backhoes vs mini excavators

[cowboydoc]

I got a great deal on a deere one so I went ahead and bought it. It doesn't take long for one to pay for itself. I've already done about $3k worth of work with mine and I'm going to take out a bunch of stumps this weekend which would have cost me about $1500 to do.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

re Jay in NH
No it's just a 3pt mount and only 7'6" digging depth, I guess that would explain the difference in price.

 

[JayinNH]

Richard,
What kind of things have you done with your BH? What model is your backhoe?Do you feel that a backhoe will decrease the longevity of your tractor?I don't mind renting but if I end up renting for 6 or 7 weekends I would pretty much pay for it. Do you feel that it digs just as well as a mini of equal size?
Jason

 

[cowboydoc]

Jason,
Mine is the JD 48 for my JD 4600. If you look at the setup for this one it is pretty impressive. I don't see how you could damage the tractor. Plus it's setup not to go beyond the stress limits of the tractor. I haven't done a whole lot with mine yet. I've dug a 100 foot long 4 foot deep trench and then put in that septic system with it. I cut down one tree and tore the stump out at the other place and was pretty impressed with it. When it binds up it doesn't tweak things. So far I think it's a good unit and I don't think you could tear up the tractor with it. I've used minis before and I like this one just as well. I don't really see a whole lot of difference like has been mentioned. The only place I see where a mini would be better is in tight places. Other than that, in my opinion, it's just the same. I'll let you know some more after digging these other stumps out tomorrow.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi, I would like to know where and how I would go about getting renters insurance to rent out some of my machines. I would be grateful for any help. Thank you.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Tell us more about your magnatrac. Was it worth the price? Performance? Thanks

 

[Phred]

Radman,

As the other guys have said, the mini ex will dig circles around the tractor backhoe. I find the little backhoes to be a pain to use in comparison. Also the mini ex will work on slopes that would tip over the back hoe. Ditto for soft ground since the mini ex is tracked. The front dozer blade is also very handy.

Only negative about the mini ex is that they move very slowly. The tractor mountd hoe can be driven a mile and then used to dig. The mini ex's max speed is under ~2 miles an hour. Also you need a heavy duty truck to haul the mini ex since they are the better part of 10K lbs.

I rent a mini ex anytime I need to dig. About $150 / day. Most rental companies have a weekend deal. Pickit up friday afternoon and its a one day charge til monday if you do not use more than 8 hours.

Fred

 

[DarinRay]

Re: backhoes vs mini excavators(Magnatracs)

Well thinkiknowitall.... The magnatrac is worth the money for sure as it will work all day long and do tons of heavy construction work. I have owned and operated two of these machines and would get another if givin the chance. There are a couple owners here that own one now and will jump in some time soon. I've changed the subject to include magnatrac so it sticks out for them. I owned the 25hp gas kohler powered ones with loader, backhoe, dozer blade, 3pt & rear pto. They go alot more places than a wheeled machine can go and are built solid. Parts are available at tractor stores so you don't have to go back to the dealer. If you do a search here on magnatracs you will find some topics on them that will help you out. Talk to you later.

Darin

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: backhoes vs mini excavators(Magnatracs)

Thanks. I've seen the ads and brochures, never had a chance to play with one though. Getting ready to build a livestock pond, 150' x 250' and was wondering if one would work. See some used ones out there, not many though. By the time you rent an excavator or loader, that money could be at least a down payment on new toy, I have more time than money and moving dirt is almost as therapeutic as target practice.

 

[DarinRay]

Re: backhoes vs mini excavators(Magnatracs)

Well thinkiknowitall that's how I've always felt about renting and then having a time schedule and a high cost of it all then nothing to show for it. If a person had it all planned out and nothing could interupt his or her schedule then renting is fine but everything seems to happen wrong when I have a plan /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Another thing is I guess it could be therapeutic (sp?) but that is a LOT of dirt that would have to be moved--dug up, hauled to spot, cleaned up. WOW! just thinking about my 20 to 40 foot ponds cleaning experience and uuuggghhhhh. Although these ponds were full and had to be drained (pumped and dikes taken out) then getting in the muck and then realized that when you take a bite out of the bottom with your bucket it just fills righ back in meanwhile making the water into a huge mud thick pie. Anyway (catching myself before going into frenzy) my point is that is a big expectation that I hope you can fulfill with a magnatrac (tons of time though I guess) but I personally couldn't do it or wouldn't do it even if I had a wheeled tractor...Nothing against the magnatrac at all.

Now don't get me wrong I say go for it and if nothing else you now will have something to do other construction jobs around and you will have fun doing it. I have to tell you it's addicting....once you start. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Well I am hoping someone else that owns a magnatrac will chime in here. Talk to you later and goodluck.

Darin