Buying Advice Backhoe on a SCUT - yea or nay?

[Oldoak]

Ditto. I've dug stuff out that I really didn't think I'd be able to and I've never used anything like this before. Scratch at it a bit at a time instead of trying to dig deep. They'll bounce a round a bit, but you'll get used to it. If I can do it with almost no prior experience, I'm sure a seasoned operator can.

Not sure why others are still pushing the rental angle here. Didn't the OP say that wasn't possible due to distance?

I agree.

Backhoe on a SCUT - yea or nay?

I say yea. The backhoe will be sized for use on a SCUT. Just don't go with too large of a bucket as an option. And naturally it won't be as capable in comparison to a larger machine or excavator, then nobody should expect it to be either.

 

[4570Man]

I agree.

I say yea. The backhoe will be sized for use on a SCUT. Just don't go with too large of a bucket as an option. And naturally it won't be as capable in comparison to a larger machine or excavator, then nobody should expect it to be either.

I had a 12” and a 18” bucket on my BH-90 backhoe. You had to scratch around with the teeth to get a full bucket in hard ground with the 18”but the 18” moved more dirt faster than the 12” did. I saw a video of a guy in YouTube digging a hole on a JD SCUT with a 9” bucket. I’d guess the dirt to remove was between a yard and 2 yards and a bigger bucket would have no doubt been faster. I’m wanting a 36” bucket for my 310. It’s probably a little too much bucket but I feel pretty certain it would move material faster than I can with my current 18” bucket or a 24”.

 

[Maineuropa]

Ha! Similar experience! I have a 955 with the Toner backhoe and used it to trench in 350' of underground power to my new barn; dig up stumps(small ones under 8 inch diameter at base), various drainage projects and a couple small foundation excavations. Buried a horse with it last summer. I haven't gone through every post in this thread, but would say that the key question is as you say: what are you thinking you are going to dig and what are you digging in soil-wise. I got mine because it came with the 955(second-hand sale)...in hind site I am glad I got it.

 

[djefferis]

Down to a GC1720 or Deere 2025R I think.

Got to check both of them out in more detail and test. Price wise the GC1720 is 25% less - but of course the 2025 is more tractor.

If I was going down to the 1025 - I think I'd just opt for the GC1720, save $$ and get a close competitor. 2025R is my fave at the moment, but that could change.

 

[atsah]

Down to a GC1720 or Deere 2025R I think.

Got to check both of them out in more detail and test. Price wise the GC1720 is 25% less - but of course the 2025 is more tractor.

If I was going down to the 1025 - I think I'd just opt for the GC1720, save $$ and get a close competitor. 2025R is my fave at the moment, but that could change.

Did you look at the specs? PTO HP etc. The 2025 is a bigger tractor but I would think you would notice a power difference from the smaller GC1720 with the same HP. I don't know, never operated a 2025 but it would make sense to me if they put a three range on the 2025 like Massey does to there 1526.

 

[the old grind]

(Hadda re-subscribe anyway .. don't ask, lol) I have a JOHN DEERE with "Collar Shift" (AKA 'total crash box') and I hate it, but if either tractor on the OP's list has only two range HST I'd run and not walk away. My 26hp Case/IH is a favorite for small chores but a constant PITA because the most useful 'M' range just ain't there.

btw, If the MF is 25% less than the Deere (Iron, not alum rearend, right?) how much Massey would one get for price of the Deere?

Not sure all of us with larger hoes realize the actual size of a 1720. It's truly a SCUT, and way cool for size.

 

[Diggin It]

In my opinion at least 25% of the prices for JD machines are in the paint and badging. The actual machines aren't really all that different. I'm thinking a red 1025R with MF badging would probably be priced about the same as the 17 series MFs.

 

[dragoneggs]

Well after 7 pages, I might not have much more to add but I will make a few points:

1. Calculating a straight rental cost vs. hours used isn't fair unless you figure your resale value into it.

2. There have been many projects where I used my BH and would have never rented one thus would never have gotten done.

3. The BH makes it much easier to get unstuck (not that this should be part of your buying decision).

4. If you are not familiar with working a BH, you will likely struggle for a bit each time you rent, as you will have far less opportunities to get proficient.

5. My shovel is somewhere rusting in a corner and my back is very happy with me.

As others have said, it really depends on your expected uses... then all the unexpected ones are just gravy on top! You can probably guess what is my vote on the subject.

 

[4570Man]

I got myself unstuck with the backhoe dozens of times. A wrecker bill is probably $200 so that paid for like half the backhoe. Then again I’d have probably been more careful without it. I told a guy that had his 4x4 truck stuck that I wouldn’t have got my 2wd truck stuck there because I’d have known I couldn’t do it and wouldn’t have gone there.

 

[Big Chief]

If you don’t have one you will never use it. Once you have one you will be surprised what you will and can do with one.
It’s a back saver and unlimited possibilities just like the tractor itself.:thumbsup: