Buying Advice End Loader, Backhoe, or ???

[LibraryMark]

Folks -

I am trying to decide what type of machine to get, I've got about $5K to spend. We own 17 acres of mostly woods, and I would like to clear a little more of it. I also need a machine that can lift heavy objects (old milling machines, lathes, boulders, etc.) from time to time. One that can move snow and dirt pull small stumps. As I work by myself, I need something that I can get in and out of when the bucket is in the air. That rules out a skidsteer.

I have an old Michigan 175 loader - it's strong as heck, but the tires do not hold air longer than a day, The Detroit 4-71 in it is really tired, and it's so heavy (24K Lbs), it leaves awful ruts in the yard and takes an acre to turn around with. Even with all that, it was really handy. Currently it's yard art because one tire has a gash in the sidewall. Before the 175 I had a Case W5 and that was handy and a good size but not being 4WD made it useless in some situations.

I figure my choices are another (smaller) end loader like maybe a Case W7 or similar, or a backhoe or a tractor with a loader.

What's the best choice given my meagre budget? Anyone know of something near SW Michigan?

Thanks -

Mark in SW MI.

 

[Streetcar]

Replace tire on existing equipment, 5 grand is not much of a budget for heavy lifting

 

[jeff9366]

Payloaders, Skid Steers and Fork Lifts have rear engines which serve as counterbalance to Loader lifts.
Tractors have front engines. Tractors are primarily designed to PULL, not LIFT.

In order to lift 2,500 pounds SAFELY with a Tractor/Loader you need around 1,700 pounds rear tire and Three Point Hitch counterbalance to keep the rear wheels on the ground. With large rear wheels and small front wheels tractors are unstable relative to Payloaders, Skid Steers and Fork Lifts.

Most use a tractor Three Point Hitch implement as counterbalance. This can make for a very long tractor unit, decreasing maneuverability.

Tractors older than 15 years have less FEL lift capacity than new tractors of similar weight.

 

[4570Man]

You’d be lucky to get something that even runs for 5k. If you do it’ll be a worn out money pit. Either save more money or fix your loader to do the heavy lifting.

 

[Scrambler82]

Keep checking used equipment, Crags List... etc.

I found the my Tractor on Craigs List, after about three months of looking, it isn't what you need, but it works for me.

I wanted a Mahindra for what they claim is their lifting capacity for the FEL... (another story), I checked out Craigs List everyday and found a used, 2 years old Mahindra, Max28, with the FEL lift I want, very low hours, bought it from the next state up and they delivered it for a very reasonable cost.
It works well, and does what is needed, so I win, but it cost in the $15K range and came with a FEL, BH, and Box Blade, so something bigger, to do logging with... it will require a larger budget as above stated.

Maybe it is better to do just put tires on the old Michigan, and work her until you can raise the budget or find a used tractor with the capacity you want.

Good Luck on your search, post what you find !

 

[LibraryMark]

Keep checking used equipment, Crags List... etc.

Maybe it is better to do just put tires on the old Michigan, and work her until you can raise the budget or find a used tractor with the capacity you want.

Good Luck on your search, post what you find !

I knew the first words out of everyone would be "That's not enough money". Here's the thing - I bought my case for $1600 and used it for many years. The Michigan was $2K and I used that one for at least 8 years. For me, $5K is a real step up. If I put any money into the Michigan it will only be enough to get it out of my yard. Would I like to spend more? Sure. As I am retired, it's not likely I will be saving up to any serious extent.

 

[4570Man]

And they’re broke down and not useable. Point proved.

 

[crashz]

I'd keep your old loader running and get some used tires for it. Nothing will beat is lifting power. It will do most of the things you need and you can add a machine from there.

 

[LibraryMark]

And theyæ±*e broke down and not useable. Point proved.

The Case worked fine, I sold it to buy the Michigan. If it wasn't too big, I would have fixed the tires by now. Point dismissed.

I can't justify $15K for a tractor.

Honestly, folks - I just joined this forum today to ask for some help and ideas. Would I be better with a backhoe? Or a smaller end loader? Or what?

If all you can come up with is, "you can't get there from here" then don't answer. I have done just fine on the cheap for a long time. I can fix things that are broken when I need to.

 

[4570Man]

I see a lot more full size TLBs around vs small loaders but all the old ones are still 2wd.

 

[Scrambler82]

Sorry to point out the budget thing... didn't have details so took the easy route.

Out of the two machines you have, one must work better for the work you are doing, that should give you a hint as to which type of machine to buy.

The Front End loaded will have more lifting and towing/skidding capacity than Backhoe unless the backhoe is BIG !
The Backhoe does give you a "BackHoe" and a smaller front end loader but not the lifting power, make sure to check out the actual capacity of the FEL before buying. With a Backhoe you will be able to dig the stumps and roots out !

My thought, from a novice... buy the larger Font End Loader like the Michigan, it will do your lifting if you can get it in the location you need and it will do the Skid Work when removing logs. Later buy a smaller Backhoe, that can do the digging for the stumps.

As you have done in the past, keep checking the web and keep checking the Auctions; this is all stuff that you know, you have been there before and you should come out ok.
I have thought of getting a larger Tractor, TLB style, and have thought on going used but I am lost at all of the BS out there.

Good Luck on your decision and purchase.

p.s. If this sounds like I am placating you, I'm not, I am speaking from logic not actual use.

 

[4570Man]

A John Deere 710 or an old dynahoe would offer similar brunt ( edit that’s assuming his loader is actually 24,000 pounds. The specs I’m seeing are nearly 60,000 pounds ) as his current loader but I don’t think he wants that big. An old regular sized backhoe still has a way stronger loader than most tractors especially the 70-80s era 2wd tractors.

 

[rScotty]

I knew the first words out of everyone would be "That's not enough money". Here's the thing - I bought my case for $1600 and used it for many years. The Michigan was $2K and I used that one for at least 8 years. For me, $5K is a real step up. If I put any money into the Michigan it will only be enough to get it out of my yard. Would I like to spend more? Sure. As I am retired, it's not likely I will be saving up to any serious extent.

That's pretty much what I did. Just bought old machinery that wasn't quite what I wanted, but it did do some useful work and taught me a lot.
The trick is findiing someone who basically likes their old machines and kept them up at least a little bit.
But I doubt you will find anything in the suburban compact tractor market that fits your needs for anything less than twice that price. And you will be lucky to find it for that.
I think in your budget you are looking at older ag or commercial machines.

That kind of money will buy a nice 30+ year old 50 hp ag tractor with a wide front and power steering....Worn but not worn out and still usable. Or something like an old manual shift early 310 TLB. Those old machines were made to last forever. As you have noticed from your posting, a lot of them get replaced not because they are broken down but because the new tractors are certainly more comfortable and convenient. But the older ones still work. And if you look around I bet you can find one of those old style long & narrow ag front loaders. Lots were made. The long narrow loaders aren't much good in the way of dirt work or construction, they were made for cleaning corrals, pens, and runs... and such.
Mine is like that: real long loader arms and a bucket that is only 3 ft wide. But it sure doesn't have any problem lifting a few thousand pounds and just moving it somewhere. In fact, It doesn't much notice.
rScotty

 

[crashz]

Well I mentioned keeping the loader as I feel that you'd be highly disappointed in the capability of a small, older compact tractor with loader and backhoe in your price range. Your usage indicates that you need heavy lifting power and dirt and snow moving capability. And you have a good sized old loader.

However you can do a lot with an older 2wd backhoe. And for popping stumps and such, I'd say that's your best bet. And $5K may get you into an older Case 580. When you get down to a smaller machine, the lifting power of a small loader and an older TLB will be about the same.

 

[finn1]

You can often find older TLBs on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for $5k or less, but they will be 2wd, and will need work.

Often they are listed as 途an when parked two years ago? so caveat emptor.

Useable 4wd units run $15-38 k and up, depending on condition and operating hours, at least in my search over the past couple of years.

 

[Junguda]

Hmmmm... seems like the OP was asking a rhetorical question... asked more for impact.... than information...

 

[ovrszd]

The Case worked fine, I sold it to buy the Michigan. If it wasn't too big, I would have fixed the tires by now. Point dismissed.

I can't justify $15K for a tractor.

Honestly, folks - I just joined this forum today to ask for some help and ideas. Would I be better with a backhoe? Or a smaller end loader? Or what?

If all you can come up with is, "you can't get there from here" then don't answer. I have done just fine on the cheap for a long time. I can fix things that are broken when I need to.

You would be better with a 4wd TLB extendahoe in the 15K lb, 60HP range. I think that would fit your needs pretty well.

 

[ovrszd]

In the construction world there's a saying "Good, Quick, Cheap, pick two". I think that actually applies here as well!!!!

 

[4570Man]

In the construction world there's a saying "Good, Quick, Cheap, pick two". I think that actually applies here as well!!!!

No I think you only get one here.

 

[LibraryMark]

Hmmmm... seems like the OP was asking a rhetorical question... asked more for impact.... than information...

My mistake was mentioning my budget. I truly did want to know what people thought was the most useful machine for what I laid out I would be using it for. Little did I know this forum was filled with people far more affluent than I am.