add it later. I have removed trees and stumps, russian olives (hate those #@$$#%@#@#), I use it to carry the cut limbs vs a grapple (thumb on the way). My wife and I needed to install a french drain and dry well. We have clay soil. It took a couple of weeks to do the work due to time constraints and rental by the day or week would have been cost prohibitive. I have used the backhoe to exert some directional force on some dead trees and limbs and was able to snap them off rather than stand under them to cut them.

I have used it to remove debris from a creek bed where manual hauling would have been impossible or back breaking. List the jobs you have lined up, the time that you would have to complete them (and satisfaction) vs paying someone to do it for you.