compact TLB vs. full size TLB

[jfh0jfh]

There's a CASE dealer in Vineland NJ that has CASE 590 4x4's with Xhoe, cab w/ AC for the mid 20's, maybe mid-upper 20's back last spring. They had 3 or 4. Those were the ones I saw. Lots of machine for the buck.

Just make sure you need that big of a machine. My 580 FEL 8' front bucket has no problem picking up a full heaped load of wet soil or broken 'crete. The backhoe does anything I need.

The only reason I'd get a 590 (and my CASE dealer thought the same thing) is to set very large tanks or if you need a wider, more stable machine when the stabilizers are down. I think the extra 9 HP is marginalized by the heavier weight. I'm pretty sure most all the other specs are the same.

I don't need a bigger machine per se. Although I do more dirt-moving than digging so the larger bucket is nice.

The main reason to get a bigger machine is cost: they're used less, used more gently, and priced way down because small contractors don't want to move them. My JD510 was 21000 lbs or so; these Case 780s are 23000 lbs. Who wants to haul that around?

But I don't care - once I move it here it'll stay here. I'm buying hours & condition; portability is irrelevant. So why not get a bigger machine?

A friend sold his backhoe and bought a loader w/ a 3+ yard bucket. It's the perfect farm machine: moves dirt, cleans/ makes roads, digs ponds, compacts; and can brute-force through almost anything. I'd go that way but loaders I've seen are either expensive or worn out. If I saw a good one I'd grab it though.

Thanks, I'll see if I can find your dealer in NJ. I'll be near there in 3-4 weeks.

 

[Builder]

Here ya go, it's "Trico", they always have some 5 yr old 590's layin around:

Trico Equipment

Don't forget that the 580 can have the same size bucket as the 590. I opted for the bigger 1.3yd 8' bucket for the same reason you want one.

 

[jfh0jfh]

Here ya go, it's "Trico", they always have some 5 yr old 590's layin around:

Trico Equipment

Don't forget that the 580 can have the same size bucket as the 590. I opted for the bigger 1.3yd 8' bucket for the same reason you want one.

Thanks. I found them this AM too based on your previous hints. They bill themselves as a wholesale dealer. They have a lot of units but no great prices right now eg. 580Ks for mid-$20s. I can do better locally at SE Equipment. And freight from Vineland would be, oh, $1500+ for est 500 miles.

I'm trying to find out more about the 780 in AZ. I have a friend who can go look at it. I've found a couple of nice JD 710s but I think low 30s will be the best I can do on one and it's too much.

 

[Builder]

Don't be surprised if freight is considerably less. I have found most dealers with do the freight for free within 500 miles if you are a serious buyer. Even if they don't offer it, I've had large machines moved 500 miles for under $800.

The other thing is sales tax. Don't know if you have any in your state, but if you buy out of state, most dealers will not charge sales tax.

 

[jfh0jfh]

Don't be surprised if freight is considerably less. I have found most dealers with do the freight for free within 500 miles if you are a serious buyer. Even if they don't offer it, I've had large machines moved 500 miles for under $800.

The other thing is sales tax. Don't know if you have any in your state, but if you buy out of state, most dealers will not charge sales tax.

Thats what I thought: that the dealer would move it at cost in order to sel it. But The quotesI'm getting are hourly but working out to $3-4/mile. One dealer said that they can't afford to do individual delveries anymore so they sub out to brokers who can of course give a better rate.

I just need to do more checking around.

The local JD dealer quoted $150 for 38 miles on a machine I was buying from them.

Yes, tax is a factor. $2K on a $30K machjne.

 

[jmfox]

You need to get on a list with a trucker for a back load.

jmf

 

[Builder]

Try uship.com

 

[JPCjr]

This has been a real interesting discussion with great points made by both camps. What keeps coming to mind for me is whether even a full size TLB is right for the job. The four major projects I see are a basement to be dug, a 750 drive through mature woods, building sites cleared of mature trees and graded, plus a septic installed. For site clearing and the drive even you full size TLB users have to admit that job is better done by loggers and tracked equipment. A TLB, regardless of size isn稚 very efficient for building a road bed through forest land compared to a dozer. The foundation and septic certainly can be done with a TLB except that the word rock keeps entering into the discussion. Now there is rock and there is ROCK, so with out knowing the site we can稚 really judge. When I built in the N. Georgia mountains the granite we hit while building the drive, foundation and septic wasn稚 going to be moved by a TLB and was a struggle for much bigger equipment. Also make sure homeowners are allowed to install their own septic systems, many areas you have to be licensed.

I guess my point is before buying a piece of equipment you should at least bring in some excavation contractors to evaluate what youæ±*e doing and get some pricing. These guys work the area and have a good idea of what to expect under the top soil. It would be a shame to buy something to accomplish tasks that you end up having to hire out anyway.


MarkV

That's a good idea and I may do that. I've asked around a little bit and so far all I've gotten is "you just need to start digging to find out what's under the topsoil"

The only really rocky part is at the home site. And judging by the surface conditions, I think the rocks are a managable size. I could be wrong though. I don't think the road, barn, septic area will have any big rocks.

As far as the permits go, I'm good there.

 

[JPCjr]

Actually, I think it is better to hire a dozer and operator. For miscellaneous chores, TLB's are relatively easy to operate and lend themselves to the do it yourself spirit. As machines get bigger and more focused they tend to require more experience. I can't imagine a handyman renting a dedicated scraper or motor grader or a D10 dozer to do a little work in the backyard. So consider your experience when deciding on the right machine.

jmf

I agree, I would not try any dozer work myself.

 

[JPCjr]

I think what the OP is looking for is the tool that will do the most items on his to-do list. While no one single machine will do all of them efficiently, a full size TLB will do more of them than any other one tool.

Yep, that about sums it up.

And again, I'm in no real rush to complete the house. There is no timeline. Most likely I'll be buying a house somewhere near the land in the next few months and I'll just work on the land as I have time.