If you could do it all over again...

TimSullivan · Feb 10, 2004

Three years ago I faced the same questions.

I wanted to buy the backhoe but friends talked me out of it. There is a rental yard two miles from my home that rents a heavy Case unit for $200 a day. In the three years I have rented it five times and really don't see that I will need it much in the future. One of those friends sold his backhoe unit and bought a small Yanmar track shovel. he got tired of switching the BH on and off his 4700. So my advise would be make sure you have enough work for the BH to balance the cost.

When I started out I used a Bush Hog to cut the grass in the field with the intention of buying a rear mount finsh mower later. I will be purchasing a 72 inch cut zero turn to do the finish mowing this spring. I will still have areas that need the Bush Hog and this will allow both machines to cut at the same time. My 4300 does not cut close enough to the trees and rear finish mower will not be the best solution. The zero turn will cut right up to the trees and save coming back with the small lawn tractor to trim. I borrowed a MM mower and was still not happy so that is why I will buy the zero turn.

I have an eight hundred foot drive and move lots of snow with the FEL and a rear blade. I also bought a York rake but will sell that this spring as the lawns are all in and again I just don't see that I will get enough use out of it.

zuiko · Feb 10, 2004

I think the 4n1 is a nobrainer since it will cost a lot less to get it when you get the tractor rather than having it put on later. The BH is another matter. With how much they cost and how cheap you can rent a trackhoe I never saw the payoff. So I would get the 4n1 and maybe a tiller, PHD, etc.

JDGREEN4ME · Feb 10, 2004

The first tractor I bought I "justified" myself out of getting a backhoe. I ended up with a smaller tractor where one wasn't even an option at the time of my purchase. After owning it for awhile and finding out at my remote location that rental wasn't an option and the cost to have someone else do it was more than the BH would have cost, long story short I ended up with a different tractor with a backhoe. Now the only person I speak for in all of this is myself. That is how it worked out for me due to location and other costs. You might be in a completely different situation... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Yankee · Feb 10, 2004

My current thinking is that I don't need to own a BH and can rent when needed. My wife is actually trying to talk me into buying one (imagine that). Don't know which way I'll go. I'll say this, though - every dealer, without exception, says that used backhoes sell instantly and at a good price. So, if you have use for one for a year or so, going that route (buying then selling) may justify owning one, assuming the upfront $$ or loan aren't a problem.

Bill

Waldo · Feb 10, 2004

Mike (rockyridgefarm)

I was hoping you would respond! That is a lot of good info you gave me. I am thinking that I will get the 4310 with all of the goodies, the 430 with a JD 4 in 1, the 47 hoe and the MX5 first and go from there. I think my neighbor will gladly do a tractor swap on days I need to mow (he has a JD GT235e).

I have been talking to Grissom Implement Inc on Hwy 177 in Shawnee. Lance Recognizes me at sight now (I hand delivered my neighbor when he got his GT235e and a co-worker who got a 2210). Because of the business I have brought to him I am expecting to get a good deal. I would like to do a comparison between them and whom ever you had in mind.

Step 1 for me is to build the house (you can watch me fumble through the process at CountryByNet.com ) I will get the tractor after I complete my mom's house. I will use it to help me with my house and to maintain both lots. Eventually we will get two horses and a steer (two or three years from now). I have also tried every method passable to get the old man in Texas, that I bought this land from, to sell me the 40 acres of land that buts up to ours. He has not yet decided what we wants to do with it.

Waldo

Waldo · Feb 10, 2004

Thanks to everyone!

It did not even occur to me to get all of the hydraulic up-grades from the start. I think that should be cheaper and I will end up with a cleaner (looking) installation. I have the feeling that for me anyway that getting the "big ticket" items out of the way first will be best. It will be a while before I can get the tractor, so keep your ideas coming. I want to do it right the first time!

Waldo

rockyridgefarm · Feb 17, 2004

Thanks fer the kind words!
If you have a great dealer in yer kuntry, you will do well to work fer them.

I will send you a pm with the contact info for my dealer. It is sad but sometimes when you have a great relationship, that gives the dealer the idea that they should clean up with your money. Getting another quote might help you keep things straight... Of course, when a faraway dealer quotes you, they are probably gonna have a real sharp pencil....

Sorry to be so long getting back....