Backhoe why do I want a backhoe???

[Jay4200]

I am very close to buying a tractor the only problem is I am not able to convince myself that I will be able to get rocks out of my yard/lawn/woods with just a box scraper and the fel. Stumps don't worry me the the rocks do. Any thoughts would be a help.

A backhoe is absolutely necessary equipment for New England. You'd be wasting your time trying to do any ground work without one. You might be able to get a few teeny pebbles out of the ground with an FEL (<1ft.) - maybe, but you won't be able to touch the boulders that you are going to be running into constantly. Also, get the biggest backhoe that your machine can carry and a subframe mount - you'll need it.

You won't be able to really remove stumps with your FEL at all. I have a hard time getting them out with my 9' backhoe -- de-stumping an 18" dogwood tree is a 2-3 hr project, including at least half the time in the hole with a chainsaw and an axe. You'll never get it out at all without a backhoe.

I also find that even rough grading is most times a backhoe job too, especially if you're in a tight area, or if there are lots of trees around. Since the FEL bucket can't tilt, the bucket can only match the grade that the tractor already is on. If there isn't a decent reference area to use to get started, you're boned, unless you have a backhoe to dig out the area.

I'm going to get horrendously flamed for this, but IMHO, the backhoe is what makes a tractor worth having. Used as a backhoe/loader, a tractor is a decent construction machine that can do a fair amount of site work. Without a backhoe, a tractor is not much more than an oversized lawnmower. Even if you're using PTO-driven implements a lot, because you're in New England, and everywhere is a boulder-field, you are going to need a backhoe at some time for almost any project. You said your lot is rugged - don't even bother getting a tractor w/o one.

And yes, they're WAY cool. And bigger IS better.

Jay

 

[Jay4200]

If you can swing it you might consider getting a small used mini excavator. If you keep looking you can get one for $5000 or perhaps a bit more.

If I could get a decent mini-excavator for $5k, I'd have three by now. I want to replace my BH with a mini-excavator, and I've looked - I haven't seen anything that even runs for less than $15-20k, much less something in good condition. They are $40k-60k new, after all.

Jay

 

[slaveToHorses]

If I could get a decent mini-excavator for $5k, I'd have three by now. I want to replace my BH with a mini-excavator, and I've looked - I haven't seen anything that even runs for less than $15-20k, much less something in good condition. They are $40k-60k new, after all.
Jay

I guess it depends on your definition of "mini"
A tractor and a track hoe would be great! But a track hoe is more maintenance. But those tiny weenie excavators don't have much muscle and aren't as stable as a backhoe. Still would be cool though...

But it looks like the original poster now has a dying truck. Bummer. That happened to me too. Only it happened within months of buying my TLB!! So after shelling out over 30k for a new tractor and implements I had to turn around an buy a new truck On the other hand now I have a bunch of new stuff. Good thing I got 0% financing on both the tractor and the truck!!

 

[Nuru]

I guess it depends on your definition of "mini"
A tractor and a track hoe would be great! But a track hoe is more maintenance. But those tiny weenie excavators don't have much muscle and aren't as stable as a backhoe. Still would be cool though...

But it looks like the original poster now has a dying truck. Bummer. That happened to me too. Only it happened within months of buying my TLB!! So after shelling out over 30k for a new tractor and implements I had to turn around an buy a new truck On the other hand now I have a bunch of new stuff. Good thing I got 0% financing on both the tractor and the truck!!

Good for you. i have a rental place about a half a mile away, but I still am thinking of buying, then sneaking a backhoe into my shed after I get that in a month or so. just gotta save up the cash

 

[johnnylight]

When am in a jam and the FEL and all my other toys can't help me my back hoe NH 757C works everytime--example got stuck in the mudd -BH lifts or pulls me out--needed to run a curtain drain total job around property 1400 ft
to day light -try rentals and kick your self later after all the fees you will still come out ahead my BH paid for it self half way though my cutain drain job
you have to figure inclement weather or just picking up material for job

Your BH at your pace, no mistakes not rushing to finish because you are renting.

Just go for it-- you will thank yourself later evryone can use a backhoe.

So many projects to list -

I bought Christine(TC34DA) with the back hoe in April 2006 I now have 220 hrs no regrets love my back hoe

 

[shvl73]

If the purchase needs to be justified by how much each project would cost without, it may or may not be right for you. If the cost to purchase is something that you can absorb and you value the convenience of having it ready whenever you are and you also value not having the pressure of it needing to be returned by a set time, seriously think about it. I don't regret my purchase, despite not being able to use it as much as I would like. If I run out of time on a project or can't start when I would like, its OK, I own the hoe and can get to it later .

 

[charlz]

Turning the compost pile - EASY.

Why didn't I think of that? Here I have been thinking I needed larger compost bins so I could get in there with the FEL when all I needed to do was turn around

Thanks!

Charles

 

[Haoleguy]

Huckie - I currently have a frame mount backhoe and have mixed feelings about the value. My preference and the direction I'm moving to is a 12K lb excavator to match with the capability of my tractor. A previous message mentioned saving money and getting a small used excavator. My own personal experience is that small mini-excavators are less stable than backhoes because of the small footprint and ability to reach farther with the arm/bucket. They are especially hideous on uneven/hill locations. The other aspect of mini-excavators is that they may not match the bucket breakout that you need for the rock/ stump removal but they can be terrific in digging especially next to buildings. Depending on the frequency you need the backhoe it may make sense to rent the excavator when you need to..also mentioned by a previous poster. I can tell you that my backhoe has come in handy to remove rocks, to gain access, as I clear brush and remove trees from the woods. I have also found that it gives me advantages in moving fallen trees in muddy areas as it does not slip like my tires do when pushing with front bucket or grappler. If you do decide to go the backhoe route I might suggest a small used cab TLB with lights which could keep you toasty warm in the winter and allow you to push the working day envelope.

 

[Nuru]

If the purchase needs to be justified by how much each project would cost without, it may or may not be right for you. If the cost to purchase is something that you can absorb and you value the convenience of having it ready whenever you are and you also value not having the pressure of it needing to be returned by a set time, seriously think about it. I don't regret my purchase, despite not being able to use it as much as I would like. If I run out of time on a project or can't start when I would like, its OK, I own the hoe and can get to it later .

I totally agree, I used to try to justify the attachment purchases with mty wife and even though I got my way, She would get her's later :C So now I present it as I can afford it and wait until i have the funds to absorb it without any finacial issues.

 

[jcotta]

The backhoe is a great tool. I live in southern New England lots on glacial rocks. I bought a used JD 4600 with 48 backhoe in February. The machine came with a tiller, york rake and rotary cutter. I have put 90 hours on the machine and have not taken the backhoe off yet. Time spent is about 50/50 fel work and backhoe work. Even when you do not use backhoe it makes a great counter weight. Someday I try and and remove, it's pretty easy from what I hear.

John