TLB for small construction business..suggestions?

BigEddy · Apr 20, 2005

Knowing more about your intended use would help me. You are getting good advice on "small" fullsize machines. These are commercial grade machines, just a bit smaller than the normal backhoes . If you are using them commercially and regularly, they are great machines (I'd love any one of them!)

You could start out smaller and cheaper, to see if this works out for the business. I understand this is an expansion of a current business, not an excavating only business.

In that case, the Kubota B21 might work out well - it's a bit smaller but is a purpose designed TLB.

Going smaller still, there are several Deere 4x20 models, or Kubota B series that are available with backhoes. You might want to look at these machines. They are not as capable perhaps, but are more flexible and usually cheaper.

It becomes a question of capital investment and return, as well as utilization. You can rent a full size excavator for several hundred a day, and can easily dig a whole foundation with it, but once or twice a year would not justify buying one. On the other hand, if you can get a good used B21 for $15K or less, and use it once a week to do a job that would have to subbed out otherwise it may pay for itself quickly.

macahs · Apr 20, 2005

Thanks for your post Robert!

BigEddy- Great stuff, you made some great points. My husband and I were talking about exactly what you mentioned- ROI. Where he does not have the experience like others, he definitely does not want to jump into big jobs. He'll do a couple garages throughout the year- site work runs about $2k roughly for the slab- we figure we'd need 3 garages a year and/or a couple garages and side work to pay for it. I definitely think it would pay for itself and we could use it for our personal use as well. =) I really appreciate you giving us some tractors to consider!

dummy · Apr 21, 2005

Yep, some good points. The earth force (bobcat, IR, year dependent) machines are starting to pop-up on the used market and are highly regarded by some. Another consideration factor might be removeability and interchangeability. Is the loader on the B21 removeable? I know the hoe is.

dummy · Apr 21, 2005

Have you checked some of the previous threads about earth force and the JD 110 machines? When the 110's came out there were some pro and con discussions like this one 110 . Or the EF guru EF-500 Might be useful in helping pick a machine.

And another site that may or may not help training

macahs · Apr 21, 2005

Thanks for all the links- I'll check them out. I did a lot of reading on the forum but obviously am going to miss some good ones- so thank you!

BigEddy · Apr 21, 2005

My recommendation is to go down to your local rental yard and have a look around. Next time you have a job, rent the machine you think is closest to what you want. Do the job with it and see if it made sense financially including the rental cost. Was the machine right - too big, too small, etc. Next job, try another machine or another yard. The daily rental fee is a reasonable estimate of your true ownership cost for having the machine on that site. If doing the work yourself still makes $$$ after the rental cost, then you know you're better off doing the work than subbing it out.

Next decision is rent or own. This is a more complicated decision, as it depends on frequency of use, but the "emotional" desire to own a backhoe starts to play into it. And once you have one, you'll find jobs that you wouldn't have considered otherwise. So there is an aspect of business expansion that opens up once the initial investment is made.

Final decision is what model. Try before you buy. Every good dealer will let you demo a machine if they know you are serious, especially used machines. Rental yards are another good source, as different yards carry different models. It's a big investment either way, and you want to get the right model for you. Too large and the machine becomes awkward, too small and you get frustrated.

I guess I'm saying you're on the right track posting here - ask questions, do the research, do the financials, take your time deciding, then get the best machine for your needs.

Good luck.

dummy · Apr 21, 2005

And once you have one, you'll find jobs that you wouldn't have considered otherwise. For me, that's usually the neighbor at a job-site. While you're here could you do?.....
Another consideration, bigger machines = bigger trailers which can cost significantly more.

macahs · Apr 21, 2005

I think that's what we may do- rent something first- a great way to learn hands on.

Thanks again for your advice, you've been helpful. We really like what we've read about the JD 110 and there are a couple on ebay right now for around $28k (which is a heck of a deal) but still too much for us w/out having tried any out first. If anyone is looking for tractors- this guy in Bethany, CT is closing shop and has TONS of stuff listed. Here is a link..

http://stores.ebay.com/TRI-TOWN-CONSTRUCTION-EQUIPMENT_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQdptZ0QQftidZ2QQtZkm

B21nut · Apr 21, 2005

I have them Kubota B21. It is a superb machine with incredible power for its size. I do mostly trenching, french drains, small fish ponds and site work such as you and your husband are doing. I can go anywhere there is a 60" opening. I get into all kinds of spots with this machine. There has been twice that I wish I had the L35 (now replaced by L39). The B21 has a removable backhoe with all the 3point hitch stuff store on board. The loader is not removable. It has incredible power for its size. I run a small business by myself such as you describe if there are any other questions I can help with fire away.
John

chatcher · Apr 21, 2005

( ...If anyone is looking for tractors- this guy in Bethany, CT is closing shop and has TONS of stuff listed. Here is a link...)

Wow, where else can you find a dozer AND a Ferrari?