I bought a BX 1800 2 years ago and have done 500 hours of work with it since. Amazing machine! Any way there are a few things it doesn't do that I am now thinking I want to get done. I want to trench a 350 foot 5 foot deep trench and dig out several 12 inch elm stumps. What is the minimum size tractor and backhoe that I need to do this? Thanks.
Backhoe Tractor Backhoe Choice
- Thread starter Botabill
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grandad
Platinum Member
Theoretically, I suppose you could do it even with a BX23, but you would spend a lot of time digging a 5ft deep 350 ft trench. The concept is bigger tractor/backhoe = less time to dig any given size excavation.
If the trench and the stumps are your only, one-time need for a hoe, you might look into renting something like a B21, L35 or even a mini-trackhoe for a couple of days.
But having your own backhoe is a great luxury, and it's a pile of fun as well (don't tell the CFO about that part /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ).
If the trench and the stumps are your only, one-time need for a hoe, you might look into renting something like a B21, L35 or even a mini-trackhoe for a couple of days.
But having your own backhoe is a great luxury, and it's a pile of fun as well (don't tell the CFO about that part /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ).
Berniep
Platinum Member
I don't know much about elm trees but it migh take you a while on them with the BX23
As for the trench, if it's only one bucket width wide (10 inch bucket on mine trench ends up being wider) you ought to be able to do it in a day if you don't run into any obstructions once you get proficient with the backhoe. based on the 10 foot trench I dug (and I am not that good) it would take me about 8 hours. Of course I wouldn't want to sit on it for 8 hours straight and you will be moving the tractor a LOT!! 5 feet deep doesn't leave much reach on the little backhoe.
As for the trench, if it's only one bucket width wide (10 inch bucket on mine trench ends up being wider) you ought to be able to do it in a day if you don't run into any obstructions once you get proficient with the backhoe. based on the 10 foot trench I dug (and I am not that good) it would take me about 8 hours. Of course I wouldn't want to sit on it for 8 hours straight and you will be moving the tractor a LOT!! 5 feet deep doesn't leave much reach on the little backhoe.
The stumps would be a piece of cake for the bx backhoe. Probably 15-30 minutes each. The trench however would take a while. I can dig 3 feet deep at a rate of 50 /hour. But five feet will take double that because of the reach. I did a 700 foot trench 3 foot deep two months ago with the bx and I spent the better part of two days digging. Look at the links in my signiature and you will find the bx has little trouble with stumps.
