Is an FEL and Backhoe Worth It?

[two_bit_score]

Going to be getting a 35+hp tractor (think Kubota L4400 or so) and when comparing the prices of a base tractor for doing mowing, hogging, post holes, etc., versus the base tractor and then adding the FEL, quick release, and backhoe the price skyrockets another $12-14K.

Doesn't it make more sense to just get a used TLB for say $8-10K?

TLB would have much greater reach and capacity, no?

What would be the pros vs cons of getting a tractor set up or the used TLB?

Tractor would likely be new as I would keep it for a long time.

You may as well go ahead and step up to the L59 TLB and you'll never regret it.

 

[Egon]

For the pond job sounds like a larger tracked hoe would be the preferred machine.

 

[Ken45101]

I need to have the 12-14 foot reach to be able to stay far away enough from the edge and still be able to enlarge the pond, not dig it to 12-14ft deep. I guess I should have explained it better.

Don't forget, a bh can only deposit the dirt 90 degrees from where it is digging. That pile of dirt gets in the way quickly. As it piles up, it slides in both directions, including back into the pond.

For the pond job sounds like a larger tracked hoe would be the preferred machine.

I agree. A track hoe (excavator) can pile the mud 180 degrees away from where it's digging.

It sounds like you are looking for something for a one time specialty job (the pond). It would be cheaper and better to hire a contractor to do it in a few days.

Ken

 

[rbargeron]

........you are looking for something for a one time specialty job (the pond). It would be cheaper and better to hire a contractor to do it in a few days.....

Ken has hit the nail on the head here. Ask someone who has built some ponds - the essential tool is a dozer on wide tracks with a 4-in1 bucket/blade/tooth bar. A small commercial TLB (even a 580 or 680) has a frustrating short reach for a job like digging out and contouring around a pond.

I have been thru the same trade-up process others have described, starting with 35 hp, adding a FEL, moving up in hp, etc. I eventually got a backhoe attachment by buying another tractor that included the FEL and BH - and selling the one with FEL only. The BH is an 11' model (about 14' reach) and is capable of digging out stumps, rocks etc. It's very handy to have available for small earthwork, but IMHO it would be pretty slow making a pond.

 

[robertwhite]

The pond is existing, I am looking to enlarge it.

That is only one of the projects. I also need the BH to dig out a bunch of things, and assorted other projects.

I might look into the cost of a trackhoe rental and then I would probably be able to get away with a FEL on the L series sized tractor.

 

[littlejohn2009]

I have a M4700 with a FEL. 4X4 is a MUST. I can't believe just how much I use the loader. There is always something that need to be lifted, moved etc. Even when I need to stand a little higher to do something..yes i know standing in the bucket is against the rules...but ...

A mini excavator is an 'I wish i had' tool. Problem is I can justify a new one, and a used one may be more maintaince then I'd like.

Thus renting is the best option in the long run. IMO, a exc. is much more useful then a BH ever will be. You can can things like rocks, brush etc.

The guy who is worried about pond depth, don't forget you can pre bench your self. IE: say you want to dig 14' and your reach is 12'. Dig a 2' trench for the machine and start your project.

 

[dangerdoc]

I need to have the 12-14 foot reach to be able to stay far away enough from the edge and still be able to enlarge the pond, not dig it to 12-14ft deep. I guess I should have explained it better.

One other thing I should mention. I had a Case 680E with extendahoe. It had plenty of reach and I was able to significantly enlarge one of my ponds with it. BUT: IMPORTANT: The pond leaked after I was finished. I dug into some limestone deep in the pond and it would not hold water.


You cannot pack in a good clay liner with the backhoe like a dozer or track loader can do.