BH77 backhoe vs KX008 Tiny-Mini Excavator

[Geotech]

How would these compare in ability to just dig a hole? Not a trench or moving around doing myriad work tasks...Just a single hole.

 

[Jchonline]

I dont think you want to do a comparison this way, because both are big investments. If you are digging a single hole, just rent something to do it. It is definitely the cheapest route.

There are so many considerations for BH on a compact tractor vs a Mini-Ex I am hesitant to answer.
The use cases for these are so different it really is a poor choice of machines for comparison.

Perhaps you are just looking at price?

How deep is your hole? If over 5ft 8” you wont be using the KX008.

It would be better to list out what you are trying to accomplish ie your tasks and then have a discussion around equipment. Most notably, the KX008 is a second machine which brings extra maintenance considerations.

 

[Ortimber]

I've had both, and the KX008 would be better at everything in regards to digging. Not sure how big the hole this, but if you need to re position either machine, you'll get tired of getting on and off the tractor mounted backhoe. At least I used to. They just don't have much reach.

 

[Geotech]

Just digging a hole. It is really that simple. If you must know what the hole is for, it would be for performing perc tests for septic system design (not install). Financial analysis can come later. I understand they are separate machines, towable by different types of trucks, cost different, etc. What I am not seeing is a direct comparison in specs other than depth and reach. Seems the excavator is spec'd in terms of lift and the backhoe is spec'd in terms of digging force. Really, just want to know how they would compare digging a single pit.

 

[Oldoak]

To answer your question directly, Geotech, without going into different scenarios which you specifically didn't ask for, the KX008 excavator would be the better of the two.

 

[Geotech]

To answer your question directly, Geotech, without going into different scenarios which you specifically didn't ask for, the KX008 excavator would be the better of the two.

Interesting. I must say, that is surprising. I was guessing the backhoe would do better considering it has twice as much azz behind it (TLB weighing about 4,500 lbs and the excavator weighing closer to 2,000 lbs). I don't know how the hydraulics compare though. Well, that's why I asked!

 

[Tomtint]

I have a BH77... bad it beats the shovel every time. Also have a KX121... if I'm digging a hole.. I grab the mini unless I'm on the tractor driving by something that needs to be done.. and it's small enough that the BH can do it easily

 

[jhon420]

good one

 

[Ortimber]

Interesting. I must say, that is surprising. I was guessing the backhoe would do better considering it has twice as much azz behind it (TLB weighing about 4,500 lbs and the excavator weighing closer to 2,000 lbs). I don't know how the hydraulics compare though. Well, that's why I asked!

Remember, the KX is designed to be highly efficient at digging. That is it’s sole purpose. Granted, it can do other things but it is first and foremost a digging machine.

 

[4570Man]

Why compare such a tiny mini? Without looking up specs I think the backhoe will beat it most of the time. Especially if you have cruise control on the tractor. Change the mini to something in the 5-7k pound class and it’s landslide victory.

 

[Ortimber]

Why compare such a tiny mini? Without looking up specs I think the backhoe will beat it most of the time. Especially if you have cruise control on the tractor. Change the mini to something in the 5-7k pound class and it’s landslide victory.

I’ve owned both, I’ll take the little KX for speed and ease of use.

 

[Jchonline]

Interesting. I must say, that is surprising. I was guessing the backhoe would do better considering it has twice as much azz behind it (TLB weighing about 4,500 lbs and the excavator weighing closer to 2,000 lbs). I don't know how the hydraulics compare though. Well, that's why I asked!

Soil perc test is typically 1 ft x 3 ft, but could vary. For this, the KX008 would probably do it quicker. However, depending on what else you want to do with it, the answer can vary (as I mentioned above).

Specs on BH77
Specs on KX008


As you can see the BH77 has almost 2 ft more reach and 50% more breakout bucket force.

For a job within the limits of the KX008, it is always going to perform better.

Digging rocks? BH. Digging a stump? BH. Need to get to a spot 500 yards away? BH (excavator travels at about 2 mph). The KX008 weights 2200 lbs, and even if the arm can grab something it wont take much to tilt or move the machine.

This isn’t a straight forward comparison. However for that soil perc hole if you are willing to shell out $15-20k then the KX008 is your machine.

 

[Geotech]

Why compare such a tiny mini? Without looking up specs I think the backhoe will beat it most of the time. Especially if you have cruise control on the tractor. Change the mini to something in the 5-7k pound class and it痴 landslide victory.

Well, why not?

I would expect a mini excavator that weighs the same or more than the TLB would be better at excavation.

I've read ad infinitum that "mini excavators" are better diggers than backhoes. I was curious if that meant ALL mini excavators or just most common mini excavators. If I were to do perc tests for some side money, I'd consider the KX008, but I would not spend any more money than that. More cost than that and I'd be better off just not doing the side work. A backhoe for the tractor I already own is less than half the cost of the KX008 and if it digs just as well...if not a little better...than its a no-brainer to go with the backhoe. Frankly, the work could be done with a shovel, but that ain't gonna happen, lol!

 

[Geotech]

Soil perc test is typically 1 ft x 3 ft, but could vary. For this, the KX008 would probably do it quicker. However, depending on what else you want to do with it, the answer can vary (as I mentioned above).

Specs on BH77
Specs on KX008


As you can see the BH77 has almost 2 ft more reach and 50% more breakout bucket force.

For a job within the limits of the KX008, it is always going to perform better.

Digging rocks? BH. Digging a stump? BH. Need to get to a spot 500 yards away? BH (excavator travels at about 2 mph). The KX008 weights 2200 lbs, and even if the arm can grab something it wont take much to tilt or move the machine.

This isn’t a straight forward comparison. However for that soil perc hole if you are willing to shell out $15-20k then the KX008 is your machine.

Thanks JCH. I guess it looks like the BH77 would be the obvious pick for me. As much quicker as the KX008 could dig a 3 to 5 ft foot hole, it would only be a tiny fraction of the overall time to transport, unload, re-load, etc. The KX008 would be easier on my Tundra for hauling, but I may end up with a super duty sooner than later, anyways. I'd rather not own the second engine if I can avoid it. Heck, I'm just bouncing ideas around. Probably not high odds that I'll do perc tests and septic designs, but I'm always finding productive ways to obligate my time outside of work. Now that I am about to finish up my second master's degree, I don't think academia will continue to be the constructive thing I do.

 

[fried1765]

I've had both, and the KX008 would be better at everything in regards to digging. Not sure how big the hole this, but if you need to re position either machine, you'll get tired of getting on and off the tractor mounted backhoe. At least I used to. They just don't have much reach.

Many TLB's have an 18 foot reach.

 

[Jchonline]

Thanks JCH. I guess it looks like the BH77 would be the obvious pick for me. As much quicker as the KX008 could dig a 3 to 5 ft foot hole, it would only be a tiny fraction of the overall time to transport, unload, re-load, etc. The KX008 would be easier on my Tundra for hauling, but I may end up with a super duty sooner than later, anyways. I'd rather not own the second engine if I can avoid it. Heck, I'm just bouncing ideas around. Probably not high odds that I'll do perc tests and septic designs, but I'm always finding productive ways to obligate my time outside of work. Now that I am about to finish up my second master's degree, I don't think academia will continue to be the constructive thing I do.

I hear ya! I spent hours and hours researching a KX040 or a TLB, so I know how you feel. I think if you were willing to move up into a heavier excavator you would get a lot more out of it (as others mentioned above, 3-5 tons is the sweet spot). However at 1 ton it just wont have the utility you are probably looking for. Excavators are also awesome at forestry and trail clearing, so there are still lots of great uses on some acreage. Especially as you already have a tractor, the excavator is a logical 2nd machine choice for a number of folks on the forums. Maybe even a nice used one in the 3 ton range would be of great benefit. I just dont see a 1 ton machine being better than a BH77 overall.

 

[Jchonline]

Many TLB's have an 18 foot reach.

Yes and even the KX008 is 5 ft 8 in and the BH77 is 7 ft 7 in...so even this BH has the KX008 beat.

 

[Jchonline]

Well, why not?

I would expect a mini excavator that weighs the same or more than the TLB would be better at excavation.

I've read ad infinitum that "mini excavators" are better diggers than backhoes. I was curious if that meant ALL mini excavators or just most common mini excavators. If I were to do perc tests for some side money, I'd consider the KX008, but I would not spend any more money than that. More cost than that and I'd be better off just not doing the side work. A backhoe for the tractor I already own is less than half the cost of the KX008 and if it digs just as well...if not a little better...than its a no-brainer to go with the backhoe. Frankly, the work could be done with a shovel, but that ain't gonna happen, lol!

I think everyone agrees with that statement. A 5 ton excavator is going to dig better than a 5 ton TLB. You will get more digging force, likely more reach, and have a much easier time maneuvering. That said, you compared a 2200lb mini-ex to a BH77 (which weight 850lbs by itself) on a tractor. On your tractor that would be closer to 4200 lbs with FEL and bucket. These are not a fair comparison.

Thats the problem...it just isnt a no brainer. What if you were doing a lot of digging in really tight places (lines up close to homes, maybe even INSIDE homes for demolition in some cases). The KX008 would be awesome.

Now I understand this was for a side job. Well then I might have a different answer. Perhaps you start out doing perc tests, but maybe expand to digging lines in tight places around homes or in backyards. Then the KX008 starts to look better. You cant get a L2501 through a gate! This is why it is so important to provide the context up front.

 

[4570Man]

I used to have a L3240 and BH-90. Of course there’s a few jobs I couldn’t fit that the mini would but I’d bet money on beating it most of the time. I’ve got twice as long a boom and more brute force. My machine got moved a lot and I almost always used the FEL and backhoe so moving 2 machines wasn’t a winning proposition.

 

[Geotech]

Why compare such a tiny mini? Without looking up specs I think the backhoe will beat it most of the time. Especially if you have cruise control on the tractor. Change the mini to something in the 5-7k pound class and it痴 landslide victory.

How do you use cruise control work with the backhoe?