Would you think I was crazy if...

TSO · May 4, 2015

I agree on used...

Otherwise, I'd say go for it, if you can afford it. Life is short.

turbo36 · May 4, 2015

Go for it, you will be very happy with what you can get done with a mini-ex. You may want to look at the next size (KX 91) as the 71 will seem small after you use it for a while. Here is my Bobcat E32 ( wish I got the E42).

Redneck in training · May 5, 2015

KiwiBro said:
Dozer with a 6-way

That would be my advice too.

4570Man · May 5, 2015

I would rather have a full size backhoe, but I wouldn't call anybody crazy for buying any piece of equipment.

TomSeller · May 5, 2015

Excavators are the ticket for very serious digging. Otherwise a backhoe makes more sense. If you have serious digging, get an ex.

HCJtractor · May 5, 2015

As far as trail building, please compare and contrast the excavator vs. the dozer, vs. the backhoe. I've seen the dozer work, making trails, clearing and grading. From what I've seen, it's effective but brutal, and leaves somewhat of a mess. I've used a mini excavator to did stumps ii

HCJtractor · May 5, 2015

As far as trail building, please compare and contrast the excavator vs. the dozer, vs. the backhoe. I've seen the dozer work, making trails, clearing and grading. From what I've seen, it's effective but brutal, and leaves somewhat of a mess. I've used a mini excavator clear stumps and it works well for that. Never used a backhoe. So I'm asking. As far as trail building, specifically, how does each compare. I guess you could also throw in a skid steer. I wish I had one of each! Will the excavator work to build trails as the author desires?

Gary Fowler · May 5, 2015

I suppose an excavator would be a nice addition to a TLB, but for me, a Dozer with a 6 way blade would be the better choice for trail building. I think it would be much faster and make better trails also. For the price of the little mini-excavator, you should be able to get a pretty nice used dozer with good undercarriage.

Grandad4 · May 5, 2015

Gary Fowler said:
I suppose an excavator would be a nice addition to a TLB, but for me, a Dozer with a 6 way blade would be the better choice for trail building. I think it would be much faster and make better trails also. For the price of the little mini-excavator, you should be able to get a pretty nice used dozer with good undercarriage.

+1 I've watched dozers clear a trail on hillsides, getting more done in a day than another machine would do in weeks. The dozer doesn't leave things looking all nice and pretty of course and there would be plenty for a smaller machine to clean up. Using a mini-ex for the whole job would work given enough diesel fuel and seat time. And if the seat time is a plus factor in the decision, why not?

mjcountrybumpkin · May 5, 2015

Kubota has an option. Although I'm not sure on which machine to get a six way blade on a mini ex. That would be the trick.
I think a dozer is awesome. (Run them alottttttttt ) but he is building trails , not main roads. Excavator is the most universal ( with six way blade[and hydraulic thumb] ) you can get for trail building.