Tractor Sizing I have no clue...I need help!

[4570Man]

Not really important for this discussion, but there's actually isn't much dig depth difference between the smallest SCUT backhoes and the longest stump buckets. Don't get me wrong, backhoes are awesome and the full functionality of a backhoe cannot be duplicated with any FEL attachment. But when you only need to dig shallow, it's hard to justify the big bucks for one. I agree with you 100%, I'd take the bigger tractor without backhoe over the little tractor with backhoe for the same price.

Not exactly a fair comparison. Put a stump bucket and a backhoe on your DK and see which one digs deeper. Put a backhoe and a stump bucket on a BX and see which one digs deeper.

 

[bcp]

BX backhoe digs down to 6 feet.

Sub-Compact Tractors | BX70-1 Series | Kubota Tractor Corporation

Bruce

 

[jeff9366]

Considering what you want to accomplish in trail construction you need a tractor with minimum 12" ground clearance. You will high center perch a subcompact tractor with 9" ground clearance in short order.

I think you need a tractor weight of over 3,000 pounds (tractor only) for safety, stability, and longevity. "Five gallon bucket" sized rocks are plenty to roll a 1,500 pound tractor (tractor only) when one or two shift in the bucket on a slope.

You also need a Front End Loader with at least 1,600 pounds lift capacity and, if possible, a heavy duty bucket. On the bucket mount a digging tooth bar. This combination will handle your rocks and moguls without a backhoe, if the FEL is robust. (Standard buckets are fine for dirt, for rocks you want a Heavy Duty/Reinforced bucket.)

Here is what a digging tooth bar looks like: Tractor Bucket Bolt on Tooth Bar

Stump Bucket is a good idea too. You need a SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach) FEL-to-bucket mount to also mount a Stump Bucket.


Here is a suitable Kubota, 15" ground clearance, 4-WD, FEL $37,000: Mid-Size Tractors | MX4800 MX5200 MX5800 | Kubota Tractor Corporation

 

[4570Man]

BX backhoe digs down to 6 feet. Sub-Compact Tractors | BX70-1 Series | Kubota Tractor Corporation Bruce

That would be a pretty big stump bucket, and a huge SS to match it. A SS big enough to run that would be in the 12,000-15,000 pound range. Let's get a 6 ton SS and 6 ton excavator and see which one digs a bigger hole.

 

[gladehound]

That would be a pretty big stump bucket, and a huge SS to match it. A SS big enough to run that would be in the 12,000-15,000 pound range. Let's get a 6 ton SS and 6 ton excavator and see which one digs a bigger hole.[/QUOT

And how is this helping the OP? Let's get back to options that help him dig his shallow rocks economically.

 

[4570Man]

How many pages does it take to help the OP? Only so much can be said without beating a dead horse. While we are off topic, are you saying a 6 ton excavator isn't economical for digging a few small rocks? You know how pesky those things can be. That little rock sticking up to bang your mower blades sometimes turns out to be a 5 ton bolder.

 

[Xfaxman]

I hope that you get a Quick Attach on the loader, lots of threads on here about them.

A stump bucket Is a very handy attachment. You would need to get a narrow one that will penetrate deeper than the type that the bottom looks like a triangle.

Here is a slightly different style that looks good: Rock & Stump Ripper - Prime Attachments

Note the straight narrow sides.

 

[jeff9366]

Rock & Stump Ripper looks very strong but very heavy for a tractor FEL.

 

[4570Man]

Rock & Stump Ripper looks very strong but very heavy for a tractor FEL.

Of course it's heavy. A big SS with Ted behind the sticks can dish out some serious damages. I doubt it weighs much more than a the factory bucket of a decent sized cut since it is so narrow.

 

[Getbusyorgetfat]

I think these alternatives to the backhoe may be just the ticket. I can save some $$$ up front and put it toward a heavier machine. Adding on fel attachments as I need them to do what I would otherwise use the backhoe for will help my wallet for now. The biggest downside I see to the fel attachment route is what appears to be less visability. Still much to consider.

I want to thank everyone for your help. I really didn't know anything about what I was doing or needing. I now have some good ideas and am getting excited about getting things rolling in the spring. Thanks again!