Can a BX23 really dig?

[RayCo]

So, I'm a couple weeks away from buying myself a subcompact TLB. As of today, the BX23 is the front runner. But, I was outside today looking at my ground, and couldn't help but wonder if the tiny backhoe on this tractor actually would be able to just bust right into my ground and take out a scoop. It just seems like such a tough task, and I have to be skeptical. Of course, if I think about it, I'm able to jump on a shovel and penetrate the ground, so I guess I'm just being paranoid.

My land is pretty tough. I live in south eastern PA (Chester County) and I swear my ground is 50% rock and 50% titanium or something. So, those of you who own a BX23 in this same general area, if you wanted to go dig a 10 foot round hole 5 feet deep, your tractor could do it?

Thanks

 

[Junkman]

I have a BX22, the precursor to the BX23 and live in rocky Northeaster CT. My backhoe will dig in the dirt all day long until it encounters a rock that is larger than the bucket can handle. I have dug alongside of a rock and then pushed it out of the way, and I have also just had to change the direction because of a rock that was just too large to get around. You need to pace your need to dig with your ability to pay for a larger machine. The larger the machine, the easier it will handle the larger rocks. One rock in the backyard was over 20' long and a excavator with a 54" bucket couldn't move it. It is all relative. If you plan on digging a lot and know that you will encounter large rocks, then I suggest that you buy a bigger, more expensive machine. If you are willing to take your time and occasionally change direction because of a immovable object, then the BX23 will be OK.
I am never adverse to spending another's money, so I suggest that you buy the big bad $75K loader backhoe that you see being trailered behind the tri axle dump trucks. Get an extenda hoe and there will be no problem digging. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RayCo]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I am never adverse to spending another's money, so I suggest that you buy the big bad $75K loader backhoe that you see being trailered behind the tri axle dump trucks. Get an extenda hoe and there will be no problem digging. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>

You know what? You're right. Maybe what I'll do is just get an excavator, a bulldozer, and a quarry-sized wheel loader. Screw all this BX23 nonsense. That's good for nothing but getting the mail. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks for the BX23-owner feedback!

 

[Berniep]

My ground is hard enough in the summer that I have to jump on my shovel with both feet to get it to penetrate and I am close to 300 pounds. My bx 23 digs it just fine. I don't have a lot of large rocks (except for the bedrock that is close to the surface around here) I have had some trouble with large roots but I just worked them a little and they eventually broke off.
Some people on this board have used the BX23 to move amazing amounts of dirt
Check out what Jim did in these threads:

Foundation
The pile

 

[Mike_C]

Yep, I've dug 4 foot trenches into hard clay. It took a while because the boom is not extremely long, so when digging that
deep you have to move more frequently, but the bx22/bx23 will git-r-done.

 

[jim_wilson]

Yes Virgina - the BX23 will dig.

It sounds like your ground might be harder than what I have around here (Northeast MA) but the ground here is still full of plenty of rocks. If you think you might have trouble breaking the soil you might want to talk to the dealer about trying both the 10" and 12" buckets to see if there is any difference in digging power for you.

 

[jim_wilson]

And it will make a big piles too.

 

[nasdaqsam]

Jim, I like that bucket where did you get it?

sorry to hijack the thread....on that note. If your patient the BX can do mostly anything you want. The key is not expecting a full bucket every time you set the bucket in the ground. It takes some getting used to.

Very happy with mine.

 

[jim_wilson]

The 24" bucket is great - in softer soil it really moves the dirt a lot faster than the 12". The 12" still digs better though with less stress on the backhoe. I got the bucket from fellow TBN member Stef who upgraded his BX23 to a B3030. This bucket has been so useful I have thought about making them as a sideline business - I bet there are other BX owners out there who could use one.

 

[theboman]

See if your dealer has a BX23 he can bring out to demo.