Do it yourself?

[LBrown59]

*****Now, she thinks we don't need an airplane.

*****Don't let her think you don't need anything else or you will be up to your ears in stuff .

 

[2COR517]

I second the mini excavator. I did my own power line with a Kubota KX 121-3 (I think) a few years ago. About 300 feet, and it was very easy digging in fresh sandy fill. Only two feet deep. Still took better part of a day. 650 feet 4+ feet deep with a small hoe is a lot of moving and setting up. Of course, you should still get the hoe for other stuff...........

 

[kmdigital]

You don't need to be 4.5' deep in the yard or untraveled areas. I'm in northern Indiana, and it will never freeze that deep unless the ground is severly compacted. However, if you go under a driveway or anywhere the soil is compacted, 4.5' may not be deep enough.

I've dug up yards in the dead of winter, and under a few inches of snow, the dirt won't be frozen more then about 12" deep, but I have seen it freeze 4' under driveways in extended cold snaps. Personally, I would go about 4' deep, and you will be fine. And if you decide to go that extra 6", trust me, that is one heck of a lot of digging for a lousy 6", especially over 650' of distance. The first 3-1/2 to 4' of digging is the easy part, and once you get beyond that, it is a lot of dirt moving and much, much more work. Plus it's a lot harder to climb in and out of the trench!

As for pipe, personally I wouldn't use PVC pipe. I've seen too many problems over time, especially if the pressure exceeds ~ 60 PSI. It doesn't like the continuous stress of these pressures, and eventually something fails. Now if you want to use Sch 80, you will be fine, but that is $$$$. I would only use either Polyethelene with the highest available pressure rating, typically 160 PSI, or better, PEX pipe. PEX is the best, but could get pricey for that distance, and isn't really required for cold water.

 

[john_bud]

If you need to pay $1500-2000 for labor to get it done professionally, that could be used to help offset the purchase price of the hoe.

ALWAYS buy the tool if you can afford it. If you can't afford it, save up.

You will be moving that tractor about 300 times during the project as the flat bottom is not very large on a BX machine. It would be easier on a larger machine, but hey, you use what ya got.

jb

 

[mbohuntr]

I rented a 'bota with a hoe and put in 2 waterlines 4' deep, NO PROBLEM! that beastie has got plenty of power! I suggest you put a mark on the stick at 4' so you won't have to get off and measure. and bury it in sand above and below so a small stone won't ruin your day. Think of the side jobs $$$$

 

[NuBota]

I normally do the same as Keith and calculate the value of my time in project costs. But I also look at the value and reward from doing a project myself - which I don't believe has been mentioned in this thread yet.

Definitely calculate your time in terms of dollars, but also consider the seat time with a new backhoe. Even if slow, consider it BH training time. More backfill work? More FEL experience.

Furthering Keith's basement example - I am in the process of finishing my basement. Not in a rush, it has been unfinished for years. I completely STINK as a carpenter. The time I put in will far exceed what would be a reasonable cost calculation. But the experience is very important to me. I already see improvements in my ability and the pace is quickening. Plus I got a cool nail gun out of the deal. And I have learned a ton about building codes. This will all come in handy when I go to build my pole barn

Another example - I still do most of my own vehicle maintenance. Not to just save money - but to make sure it is done right. A 19.99 oil change is great till the kid "mechanic" leaves the drain plug loose. There is some value in knowing a job is done right.

-Eric

 

[LBrown59]

I have learned a ton about building codes.
-Eric

We don't have any building codes to learn about.

 

[BigD23]

We don't have any building codes to learn about.

A friend of mine had to completely gut a 2 year project of his because of not worrying about building codes...

Don

 

[Ace3]

For what its worth, my two cents. My son had to install a 350' waterline at his house. We looked into a backhoe for my B3030 (about $7000), renting an excavator, or contracting it out. After all was said and done we contracted the work out to a waterline contractor. They used an underground drilling machine to drill a hole from the road to the house. There were only 2 small holes dug, one at the road for the start and one at the house for the end. After the hole was drilled they attached the waterline to the drill and pulled the line back to the start. The great part was that there was no ditch with all of the mess and piles of dirt to clean up. They did the whole job in less than one day and it only cost $2500. Unless you just want to play with your equipment and you have a lot of time, you might want to look into this option.

 

[john_bud]

Hey hey hey hey now ACE3!

You're new here so I'll cut you some slack. We're supposed to talk him into BUYING MORE EQUIPMENT. It's not about getting the job done quickly, cheaply and with no messing up the yard. If we want that type of advice, we'll ask our wives!

jb