Up from Terramite

StolenBarn · Sep 25, 2004

Hi all - I'm currently have a terramite T5c compact loader/backhoe which I use for small tree planting, trenching, general light excavation and clearing, etc.... It is a nice machine, but I am ready to trade up.

I would like to upgrade to a tractor with loader and backhoe implements and mowing deck. I need it to be real strong, bigger that the T5c and more powerful with greater digging depth (the 'mite digs 8'5"), and able to be towed behind a standard full size PU on a 10,000 GVW trailer. I have a flexible budget for this machine and would like it to be easy to operate, feature rich and very reliable. I'm partial to Deere, but open to suggestions. Any advice? Also, any thoughts on the value of the 'mite? It has 140 homeowner hours and is a 2001 machine with high floatation tires, quick release bucket, and was recently serviced by an authorized dealer - ready to work.

thcri · Sep 25, 2004

Terramite's home page has used ones that range from $9500 to $11500. Yours is newer so I would think you could get the $11,500. I guess finding the right person would be the tough part.

murph

KiotiJohn · Sep 25, 2004

In order to get "more digging depth" out of a backhoe on a CUT, you're going to have to have a pretty good sized CUT.
I'm not sure about all the brand's requirments, but for most anything under 50HP, I've only seen 8.5" backhoes. I've seen 9.5" and larger on some 60HP and up models.
Of course, this is just my own experience, you may find differently. John

JayC · Sep 25, 2004

Well, I would recommend the John Deere 110 TLB. It is very feature rich and can be towed behind a 3/4 ton truck with 10,000 lb. trailer. Since you said you were doing some trenching, the "Creep-to-reposition" feature would be very handy to have, but since you seem like an experienced hoe operator you are probably use to moving the machine with the hoe. "C-T-R" has a lever that is easily reachable from the backhoe seat, and is activated using a thumb bar and directionaly rocker switch. The 110 is more rugged than the standard CUT. It can dig 10'1" deep. It can have a thumb, 4in1 FEL bucket, quick attach hoe buckets, hammers, augers, etc. I think the 110 would be the best candidate in your situation, however, the FEL is not removable. Since you mentioned you wanted a mower deck (I presume RFM), it may be hard maneuvering around things if obstacles are an issue. The hoe on the 110 is removable so you can use a 3PH for other implements. The 110 is 43hp with 33 PTO hp and about 31 hydraulic HP. It has a HST transmission with the Load Match feature which prevents stalling.

KiotiJohn · Sep 25, 2004

( The 110 is more rugged than the standard CUT. It can dig 10'1" deep. It can have a thumb, 4in1 FEL bucket, quick attach hoe buckets, hammers, augers, etc. )
JayC, doesn't this model start around $30,000? I know it's gotten some rave reviews, but to get all one might want, this could get VERY expensive! John

JayC · Sep 25, 2004

( JayC, doesn't this model start around $30,000? I know it's gotten some rave reviews, but to get all one might want, this could get VERY expensive! )

hehe Yeah, it does cost a pretty penny. You would only find a used at $30k. And that is with a few hundred hours! I went to Deere's site and configured one the way I wanted it and it was around $62,000! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

That price, though, was MSRP and I hadn't figured things in like 15-20% off, taxes /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif, etc. Then it got down to around high $40's low $50's! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

The local dealer has them for $32,995. Those look like the basic models. $32,995 is still a good price for one. The base machine on Deere's configurator lists for $41. Keep in mind this is with no accessories or things like buckets.

I recommended the 110 because he said he wanted something bigger, powerful, feature rich, and preferred Deere's. He also said that he wanted to use 3PH implements. I don't think machines like the Terramite can do that.

StolenBarn · Sep 25, 2004

Thanks! I would love a 110. It lists out fully equipped for something like $48k. That is one enormous step up from a 'mite. You are right - it is almost perfect for my needs, except that it is a bit much for mowing. I'm hoping to spend more like $20 - 25K or so. I don't absolutely need to dig beyond 8'5", but depth is a good thing.

Bob_Skurka · Sep 25, 2004

I recommended the 110 because he said he wanted something bigger, powerful, feature rich, and preferred Deere's. He also said that he wanted to use 3PH implements. I don't think machines like the Terramite can do that.

I also don't think that most of the CUTs are even close to being as capable as the 110, even if you can configure one to meet your needs, it will likely be larger and less maneuverable and may not be as capable in many ways.

JayC · Sep 25, 2004

I also don't think that most of the CUTs are even close to being as capable as the 110, even if you can configure one to meet your needs, it will likely be larger and less maneuverable and may not be as capable in many ways. 

To me, the 110 looks small. I don't know why. I think it would be pretty maneuverable. Being the HST pedals and brakes are on opposite sides, you could use the differential braking to make tighter turns. Normal CUTs wouldn't even compare to the 110. It is in a whole other league. The 110 was inspired by and designed after the 310 backhoe. It was three years in development. Deere really did their homework with this one. The price could be better, though. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

JayC · Sep 25, 2004

What are the specs on the T5C? I don't know anything about the Terramites.

How much do you mow? For the price of an RFM you could get a dedicated lawn or garden tractor.

StolenBarn · Sep 26, 2004

I've pasted in the T5c specs below - taken from www.terramite.com. I hope they read OK. Not a bad little machine. I will be mowing about 4 acres. You're right, I could use a dedicated machine for that. Right now, the job is contracted out. I want to do it myself to save that $ (and put it towards the new tractor.)

STANDARD ENGINE: Kohler Command 20 HP
LUBRICATION: Pressurized w/ Filter TRANSMISSION: HD Hydrastatic, Eaton 35 HP rated
DRIVE MOTOR: HD Gerotor Type, Ross "Torquemotor"
FRONT AXLE: REAR AXLE:
Construction H.D. 1"x5" Crossbeam Dana 44, Rigid Drive Axle Trac Lok Assembly 4.89 Ratio
Spindle Size 1.75
Steering Power, Hydrastatic
TIRES: OPTIONAL TIRES:
Front 23" x 8" x 12" Skid Steer 31"x15.5"x15" Super Terra Grip
(260 sq. in. of contact area per tire at 3" penetration)
Rear 9.5"x16" 6 Ply Super Sure Grip
31"x15.5"x15" Soft Trac
23"x8.5"x12"(front)/12"x16.5"(rear) Skid Steer
CAPACITIES:
Fuel Tank US- 7 Gallons Metric- 27 Liter Hydraulic Tank US- 7 Gallons Metric- 27 Liter
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR BACKHOE & ENDLOADER:
Pump Flow Pressure Loader Valve Backhoe Valve Cylinders Weight
Gear Type 7 GPM at 3600 RPM US Metric 2 Spool Monoblock 6 Spool Stack Type 2", 2.5" US Metric
2400 PSI 144 Bar 3100 Lbs. 1372 kg
MEASUREMENTS: US Metric US Metric
Loader Dump Height 81 inches 206 cm Wheelbase 58 inches 147 cm
Digging Depth 100 inches 254 cm Overall Width 48 inches 122 cm
Backhoe Reach 132 inches 335 cm Overal Height 82 inches 208 cm
Rear Bucket Dump Height 76 inches 193 cm Transport Length 156 inches 396 cm
Front Tire to Front Bucket 51 inches 130 cm
CAPACITIES & FORCES:
Calculated SAE Dig Forces Buckets Capacity

US Metric US Metric US Metric
Dipstick 2800 lbs. 1270 kg 8" 203 mm .90 cu. ft. 26 cu.dm
Bucket Curl 3100 lbs. 1406 kg 12" 305 mm 1.35 cu. ft. 38 cu.dm
Backhoe Lift 750 lbs. 340 kg 16" 406 mm 1.80 cu. ft. 51 cu.dm
Front Curl 2200 lbs. 998 kg 20" 508 mm 2.20 cu. ft. 62 cu.dm
Loader Lift 1700 lbs. 771 kg 24" 610 mm 2.40 cu. ft. 68 cu.dm
36" 914 mm 3.10 cu. ft. 88 cu.dm
LOADER CAPACITY: Standard US - .25 yard Metric - .210 m3
REAR BUCKET ROTATION: 180 Degrees FRONT BUCKET ROLLBACK: 35 Degrees
BOOM ROTATION: 145 Degrees

JayC · Sep 26, 2004

A 20hp Kohler? I was thinking something bigger. I don't think you will be able to get a machine that will dig deeper than 8.5' without going to something like the 110. Deere does offer the 48 hoe (8') for the mid-chassis machines. That would probably be as close as you're gonna get in a small package. Kioti & Kubota have 9 foot hoes on their larger machines, but you may have trouble mowing with those larger machines as well. The mid-chassis machines that Deere offers the 48 hoe on is the 4310 & 4410. The 4310 is 32hp and the 4410 is 35hp. They can have MMMs, too so you will be able to mow easier with it than say a 110. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

John Deere 4000 Ten

MossRoad · Sep 26, 2004

Have you checked out the Power Tracs?

Henro · Sep 26, 2004

You might look at the Kubota L35.

9.2 foot backhoe (2' flat bottom) and weighs in about 6,000 lbs per the kubota web site:

Specs are here

I don't think it is an HST though...

Link to L35 intro page...

KiotiJohn · Sep 26, 2004

( Kioti & Kubota have 9 foot hoes on their larger machines, but you may have trouble mowing with those larger machines as well. )
Kioti doesn't yet offer anything larger than the KB2385, 8.5' digging depth. They are at present considering adding the larger hoe. John

JayC · Sep 26, 2004

I always thought they had a 9' hoe. Oops. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

gray · Sep 26, 2004

Kioti John is right, the L35 is an option.

I had one and it did lots of work. More that I would have thought. It never complained.

It has a 9ft plus Bh and a loader that is rated in the 1600lb range. It is a glide shift but that system works well. Many of them in the 100 to 500 hr range with a price of 18 to 22K. It is much bigger that the t5 but still not too big for most large yard chores.

Good luck with your shoice. Too bad the t9 doesn't have a 3pt and pto under the hoe?

Degree · Sep 27, 2004

Definatly an L35. VERY rugged and durable machine. My favorite feature was the GST(glide shift transmission) throw her in a gear and she goes without clutching. Very nice machie, definatly check out the Kubota quality before checking anything else. http://www.kubota.com/f/products/l35.cfm

JayC · Sep 27, 2004

I thought the L35 had a shuttle-shift? I bet that GST is nice being you can shift gears without having to clutch. How are the gears set up? Are they arranged so that you can shuttle with it?

MessickFarmEqu · Sep 27, 2004

I had one customer trade a T5C on a BX23 and they where blown away by that. Any Kubota TLB will make you happy. I'd look at the B21, It will be more in your price range.