Hydrostatic Tractor, Loader, Backhoe Options

[TractorGuy]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. As I progress with my looking I see the TLB options with 3PH are less available and more expensive than I would like to go for. Like I have mentioned I have plenty of time and I think my money is better spent on buying some kind of equipment than renting.

I am moving my search to the yellow industrial type backhoes. They won't be able to double as any kind of farm tractor but look like the best choice for digging and grading. I am watching a few on ebay and looking into some local. Checked into shipping and it looks like the going rate is about $1.50 per loaded mile so that isn't so bad. Still I would prefer to look in person so to buy one off the auction site would have to be cheaper than most I've seen sell. Folks go nuts on those auctions sometimes. I have also decided to look for a cab unit with heat and ac. Seen a Cat 420D and a JCB 3CX about and hour and a half from me I am going to try and look at this week if they don't turn out to be scams.

 

[TractorGuy]

rScotty, Ive learned all about the root balls. Some of mine were cut so close to the ground all I had was a giant root ball.

I am clearing out a 1/4 acre spot for a pole barn and dragging the trunks and stumps out to piles on the 5 acres we just had clear cut with my little 2wd jd855. Many I had to steer with the brakes they were so heavy. These were most of the stumps the 7k bobcat would dig out.

 

[GManBart]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. As I progress with my looking I see the TLB options with 3PH are less available and more expensive than I would like to go for. Like I have mentioned I have plenty of time and I think my money is better spent on buying some kind of equipment than renting.

I am moving my search to the yellow industrial type backhoes. They won't be able to double as any kind of farm tractor but look like the best choice for digging and grading. I am watching a few on ebay and looking into some local. Checked into shipping and it looks like the going rate is about $1.50 per loaded mile so that isn't so bad. Still I would prefer to look in person so to buy one off the auction site would have to be cheaper than most I've seen sell. Folks go nuts on those auctions sometimes. I have also decided to look for a cab unit with heat and ac. Seen a Cat 420D and a JCB 3CX about and hour and a half from me I am going to try and look at this week if they don't turn out to be scams.

Generally speaking, CAT will cost the most, and have the most expensive parts. JCB will usually cost a bit less, but not as much dealer support in some areas. I bought a Case because there are so many of them out there that you can always find parts and any heavy equipment mechanic worth his salt has probably worked on one at some point...if it ever comes to that. I wouldn't have hesitated to buy a Deere, but there actually isn't a dealer close by, and I don't see many of them working locally. I probably see 4-5 Case to one of everything else around here and some are pretty old.

A/C is going to likely limit you to somewhat newer machines, and more expensive. I was looking for something that was 4wd, under 4,000hrs, had a cab/heat/AC and wanted to stay at $40K for a limit. I got all of that, but not A/C....most around here with A/C were a couple of years newer, and closer to $50K in good condition.

 

[jenkinsph]

Finding a backhoe with AC will be easier in Florida. Most of the time(90%) you will need the ac on to stay in the cab with the windows closed.

Looking at the full sized backhoes is a good option. Lots of them to choose from and much more powerful than the compact tlb. The reason I bought the 110 is because it was easier for me to transport.

 

[GManBart]

Finding a backhoe with AC will be easier in Florida.

I'm sure that's true. Still, in my searches I was surprised to find many without AC in traditionally hot places like Texas....thought that was crazy! In those places you'd be better off with open station than a cab without AC.

 

[TractorGuy]

It's going to be about compromises and what kind of deal pops up. I screwed up and missed a JD410D by seconds last night. It had some cracked glass and no AC but looked like it was in otherwise decent shape and all functions worked on the video. I was fumbling around and entered an extra zero while I was attempting to bid $10,220 and the time expired while I was backing that out. Durn thing sold for $9,999 so my bid would have won it.

 

[TractorGuy]

Just committed to a New Holland 575E on Ebay. Wish me luck.

 

[DT86]

Just committed to a New Holland 575E on Ebay. Wish me luck.

Nice!

Better suited for digging stumps than a tractor + backhoe.

 

[TSO]

Looks like a good machine!

 

[TomSeller]

memoirs of Oconto County, WI


How soon we forget, stumps were cleared without big machines by pioneers.