Backhoe Vs. 12000 LB Mini EX

[MinnesotaEric]

Yeah in the OPs case already having a trailer and a skid steer Mini ex all the way. Now if he had no equipment the backhoe would make sense jack of all master of none.

speaking of JCB funny vid of the comparison with a sequel

Part two the 3CX compact

The JCB video I was thinking of is this one, where a genuinely skilled operator was at the controls who understood the process being performed.

 

[sd455dan]

The JCB video I was thinking of is this one, where a genuinely skilled operator was at the controls who understood the process being performed.

That Operator is an artist

 

[4570Man]

Here’s my mini x on a job. Despite having similar sized booms my M59 would never be able to dump dirt past the second dig line like the mini x did. One of my biggest frustrations with the M59 was it’s inability to get rid of the dirt. My full size Deere was still limited to 180 degrees but a longer boom helped a lot. Another big limitation that I didn’t realize until I had the mini is sitting directly behind the backhoe boom is horrible for visibility. Sitting beside the boom is much better. Having the controls at your side compared to in front of you is much less tiresome to use. My mini x can drive straight across a 24” wide ditch. While it’s possible to cross ditches with the backhoe it’s not nearly as fast.

 

[4570Man]

The JCB video I was thinking of is this one, where a genuinely skilled operator was at the controls who understood the process being performed.

That guy is a pro operator but that video isn’t really representative of what you can expect from a backhoe. Those rotator attachments are high dollar. Modifying the controls so you can drive it backwards must’ve been expensive as well. And a backhoe is very unstable with the riggers up. He’s just pushing around sand.

 

[mikester]

Curious Kitten,

Don't want to rain on a potentially profitable line of work

Do you have a CDL? Are you even in the USA since I don't see a location indicated in your profile. Unless you have a CDL, you are limited to total combined vehicle weight of 26,000 Lbs otherwise local DOT, especially with commercial plates and/ or doing commercial work is quickly going to make your life painful and expensive.

My 3500 dualie ( both sides have magnetic labels "Private use only. Not for Hire" ) and 14K Lb rated trailer with M59 TLB ( 84" FEL and backhoe ) scales at 22,320 Lbs which puts me well under the 26K limit. The problem is the M59, at 9,980 Lbs, on the 14K rated trailer scales at 13,680 Lbs. If I go over 14,000 Lbs then DOT gets me for overloaded equipment. Ka Ching. Pay the State and points on your record. Insurance goes up and commercial license gets dinged.

There is no way you are getting a 12K Lb machine on a 14K Lb trailer legally or safety wise.

Have you considered drumming up work first BEFORE laying out cash for any machine and renting the necessary equipment UNTIL you know you have a line of work/ customer base/ reputation to pay cash for the next piece of equipment?

0.02 worth.

If you really want to put a damper on the OP's spending spree ask if he's purchased GCL insurance yet and if he has, did he tell the insurer his plans for digging on other peoples properties and transporting stuff other than his equipment.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

That guy is a pro operator but that video isn’t really representative of what you can expect from a backhoe. Those rotator attachments are high dollar. Modifying the controls so you can drive it backwards must’ve been expensive as well. And a backhoe is very unstable with the riggers up. He’s just pushing around sand.

I believe those are factory controls from JCB.

 

[MoMower]

I can chime in a bit…

I do what your looking to do, but with a SCUT class TLB and a bunch of 3 point attachments. All dirt/stone/ground work. I don’t plant anything.

I’m in PA, no CDL needed under 26001, DOT numbers required higher then 17001.

2018 F250, 15k tilt deck, 10k dump trailer.

$300k in general liability for up to 8’ depth excavations is $38 a month. Commercial vehicle insurance is $1200 a year for the truck and 2 trailers.

I legitimized 3 years ago, prior was beer money for buddies.

My ideal setup would be a CTL, mini and a trailer big enough to haul both, behind a 6 wheel dump, however mine is a side hustle ($25-$30k gross, last 2 years). The math doesn’t work as far as being able to work enough hours, to chase payments and still profit.

I specialize and have a nice niche with suburban homeowner sized projects. A lot of the bigger guys around here don’t want to be bothered.

Do Not price hourly, at least to the customer. When I say that, I did for the first year, it was $80 an hour including travel time.

Now I quote the job in total. Goal is $100 an hour. Most I win on, every once in a while you loose.

I got burned once with a cancel while Enroute, now it’s 20% at the time of schedule, and 50% of any preorder/pre purchase materials.

You’re considering a sizable outlay (everything I own or use, with the exception of the tilt deck and a few 3 point attachments, I would own anyway as we have a small farm). I would work the SS, rent an Ex for 6 mos or a year to see that it’s viable.

I have a feeling you’ll quickly be frustrated if you have to haul one machine at a time when both are needed. As every cost is less profit.

There’s money in it for sure, with consideration.

 

[M59]

I can chime in a bit…

I do what your looking to do, but with a SCUT class TLB and a bunch of 3 point attachments. All dirt/stone/ground work. I don’t plant anything.

I’m in PA, no CDL needed under 26001, DOT numbers required higher then 17001.

2018 F250, 15k tilt deck, 10k dump trailer.

$300k in general liability for up to 8’ depth excavations is $38 a month. Commercial vehicle insurance is $1200 a year for the truck and 2 trailers.

I legitimized 3 years ago, prior was beer money for buddies.

My ideal setup would be a CTL, mini and a trailer big enough to haul both, behind a 6 wheel dump, however mine is a side hustle ($25-$30k gross, last 2 years). The math doesn’t work as far as being able to work enough hours, to chase payments and still profit.

I specialize and have a nice niche with suburban homeowner sized projects. A lot of the bigger guys around here don’t want to be bothered.

Do Not price hourly, at least to the customer. When I say that, I did for the first year, it was $80 an hour including travel time.

Now I quote the job in total. Goal is $100 an hour. Most I win on, every once in a while you loose.

I got burned once with a cancel while Enroute, now it’s 20% at the time of schedule, and 50% of any preorder/pre purchase materials.

You’re considering a sizable outlay (everything I own or use, with the exception of the tilt deck and a few 3 point attachments, I would own anyway as we have a small farm). I would work the SS, rent an Ex for 6 mos or a year to see that it’s viable.

I have a feeling you’ll quickly be frustrated if you have to haul one machine at a time when both are needed. As every cost is less profit.

There’s money in it for sure, with consideration.

MoMower,

Well put. From the mouth of experience comes wise words.
What I got from your response was: Start small with smaller cash outlay and grow organically as cash flow in grows and captured jobs increases.