Mini X vs. Skid Steer vs. Tractor backhoe

[halfBaked2024]

Totally new to this world, but I’m trying to take in a lot of scattered information and figure out what will work best and what to buy vs. rent. I am hearing a lot of guys on here say, forget the backhoe attachment and get a mini X. What is the threshold for that decision?

My environment is the southern Ozarks. Lots of wooded rocky shale, hills, compound slopes… 4WD/track equipment is a must. Total of 4 acres, 1.1 of which is usable land. You get off the driveway and quickly find you need hiking boots for critters and rocky ground.

Yes, it’s completely miserable and no, you would not want to live here.

Needs:

(1) I have trees and stumps to clear around the 4 acres, mostly 12” - 30” trunks. Over the last 8 years, I’ve probably cut 150 trees, leaving stump after stump behind. I figure I have about that many trees more to go to get to view that I want. Basically, I’d like equipment to help me remove the majority of those stumps for trails and a clearer view.

(2) Dig trenches for retaining walls. Walls will be in the 6’ height range… total length around the yard I expect to be about 250’.

(3) Grading and leveling places for shop and lawn/recreation spots.

I’m trying to minimize machine maintenance and am trying to figure out the rent vs. buy decision points. I was originally thinking the versatility of a tractor would be perfect, but there seems to be limitations on backhoe uses.

Do I buy a tractor and rent a mini x or skid steer? Or, what combination do I go for? If I get a tractor, do I look in the 35hp range to have some hope of stump pulling versus the plethora of 25’s out there?

 

[MattB4]

I would suggest hiring out the stump removal to someone with a at least a mid size excavator (20-30K). If you had left the trees you may have had a chance with a smaller excavator by digging roots and pushing the tree down. Tractor mounted backhoes are pretty much useless for large stump removal. However a full size backhoe could be an idea if you find a good used one.

Much of the other work would seem to favor a dozer with the exception of the retaining walls that you could get the excavating contractor to do while removing the stumps. Tractors would be good if you have fields to take care of and if it has a FEL it will be handy for moving things about. They are not really suitable for land clearing tasks.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I went a bigger route and hired a guy. Was cheaper and faster than me renting and/or buying..

 

[IndyIan]

I don't think anything sized for 4 acres is going to be happy with big stumps unless you get a pto stump grinder?
In my woods trails I just cut the stumps flush to the ground and drive over them... sometimes they "come up" so I cut them again. I have a saw I don't like for this, and bars and chains are pretty cheap really.
What's your budget? How fast is $30k excavator? Maybe to slow for even 4 acres? Would be nice for a lot of jobs though.
I have 100 acres and need to drive on the road some, so a tractor is the swiss army knife machine for me.

 

[GPStrackershop]

Totally new to this world, but I’m trying to take in a lot of scattered information and figure out what will work best and what to buy vs. rent. I am hearing a lot of guys on here say, forget the backhoe attachment and get a mini X. What is the threshold for that decision?

My environment is the southern Ozarks. Lots of wooded rocky shale, hills, compound slopes… 4WD/track equipment is a must. Total of 4 acres, 1.1 of which is usable land. You get off the driveway and quickly find you need hiking boots for critters and rocky ground.

Yes, it’s completely miserable and no, you would not want to live here.

Needs:

(1) I have trees and stumps to clear around the 4 acres, mostly 12” - 30” trunks. Over the last 8 years, I’ve probably cut 150 trees, leaving stump after stump behind. I figure I have about that many trees more to go to get to view that I want. Basically, I’d like equipment to help me remove the majority of those stumps for trails and a clearer view.

(2) Dig trenches for retaining walls. Walls will be in the 6’ height range… total length around the yard I expect to be about 250’.

(3) Grading and leveling places for shop and lawn/recreation spots.

I’m trying to minimize machine maintenance and am trying to figure out the rent vs. buy decision points. I was originally thinking the versatility of a tractor would be perfect, but there seems to be limitations on backhoe uses.

Do I buy a tractor and rent a mini x or skid steer? Or, what combination do I go for? If I get a tractor, do I look in the 35hp range to have some hope of stump pulling versus the plethora of 25’s out there?

 

[GPStrackershop]

You’ve got a big project ahead! With the rugged terrain in the Southern Ozarks and all those stumps, I can see why you’re looking for the right equipment. Here’s my two cents:

For clearing 12" to 30" stumps, especially in rocky, uneven ground, a mini excavator (mini X) is your best bet. It’s got the digging power and precision that a tractor’s backhoe just can’t match. Mini Xs are built for pulling stumps, digging trenches, and handling tough spots. For those 6-foot retaining walls and the trenches you need, a mini X will get the job done quicker and easier than a tractor backhoe.

When it comes to grading and leveling, especially if you’re prepping spots for a shop or lawn, a skid steer shines. It’s versatile and great for maneuvering in tight spaces or on tricky slopes. However, a good tractor with a front-end loader can also help with lighter grading and moving material around your property.

If you’re thinking about whether to rent or buy, it boils down to how often you’ll use each machine. For the amount of stump removal and trenching you’ve got planned, buying a mini X might save you money in the long run. Renting one every time you need it can get pricey fast. A 35hp tractor could be a good buy too for general property work, but don’t expect it to yank out big stumps like a mini X can. A skid steer might be something you rent occasionally, especially if grading isn’t a constant need.

I’ve been there—it’s all about getting what fits your needs best. Start with the essentials, and you can always adjust as you go. Good luck out there!

 

[Snobdds]

Anything less than a 12 ton mini ex will struggle with stumps. You need a pretty big excavator to pull out stumps efficiently.

A full size backhoe will probably work, albeit slowly.

I would hire out the stumps or get someone to grind them. Grinding them is the best option because then, you don't have to fill all the holes.

Land clearing takes big equipment, if you want to get it done in the next 10 years. Once that is done, a compact tractor with a backhoe can probably do all your needs on road maitenance and misc. digging projects.

 

[halfBaked2024]

Guys, thanks for all the input and wisdom…truly appreciated!

 

[halfBaked2024]

I went a bigger route and hired a guy. Was cheaper and faster than me renting and/or buying..

Good call! I did this on one section where I needed to get a circular driveway put in quickly. I have always said, ‘there is no substitution for the right tool or chemical’ and also need to keep services to just get things done quickly in mind. I watched a guy who spoke very little English work a big excavator, bull dozer and skid steer remove a dozen larger tree trunks and put in 6” lifts to raise a low section in that driveway 5 feet. It was impressive and he had it done in a day and a half. Even with the right equipment, it would have easily taken me two weeks and a lot of frustration.

 

[halfBaked2024]

I don't think anything sized for 4 acres is going to be happy with big stumps unless you get a pto stump grinder?
In my woods trails I just cut the stumps flush to the ground and drive over them... sometimes they "come up" so I cut them again. I have a saw I don't like for this, and bars and chains are pretty cheap really.
What's your budget? How fast is $30k excavator? Maybe to slow for even 4 acres? Would be nice for a lot of jobs though.
I have 100 acres and need to drive on the road some, so a tractor is the swiss army knife machine for me.

Great rationale here. I am trying to keep equipment below $40K. I’m tempted to jump in and get a $22K Solis H24 with an backhoe and see how it does. I have 1/100 of what you have in terms of area, but what I do have seems challenging across all fronts. The stump grinder is a great idea - do you have an idea what the PTO horsepower requirements of a stump grinder are?

 

[halfBaked2024]

You’ve got a big project ahead! With the rugged terrain in the Southern Ozarks and all those stumps, I can see why you’re looking for the right equipment. Here’s my two cents:

For clearing 12" to 30" stumps, especially in rocky, uneven ground, a mini excavator (mini X) is your best bet. It’s got the digging power and precision that a tractor’s backhoe just can’t match. Mini Xs are built for pulling stumps, digging trenches, and handling tough spots. For those 6-foot retaining walls and the trenches you need, a mini X will get the job done quicker and easier than a tractor backhoe.

When it comes to grading and leveling, especially if you’re prepping spots for a shop or lawn, a skid steer shines. It’s versatile and great for maneuvering in tight spaces or on tricky slopes. However, a good tractor with a front-end loader can also help with lighter grading and moving material around your property.

If you’re thinking about whether to rent or buy, it boils down to how often you’ll use each machine. For the amount of stump removal and trenching you’ve got planned, buying a mini X might save you money in the long run. Renting one every time you need it can get pricey fast. A 35hp tractor could be a good buy too for general property work, but don’t expect it to yank out big stumps like a mini X can. A skid steer might be something you rent occasionally, especially if grading isn’t a constant need.

I’ve been there—it’s all about getting what fits your needs best. Start with the essentials, and you can always adjust as you go. Good luck out there!

This has me thinking a smaller compact in the 25HP range and a mini X might be the answer if I can make my $40K budget work.

 

[halfBaked2024]

I would suggest hiring out the stump removal to someone with a at least a mid size excavator (20-30K). If you had left the trees you may have had a chance with a smaller excavator by digging roots and pushing the tree down. Tractor mounted backhoes are pretty much useless for large stump removal. However a full size backhoe could be an idea if you find a good used one.

Much of the other work would seem to favor a dozer with the exception of the retaining walls that you could get the excavating contractor to do while removing the stumps. Tractors would be good if you have fields to take care of and if it has a FEL it will be handy for moving things about. They are not really suitable for land clearing tasks.

I did learn to start leaving the trunks I wanted removed about 5 feet tall to facilitate leverage by a hoe with block and tackle. As with everything, my problem is the hoe.

Really astute observation about a tractor’s lack of suitability for land clearing. Lots to think about here and over-analyze with my small, city-oriented brain.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Good call! I did this on one section where I needed to get a circular driveway put in quickly. I have always said, ‘there is no substitution for the right tool or chemical’ and also need to keep services to just get things done quickly in mind. I watched a guy who spoke very little English work a big excavator, bull dozer and skid steer remove a dozen larger tree trunks and put in 6” lifts to raise a low section in that driveway 5 feet. It was impressive and he had it done in a day and a half. Even with the right equipment, it would have easily taken me two weeks and a lot of frustration.

I was figuring renting would have cost me close to $5k for 2 weekends after delivery from the closest place 30miles away, and fuel for a 20k lbs excavator and dozer. I paid this guy $3k plus tip and took less than 2 days. And he sawed the trees to more manageable sizes (removing stumps and tops) helped move some bigger stuff around the property for me, and some other stuff that was easier to do with a large machine. Couldn't pass it up.

 

[halfBaked2024]

Anything less than a 12 ton mini ex will struggle with stumps. You need a pretty big excavator to pull out stumps efficiently.

A full size backhoe will probably work, albeit slowly.

I would hire out the stumps or get someone to grind them. Grinding them is the best option because then, you don't have to fill all the holes.

Land clearing takes big equipment, if you want to get it done in the next 10 years. Once that is done, a compact tractor with a backhoe can probably do all your needs on road maitenance and misc. digging projects.

I think this is where I’m headed. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Torvy]

You don't need to buy a mini X for the work you have. Only the retaining wall work is really suited to that job.

You'd be better off with a tractor big enough to drive the stump grinder.

As other have said, the other option is really a full sized ex and better to hire it done.

 

[Torvy]

Woodland Mills has a stump grinder that can use 15-45 PTO HP.

 

[halfBaked2024]

I was figuring renting would have cost me close to $5k for 2 weekends after delivery from the closest place 30miles away, and fuel for a 20k lbs excavator and dozer. I paid this guy $3k plus tip and took less than 2 days. And he sawed the trees to more manageable sizes (removing stumps and tops) helped move some bigger stuff around the property for me, and some other stuff that was easier to do with a large machine. Couldn't pass it up.

You got an amazing price for all that! I’m just glad in hindsight that I decided to check my ego and pick up the phone for that part of my property.

 

[halfBaked2024]

You don't need to buy a mini X for the work you have. Only the retaining wall work is really suited to that job.

You'd be better off with a tractor big enough to drive the stump grinder.

As other have said, the other option is really a full sized ex and better to hire it done.

This has me rethinking the 35-ish HP tractor versus the 25HP. A matter of $6K difference for a used 3301 Kubota versus the new H24 Solis.

 

[Torvy]

I'm generally anti-Kubota as they (and JD) are over-priced. In your case, I'd get the Kubota over the Solis.

 

[halfBaked2024]

I'm generally anti-Kubota as they (and JD) are over-priced. In your case, I'd get the Kubota over the Solis.

That Solis H24 appears to be the Tonya Harding of tractors: small, but a beast! I’ve also been looking at used Bransons. I have the impression that Kubota makes a more solid machine and that’s what you’re ‘overpaying’ for.