BX25 (23/24) For Grading/Trenching Foundation

[timswi]

It'll do the job..But it's going to take a good while with a 12" bucket. An excevator can keep moving while digging..You're going to be working on 4 ft or so then have to move ..If this is a hobby project go for it!!!..if you are under a schedule, I'd hire someone.

I was going to do my house foundation myself, but I found a guy who worked for $300 a day and he ran his equipment like a madman. When he took a lunch break, he yelled to me to get off the 8N and keep his machine working, so I jumped on and kept working while he ate.

When he left for the night, he threw me the keys and said "have at it"..So I did. Some of these privateers are pretty cool.

BTW all of his stuff was brand new, and he didn't even know me. You don't run into that too often. I don't think I would have that much faith in mankind. He was a good dude...Gave him a bonus when he was done:thumbsup:.

 

[BigD23]

I'm likely going to be purchasing one of these machines soon, and I was wondering how long it would take to dig the foundation for my new garage with the 12" bucket. The trench would be about 2' wide and 3' deep, and overall, I'd have about 110 linear feet. I guess I'd have to grade down within the perimeter of the trench about 24" also. So all in all I'd have to grade 1,000 SF down 24", then trench another 24", give or take. I've heard that the backhoe and FEL can do pretty much anything, just a little slower. I'm wondering if it's worth tackling some of the work myself instead of paying the contractor to do it.

I've done quite a bit of work with my BX23...It's not a big tractor for some applications, but it's the right sized tractor for me...The BH is fun and very functional...If you're not in a hurry there's no reason you can't "get 'er done" with this sized tractor...Good luck.

Don

 

[samofsweden]

I'm likely going to be purchasing one of these machines soon, and I was wondering how long it would take to dig the foundation for my new garage with the 12" bucket. The trench would be about 2' wide and 3' deep, and overall, I'd have about 110 linear feet. I guess I'd have to grade down within the perimeter of the trench about 24" also. So all in all I'd have to grade 1,000 SF down 24", then trench another 24", give or take. I've heard that the backhoe and FEL can do pretty much anything, just a little slower. I'm wondering if it's worth tackling some of the work myself instead of paying the contractor to do it.

As many else have said this, if want to get the job done quickly and fast, hire a proffesional. If you want to do this by your self, and this is a good work to motivate a investment like a BX go for it! I would buy a bigger tractor, like an B3030 or likewise, it have almost the same size but alot bigger capacity. I would have bought a bigger tractor...:confused2:
The biggest problem when backhoing with the BX, is to get rid of all the earth you digg up. The backhoe (BX)dont have 180 grade svingarea, and it doesnt reach so far, and are pretty slow.
Good luck!

:thumbsup:

 

[rdsaustintx]

BX is perfect for your job.

I used a BX to dig grade beams for a 1000 sq.ft. addition in VERY rocky soil with live oaks all around. Took two days. Another day to place backfill. Machine is perfect for it, never let me down.

(all this after digging the hillside out for at least a year, moved a LOT of soil)

 

[BeezFun]

When I did my garage/shop addition I rented an L35. I think it was about $250 a day and they delivered it. Unless you have some other reason to buy the tractor it's pretty hard to justify the investment. The first service on your tractor will cost more than 1 days rent.

 

[savaytse66]

When I did my garage/shop addition I rented an L35. I think it was about $250 a day and they delivered it. Unless you have some other reason to buy the tractor it's pretty hard to justify the investment. The first service on your tractor will cost more than 1 days rent.

If I buy the BX25, it will be whether I do the garage foundation or not. Having the FEL is justified just for the mulch and topsoil we haul around during the summer, and after the snow we got this winter having it for that is a no-brainer.

As far as the backhoe, even if I decide not to do the foundation, we are going to have other uses for it. We have public sewage coming through soon, which means having to trench for that, we have to re-locate our gardens, we've been talking about terracing some of the small hillsides, etc. I realize that the BH will be idle much more often than not, but squeezing in a couple hours work before having to go to my niece's birthday party, taking a few hours in the evening to get a small job done, not having to worry about getting done before 5:00 so I can return the machine and not get charged for another day...those things are worth a lot to me. And besides, having two small kids (2-1/2 and 5 months) does not lend itself well to dedicating an entire day to a rented machine.

So yeah, I've already talked myself into a TLB. But the garage foundation really isn't a factor. Your point is well taken though.

 

[radioman]

I realize that the BH will be idle much more often than not, but squeezing in a couple hours work before having to go to my niece's birthday party, taking a few hours in the evening to get a small job done, not having to worry about getting done before 5:00 so I can return the machine and not get charged for another day...those things are worth a lot to me. And besides, having two small kids (2-1/2 and 5 months) does not lend itself well to dedicating an entire day to a rented machine.

That is exactly how I felt too. Now I have the BH, I can hook it up anytime I want, no matter how small the task may be, it really simpfly things alot. Last fall, I had someone knock over my mailbox, post was still in ground, With the BH, I discovered a old concrete post in the ground that could've made things difficult for me by hand. BH made a short 20 min work . Several years ago, My above ground swimming pool side support broke and still had water in it- I used the BH to push it back upright before it breaks completely while I did repairs on the aluminum brackets. Without the BH, I would never be able to push it. Its all the little things that add up that makes it invaluable. good luck with your purchase.

 

[rdsaustintx]

Savay, you came to the right place, a *bunch* of us have been exactly where you're at.

If you are contemplating a semi-rural do-it-yourself lifestyle, the BX is ideal.

When I took up sunset farming, all my friends told me to rent equipment. Well, that sucks. You run the machine ragged for a day. Then the next day find something else that needs a tractor.

My only cautions:

1. You are committing to own a tractor the rest of your life. They are like many other modern conveniences, once you get used to having one, it's very hard to get by without it. Most tractor chores take an hour or less. It makes ALL the difference around here.

2. Tractorless neighbors tend to catch-on. It's great to do favors, but don't let that get out of hand.

Enjoy!