Backhoe Uses for a Backhoe
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brandoro
Platinum Member
I have a 3pt BH and can take it off in about 10 minutes and on in about 15 minutes. Took a few practice runs to get down to that but it isn't bad.
Mine doesn't get used a lot but is the best thing when you need one. Some of the neighbours help me find jobs for it too, good to have a few favours out there for the times you might need a hand with something.
As for the original question, I bought mine to dig around the foundation to install weeping tile to correct a moisture problem and install insulation because you might as well while the fondation is exposed. Since then I have removed rocks, stumps, dug in a few drain lines and trenched in the electrical service for a new neighbour.
Mine doesn't get used a lot but is the best thing when you need one. Some of the neighbours help me find jobs for it too, good to have a few favours out there for the times you might need a hand with something.
As for the original question, I bought mine to dig around the foundation to install weeping tile to correct a moisture problem and install insulation because you might as well while the fondation is exposed. Since then I have removed rocks, stumps, dug in a few drain lines and trenched in the electrical service for a new neighbour.
AndyMA
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I've had 5 backhoes on the last 5 tractors I have had. I also have a 44,000 lb excavator. I would never be without a backhoe or excavator as I use it all the time even just to soften the ground. When I read all the posts about digging with a FEL and using tooth bar to make it dig better, all I can think is you have no idea how well the right tool (a backhoe) can dig. I now have one tractor with a backhoe and loader and one with a loader for 3 pt hitch attachments. sure does make the changeover easier.
Andy
Andy
dave1949
Super Star Member
44K excavator! - you're making me sick
Absolutely agree with you.
Also like to second or third the idea others have mentioned, CUT with a backhoe doesn't really have the scale or reach to do things well that are very far from the rear of the tractor. I have had to dig dirt, put it in a pile, then move the tractor and shift the pile another 8'-10' because I couldn't get at with the FEL.
I have also noted mine barely straddles it's own trench. I have my wheels set standard narrow to fit between various obstacles.
They are handy for close in, light work and I am glad I have one. But I don't kid myself about it being a real digging machine.
Dave.
Guywire
Member
I bought my first tractor (new) just a year ago. I was thinking about a backhoe, but finances at the time (I'd just retired), well...
I found that the FEL didn't work worth poop in digging stumps (and I live on five acres of an old eucalyptus orchard?/plantation? with wall-to-wall trees & stumps). Recognizing that the economy was in the toilet, I figured that older, used machines would be on the market as contractors/landscapers/etc contracted and sold their old equipment. Six months ago I found a 40 yr old industrial machine (Massey Ferguson 3165 w/<1800 hrs) on the market really cheap (much less that just a bolt-on backhoe). I had to sink a couple dollars into it, but still less than the new backhoe and I now have a second tractor. If, when I'm done digging stumps, I think I no longer have a need for it I can sell it for at least most of what I have into it. With the two machines, it takes me zero minutes to prepare the backhoe.
I found that the FEL didn't work worth poop in digging stumps (and I live on five acres of an old eucalyptus orchard?/plantation? with wall-to-wall trees & stumps). Recognizing that the economy was in the toilet, I figured that older, used machines would be on the market as contractors/landscapers/etc contracted and sold their old equipment. Six months ago I found a 40 yr old industrial machine (Massey Ferguson 3165 w/<1800 hrs) on the market really cheap (much less that just a bolt-on backhoe). I had to sink a couple dollars into it, but still less than the new backhoe and I now have a second tractor. If, when I'm done digging stumps, I think I no longer have a need for it I can sell it for at least most of what I have into it. With the two machines, it takes me zero minutes to prepare the backhoe.
LBrown59
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Such a crude feeling ain't it?
ScottAR
Veteran Member
I'm with Guywire. Step off JD tractor. Step on Case backhoe, start engine, Dig...
I read about spending $8K-$10K for an add on backhoe when one can buy a full size
rig for $10k-$12K and have the weight, power, reach, and speed of a full size machine.
Granted, a homestead on a few acres probably doesn't need a full size but, when
heavy work needs to be done a heavy machine is needed.
I read about spending $8K-$10K for an add on backhoe when one can buy a full size
rig for $10k-$12K and have the weight, power, reach, and speed of a full size machine.
Granted, a homestead on a few acres probably doesn't need a full size but, when
heavy work needs to be done a heavy machine is needed.
MtnViewRanch
Elite Member, Advertiser
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I know a guy that told me a long, long time ago, it's ok to rent or barrow a tool once. If you need it more than once, then you need that tool, buy it if you can any way afford it. I have used that bit of advice for the last 30 some years.
dave1949
Super Star Member
One problem that makes me shy away from buying old equipment is I have no idea how to evaluate what the real condition of a machine is due to no experience. I would hate to buy something that looked okay to me and seemed to function correctly, only to find out it really needs some multi-thousand $ fix.
Dave.
Dave.
MtnViewRanch
Elite Member, Advertiser
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This does become a problem. If you don't know yourself and or don't know anybody that you can trust, then purchasing used equipment takes on a new perspective. I would have to say that that would limit me to a dealer that would have some sort of warranty on their used equipment.