Bigger tractor or smaller tractor w/backhoe

[mike69440]

If you see what I have for equipment in my profile, you know where I stand. But I was thinking about the costs. I have put 700 hours plus on my excavator, but if you figure the costs, that works out to $70-75. Rental charges for a 3.5 ton mini ex per my neighbor who owns an SV95 and a L3901 are not much more than $450 for the weekend. He beats the crap out of the rentals. My L39 has way more hoe than the 2538 hoe, still for serious work an excavator is by definition, an excavator.

If hoe is not need regularly, Line up your work and consider renting. Also renting lets you size the machine for the job. My 17,500 lb machine is too small for some jobs. When I was putting 200 hours a year on the PC75, it was needed, now at 30 hrs./yr it is just "handy".

 

[aerojunkie]

Hi Aerojunkie: Just a thought - You could sell or trade your 2538 with no backhoe and buy a 2555 HST with backhoe and finance the whole package. In addition - you can still get the 75B backhoe and not settle for the 2538B backhoe (I just did this and took delivery in 3/16). It is more expensive - but the 75B backhoe is another animal. Check out these specs: Digging depth---115" vs 92" for 2538B. Digging force-bucket---5676 lbs. vs 3190 for 2538B. Digging force-dipper---2754 lbs. vs 1980 for 2538B. As I said - the 75B is a beast - digs 25% more, bucket digging force is 78% more, and dipper digging force is 39% more than 2538B backhoe. Best of luck in your shopping. I just love spending other people's money.

I do like the way you think......but my wallet says just ran for cover lol, but that 75B hoe is a beast. I was playing around in the woods yesterday with bush hog cleaning up some of the fresh cleared areas and I have to admit it was nice being able to get around everything. If I had the room I would consider the 2555, and add the backhoe at a later date. But what I have is doing the job, just a little help needed in the digging department I think. But Im every bit the same as you I love spending money when its not mine and going bigger.

 

[aerojunkie]

First let me say that I purchased a BH with my tractor and do not regret it. I've got a 3550 with the 75B BH, it's a beast.

I'd recommend shopping around for a used mini-ex for what you're wanting to spend on the BH. I did the same for about 2 or 3 weeks before pulling the trigger on adding the BH to my tractor purchase. I couldn't find any acceptable mini-exs in my area that fit my requirements so I purchased the BH.

The only downside I've encountered to have a tractor mounted BH is the lack of quick flexibility. I've had multiple occasions where I've been doing BH work, then need to switch to a rear blade, then back to BH. It's not necessarily the amount of time needed to switch everything around it's just the hassle of it.

The other positive of buying the mini-ex is if you ever run out of uses for it, you can sell it. Likely for close to what you paid for it. I'd imagine selling the BH specifically for a 2538 will be considerably more difficult and likely not bring nearly as much in return.

Just passing along what I've "learned" since my purchase.

I have looked at the renting route, its just my thoughts is everything I buy I end up using a lot more than I thought I would. And having a smaller backhoe I could get almost anywhere I would ever need that hated shovel....would get used a fair amount.

 

[aerojunkie]

What I have realized over the last couple days is I keep getting my 2538 in places I am glad its the size it is, so I have to keep it even if at a later date I added a 2555......wishful thinking. I would like the specs to be higher on this backhoe, but in all honesty I believe it would do what I want. I have had some outside plumbing work done recently (backhoe would have been nice then) and the guy has a Kubota b21 he absolutely loves. Its a nice small maneuverable machine that he dug a hole to my septic lines you could put a Honda civic in. I looked up the specs and they are just a touch less than the hoe for the 2538, I know its a different grade machine but should be comparable in capability based on the specs.

TractorData.com Kubota L39 backhoe-loader tractor attachments information

 

[roadhunter]

Thanks for the help guys, I was leaning toward the backhoe myself just thought I would run the idea on here as a reality check on it. I figure there are some things my 2538 w/backhoe would do slower over the 2555, but it does get stuff done and would be a lot more versatile than the 2555 by itself. It sucks they wont finance just the backhoe at a later date, its not paying $7000 for one thats the problem its just hard to convince myself to write a single check for $7000. This made the new bigger tractor a little more appealing. I have thought about renting one but the way I like to throw an hour or two here and there it would really be hard. I dont really need one its more of a want, I can always just cut the trees flush to the ground and let them be. I just figure digging with a backhoe and a 12" bucket has to be less stressful on the tractor than digging with my stump bucket. I try to take it easy on the tractor, but even going very slow and shaving the ground away there are roots that stop it instantly.

I agree with you on writing a 7k check for a tractor backhoe. That would buy quite a bit of time in a rental and honestly that kind of work is hard on equipment and might be better suited for a mini ex.

 

[mike69440]

If you have a lot of projects a Mini Ex and a tractor together fit real nice. 3.5-5 ton mini ex can do a lot and fast. Also the front blade on an Ex is way better for dozing than an FEL. A good FEL on tractor may not be a skid steer but will get er done for moving spoils. Box Blade, land plane, and a rake will finish nicely.