Living in Panama

[panapat]

Hi everyone,

I have 3 hectares of virgin land which I need to keep clear, trench and construct on. Getting hold of a rental is difficult when you want it, I am sure I would use an old Case or JCB often. Import duty is only 7% here so I was looking to ship from Florida if I find the right machine for a total of 10k. Any suggestions for a 4x4 backhoe?

 

[paulharvey]

I would only caution that 7.5 acres of clearing could be a lot with a rubber tired hoe if you have many trees of over say 12" diameter.

Try to find a major brand (cat, deere, case, Komatsu) because it will be harder to find parts for less common machines (JCB, terex, Volvo, ect).

If your property is fairly dry and fairly flat, you might be able to save money and expand the search with 2wd.

 

[jaotguy]

:welcome:

 

[panapat]

Thanks for your replies and welcome guys. I have already cut most of them down, I have just fruit trees, coconut, etc. But the stumps are still there as well as a boulders. The property is been cut with a 48cc strimmer, not the ideal tool! The dirt road into it still needs work and we have plans for a pond, house and associated trenching for utilities.

I have seen plenty of Case and Cat here but have not priced them as yet. I am in Korea at the moment so will check them out when I get back.

That was the guy who put the road in, drainage and leveled it out, quite a bit of work as I didnt have access at all to the top of the farm and he had to lay concrete tubes to channel water etc.. Cost 3k for the work.

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[jeff9366]

If your property is fairly dry and fairly flat, you might be able to save money and expand the search with 2wd.

Panama is WET.

 

[panapat]

Panama is WET.

Yes, my 4runner couldn't make it into the back of the farm where the new road didn't have tosco. (limestone in the soil) I do need a 4x4 backhoe.

 

[paulharvey]

Yes, my 4runner couldn't make it into the back of the farm where the new road didn't have tosco. (limestone in the soil) I do need a 4x4 backhoe.

I personally like the 1980s and 1990s John Deere-310 back hoes. Doesn't sound like you need an extendahoe, but they are needed if you'll be digging very deep. Parts are available, everything is mechanical, if you feed it diesel and air it will run. Make sure the transmission has enough power to of take off in top gear (think they only have 4 or 5) and will push in 1st. Should shuttle forward to back smoothly with no nasty grinding or jerking.

I think you can find a pretty good machine for $8,000; but I have no idea what shipping, unlloading, transporting, mandatory local bribes etc will cost.

PS I don't mean any offense with the bribes comment, just know how Mexican customs can work at times; I don't know how it is in Panama.

 

[panapat]

I personally like the 1980s and 1990s John Deere-310 back hoes. Doesn't sound like you need an extendahoe, but they are needed if you'll be digging very deep. Parts are available, everything is mechanical, if you feed it diesel and air it will run. Make sure the transmission has enough power to of take off in top gear (think they only have 4 or 5) and will push in 1st. Should shuttle forward to back smoothly with no nasty grinding or jerking.

I think you can find a pretty good machine for $8,000; but I have no idea what shipping, unlloading, transporting, mandatory local bribes etc will cost.

PS I don't mean any offense with the bribes comment, just know how Mexican customs can work at times; I don't know how it is in Panama.

Here is one for sale in Panama, it doesn't say if its 4x4 though. I am not there to check it out, I will have to wait.

Heavy Equipment, Machinery | Vendo Retro Excavadora John Deere 310E - Panama