compact TLB vs. full size TLB

[Builder]

I think people will try to convince you to buy machines that will do you no good and force you to buy or rent others.

One thing I can say with certainty: A properly equipped big TLB alone will do the entire job for you. Unless you hit scary rock, and even then, you can get a hammer.

None of the other aforementioned machines *alone* will do the entire job for you.

That would be all the info one should need to make an informed, efficient decision.

 

[coopers]

As to digging the basement I have dug them with a hylift track machines, not as efficient as an excavator but it does a good job. Frankly, I'm not convinced you need a backhoe and, if your woods is heavily wooded, I know you won't like maneuvering around it.jmf

Why settle for something that can get the job done but sucks at it? That's like you using the example of digging a very large pond with a backhoe when you can use a large dozer and 200 size excavator.

Also, I drove backhoes in heavy woods for 3 years and it really isn't that big of a deal. Trees limbs move before the backhoe does.

You have to remember that he has things that need to be done that require something stronger than a little skidsteer or 48HP tractor. Those are tools you use once your land has been developed and you have maintenance to do. Not clear land and dig foundations or put in roads etc. etc. Sorry but your post doesn't show a very good thought process and I know JPCjr has his mind set but for those that may be lurking.....

Blake
WA

 

[jmfox]

Actually the basements I dug with the crawler were the ones most likely not to crack. Cracking is usually a feature of wire mesh, concrete quality and curing, but this being the same, it may have been the fact that the excavator tended to disrupt the bottom and the hylift kept it virgin smooth that made the difference. Yes it did take a little longer, and I had to build a dirt ramp to get in and out, but for a single basement it's not a big deal. (If JPCjr is building his house in a slope he will have easy access with a compact track machine.) As for foundations, I probably would rent a backhoe attachment for my ASV. If you're in the business of digging, a backhoe makes sense, but for a single project and on going chores it really doesn't make sense. Buy an ASV RC-60 with a 4-in-1 bucket and get the dealer to give you a 5 day demo on the backhoe attachment (freebie). Later, if you want to keep the fields trim, get the low flow brushcat rotary mower. With this machine you won't have any problems on your slopes and you'll like having all your attachments up front. Ask you local ASV dealer to drop one off at your property for a demo and see for yourself.

jmf

 

[Builder]

Actually the basements I dug with the crawler were the ones most likely not to crack. Cracking is usually a feature of wire mesh, concrete quality and curing, but this being the same, it may have been the fact that the excavator tended to disrupt the bottom and the hylift kept it virgin smooth that made the difference. Yes it did take a little longer, and I had to build a dirt ramp to get in and out, but for a single basement it's not a big deal. (If JPCjr is building his house in a slope he will have easy access with a compact track machine.) As for foundations, I probably would rent a backhoe attachment for my ASV. If you're in the business of digging, a backhoe makes sense, but for a single project and on going chores it really doesn't make sense. Buy an ASV RC-60 with a 4-in-1 bucket and get the dealer to give you a 5 day demo on the backhoe attachment (freebie). Later, if you want to keep the fields trim, get the low flow brushcat rotary mower. With this machine you won't have any problems on your slopes and you'll like having all your attachments up front. Ask you local ASV dealer to drop one off at your property for a demo and see for yourself.

jmf

Sorry man, but............buwahahahaha.

I've never seen a professional (or amateur) excavator use a ASV for digging house foundations. I don't see as many use a backhoe as 20 years ago either, but some (including me) still do. Most use an excavator. Some use a 953 loader.

I've seen dozens of friends, family and neighbors buy backhoes and say to me "How did I ever get by without one of these things all these past years?"

It's flat out the most versatile single excavating tool ever built.

My guy that does my landscaping uses an ASV to grade around my foundations or maybe spread some stone, but that's after I get the foundation done. Bucket's too small, up front cost is too high, attachments are a PITA, no roadability, cab is smaller than a coffin.

They definately have their place.

 

[jmfox]

I haven't spent any time in a coffin to compare, but I gotta say the cab is smaller than the ones on the full size loaders. I guess that goes along with the compact motif. If more office space is important, there is an M1 extra spacious option available. I did find the regular ASV M2 more accommodating than the Bobcat T300. The smaller bucket on a skid-steer would require more trips but their smaller size makes them more maneuverable, which equates to more trips in less time. Usually basements are dug by contractors who need to make the donuts and move on. However, if you don't plan on digging 6 or 7 a week there are other options. I think what happens here is that people try to justify their decision when offering advice. I think we are all correct but have different circumstances. JPCjr needs to consider our experience and advice in its respective context, and apply it to his circumstances.

jmf

 

[xxxsandman]

I've owned and/or operated a New Holland LX865 skid steer (big one), Case 580 series backhoe, Ford BIG backhoe, and now a Kubota L48.

I don't do construction work, but I got an idea of how they would operate doing some of the jobs you might do.

I can tell you NOTHING can keep up with a large skid steer doing loader work. They are simply designed to that and do it fast and accurate. I wouldn't want to dig with them and I think a backhoe attachment on one would be a joke compared to a L48 or Full Size TLB, but loader work they are king!

As for the L48 or full size. I choose the L48 route, but only because I wanted a TRACTOR with the ability of having a 3 point "box blade, tiller, etc" on it. I have a Larger tractor that does most of my tractor jobs, but it's Cat2 and non-shuttle making some task difficult to do with it. I will keep the large tractor for most field work and use the L48 for loader and small precision 3 point jobs. I will rarely use the back hoe, so it will be off the machine most of the time, but is easily put back anytime I need it.

My decision for L48 was pretty easy because of the requirements I set forth. I wanted a machine I could easily take the backhoe off (Full size out here), I wanted to transport it easily using my 1 ton pickup and 14k trailer (Full size out here), I wanted a machine built as tough as a normal backhoe with good FEL speed and strenth (Compact tractors out here). That left the L48, John Deere 110, and Ingersol Rand machines to look at. I ended up with the L48 out of the 3 because I found one close at a reasonable price used.

So far I'm very happy with my L48. If I was going to be diggin footing, basements, septic systems, etc for a living, I would without a doubt get a full size TLB. It would save you a month or more of time out of a year. If I was digging my own footing, basement, and septic, I wouldn't rule out a L48, but would look carefully at the long term plan of where I wanted to end up machinery wise after I was done. I would probably try to buy a Full size TLB at a GOOD price then sell it when done and get a tractor or L48. Or if I found an L48 at a good price now, it would get the job done, just not as fast as a Full size.

My 2 cents worth.

 

[curtisfarmer]

L48 all the way, I would not expect to dig a foundation with it though. Otherwise, it is so versatile with plenty of balls, that I feel it is the best machine available under 10k lbs. with 3pt hitch. It is not a full size, although for minor things it can mimick one, and i don't expect it to be full size. I have so little complaints about it. Call me biased but I did my homework, made my own comparison speadsheet, blah blha, blah....and bought a new one with custom hyd. thumb. Thank god I did not get l5030 with bh90.......1/2 the machine for only several k less. The L48 is a tractor and for those of us who cannot live without pto and hitch, there is no other machine available when industrial needs are added.

 

[jmfox]

Being able to remove the backhoe easily is a big plus, and a pto is much more efficient for power transfer than hydraulic motors used on skid-steer attachments (so long as you don't mind looking back). I'm sure the L48 will drag logs out of the woods, and dig up some stumps with the hoe, but I'm wondering what else you are looking to do in the wooded part. You're a serious buyer, so don't hesitate asking a dealer to drop one off at your farmstead. You should demo a couple of the different make and model options you are considering.

jmf

 

[fireplum]

not to hi-jack,arent they going to redesign the L48?????????????

 

[xxxsandman]

not to hi-jack,arent they going to redesign the L48?????????????

That's what I keep reading, but I know NO facts on this. Either way, the current L48 seems to be a really well designed, solid machine.

The only grip I have is the same grip most users have expressed and that is the medium range is a bit too slow and the high range is useless for anything other then transport. If they added a range between medium and high and made that range workable, it would be pefect in my mind.