Backhoe The great backhoe dilema

[Donman]

One of the biggest problems with these small backhoes is not the digging but the dumping. I had a small backhoe for a Bobcat skidsteer that dug really good but could not dump far enough away from from the hole I made. You can get pretty good at using the bucket curl to push the pile further away as you are dumping each bucket full but even then you are limited to fairly shallow excavations before your dump pile encroaches on the excavation.

 

[RyanC]

I guess it's true what they say. "Advice is something you ask for when you already know the answer, but wish you didn't"

I figured the basement thing was going to be difficult with the TLB, and RayH, you said it well. I would have to re-position so many times, and nibble away that it would A) take a long time B) leave many chances to cause more damage cost than what I am saving by doing it myself.

The comments about the lake digging are good too. Lot of dirt to move a large distance for a small machine.

I guess I'll have to start thinking of a different new toy to buy.

Thanks everyone for your help.

~R~

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Ryan,

I have a 4200 with a BH and while I used it a lot when I first got it for loading and unloading trucks and trailers, etc., I would never consider using it for the jobs you describe. Mine was on my tractor when I bought it used and was almost a 'throw-in' when I got my machine. I would never spend thousands to own one. Honestly, since I've taken it off to use my 3PH attachments, I've never put it back on.

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> Honestly, since I've taken it off to use my 3PH attachments, I've never put it back on.
</font>


Wow Gary! I'm amazed...I guess it all depends...

I am really glad I added a backhoe to my tractor purchase two years ago. But I agree...it probably does not make a lot of sense for the original posters needs...I doubt my back hoe would work very well for digging out the side of my foundation...

I have had better luck with landscaping next to my pond, doing something that a skid steer faild to accomplish a few years ago.

I use my backhoe a lot. But that could be just because I have the need to do so.

In the end I am really glad I bought one. But again that is just me and my personal needs.

Our different experiences just serves to illustrate how much a backhoe decision really depends on the induvidual considering one...

Now I would say the my backhoe may not be cost effective, but still I am glad I have it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[v8dave]

Around here in Northern California the pool companies use skid steer loaders to dig swiming pools. They can get these through the narrow side yards prevalent now-a-days in the big house small lot communities popping up everywhere.

I was amazed at how these skid steers can dig a sizeable hole.

Looks like most of the recommendations here are for a rental unit or hire it done. You should be able to operate the rental skid steer to dig the pool. Don't underestimate the problem of disposing/transporting of the excavated dirt. A skid steer helps transport the dirt quickly--a win all around.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color="blue"> 'Now I would say the my backhoe may not be cost effective, but still I am glad I have it." </font>

That describes my feelings exactly. I guess, to be fair, I ought to say that I did use the heck out of that backhoe the first couple years I had it. Maybe that's why I haven't used it any lately.

I have a feeling it'll go back on when mowing season ends as I do have a couple things in mind for it then.

 

[pekabu]

I have a backhoe for my 24 hp NH. If you really have just these two projects, renting a mini excavator would be a better decision. Just the constant repositioing would make the job go forever!

A couple of years ago I rented a bobcat 325 mini excavator. It was stronger and had better reach than my current bh. It was really a good piece of equipiment. You will be able to get closer to the house, and dig deeper. It was about $350 for 10 hours.

For me, I have had ton of smaller jobs around the house.

 

[PineRidge]

I invested in a BH for my New Holland and I think it has come in real darn handy for more than a couple of my needs. But just the same I also don't think I would recommend one for the work that you describe. I think that renting a machine capable of your requirements would be more in line with good judgment. A backhoe represents a sizable investment and as such may need extra justification. Obviously they aren't for everybody in my opinion.