Another backhoe question

[kenhar]

If you have clearing and digging to do, consider a dresser/international track loader with 4 in1 bucket. The 150 or better yet 175c will do about anything you need to do within reason. 10 to15 grand for a decent one, about half of a comparable Cat machine. If you don't tear it up, you can get your money back in a couple years. Have had one for 10+ years, cleared 25 or more acres part time, will take out, pick up and carry trees that will surprise you. Bucket is too big for footings, but a root cellar, basement, "pond", you will be done before you get started good with a backhoe attachment. They are fun to operate, relieves lots of stress.

 

[DonaldP]

I appreciate such a long response! Several good points.

I was a heavy equipment operator for about 6 years, and I agree 100% with you! An excavator, tracked skid steer, or a true backhoe are all better options, no question. Closed thing I could "afford" that could do more than one task was a TLB. I priced out a Kubota L47 TLB at about $60,000 MSRP. Would be such an amazing machine to have, but that is serious $$$. Also, I am trying to Swiss Army knife things a bit. I really will need the 3 point for my brush hog and tiller in the future. Kind of a goldilocks machine, but nearly double the price without the grapple.

I was quoted $39,700 for:
- Branson 4820H
- Loader
- 72" Grapple and 3rd function
- 72" Landscape rake
- 4k Pallet forks
- Auger
- 72" Tiller
- 72" Brush hog

Very much a Swiss Army knife type set up. I'll really have to consider clearing what I can, and saving the excavator tasks up until I know I have a free weekend to rent one.

Very very good point about the footings. I didn't even think about that.

Wow... I paid 52,500 for a Kubota 3560 with backhoe and none of the other stuff.

So that's about $3000 difference minus the other goodies..

With those added back in it's about $11,000 difference. That's a lot of tractor for $49,700 (if I include the Backhoe at $10,000)

Sweet deal. Who's servicing your Branson?

Don

 

[DonaldP]

One of the first experiences I had with my backhoe on the Kubota (4 months in) was finding a 750 gallon empty oil tank buried about 2 ft under the driveway i was building. It was a surprise for sure but dug and pulled it out with NO issues. I was amazed that I could run into such a project blindly, and have the tractor/backhoe to pull it out pretty easily.

Amazing equipment.

 

[Williy]

Renting is OK for some folks however I
prefer my backhoe here at the house so
when I need it I have it. I have the YT235C
with a backhoe and I put a thumb on it The
thumb might not be as handy as a grapple
but I have hauled big loads of brush and rocks
with the backhoe thumb and I can't justify the
price of a grapple. I use my backhoe almost
every week for some project. The best part
of owning a backhoe is you don't have to drive
to town to rent one if they have one to rent also
you may have to wait in line to just fine out if
they even have one and if they don't you will
just have to wait for a loaner to come back in
and just maybe they will be nice and give you
a call when one returns! Factor in the time and
mileage just to get to the rent it shop and return
my 2 cents

willy

 

[DonaldP]

Willy, I believe you are right on. IMO, those who can or will eventually purchase some kind of equipment, it's imperative to do due diligence when building a machine (if considering new) or determining long term use (even if purchasing used).

That decision can determine how creative and functional that choice can be long term.

At 65 years old, never having use of, owning, or renting anything other than a 15 to 20 Hp Cub cadet, or having a friend use his mini ex to help me install a septic tank, everything I have done is by hand or using non-specific tools for such. I remember mounting up the 7 ft snow plow on the front of the truck in the spring if 2019 and using it to clear the wood from the beach.

It worked... at the cost of a few plastic parts on the truck that got in the way when pushing some good sized logs across the beach.

I realize now that was the day I knew I needed something more than the various tools I was repurposing to get the work done I needed.

Given that, I'm all about attempting to make the most out of any purchase. Making the choice to purchase new AND add the backhoe we're two of the most important things (other than the cab model) that would serve my needs more than I could have ever imagined.

Is it a mini ex? Nope ... it's much much more. The trade off to a full mini ex is big no doubt, but the Swiss Army knife abilities of the ag tractor (as a TLB), in my setting, provides so many capabilities that I have to pinch myself every time I climb in.

I start up that tractor and head into limitless projects with pure enthusiasm, knowing that I can start and finish projects, that as of yet, I can't even begin to put limits on.

I wonder each day why I didn't do this 5, 10, or 20 years ago. All I can say is I'm so glad I finally saw the light and made the investment later in life that could provide so much independence to managing my properties.

Don't wait... be happy!

Don and Carol
it's a Mad Mad Homestead -YouTube

 

[ning]

I also have not read entire thread
Hi there is one thing you may want to check on. I have a back blade for sale. and a guy with a Branson called and because he had a backhoe subframe on he was limited on the with of the 3 point arms to the point where a standard back blade would not work. I am a plus one on owning a BH there is a considerable amount of work like stumps and brush that can be done a little at time as well. I think I have about as much time on the BH as on the loader bucket.

Branson's subframe mount is part of the backhoe. Can't have 3pt things attached at the same time (obviously). Take off the backhoe and there's nothing to interfere at all.

Don't know what "the guy" is talking about, and I doubt he does either.

 

[nknelsen]

I know the "backhoe or not" subject has been discussed many times here. I have read many of the threads. Love all the knowledge here. I seem to read either:
-Everyone is crazy, mine is great
-Waste of money overall

My question is... if I don't expect the BH to be a mini-ex, and I do my projects SLOWLY and CAREFULLY, couldn't I get a lot done?? Manage expectations, but still:
-Dig trenches for power/water lines
-SLOWLY dig stumps
-Little by little pond
-Little by little root cellar
-Footings for barn/house/shop foundation

I have 6.4 acres of heavily wooded raw land that I will be making into a full time homestead from scratch myself. So the BH would get a huge amount of work.
I am buying a Branson 4820H in March. I was quoted $7,500 for the BH. Ballpark an extra $90/month on the loan payment. In my area, a mini ex for a weekend (still work full time, mostly remotely) is ballpark $400 for the weekend. So, about 19 rentals.

If the BH is CAPEABLE of doing things WITH TIME, I would 100% rather take the time and do my projects right, than rent and rush. Not to mention I work on call all over the country, so even scheduling rental is very difficult.

So I guess my main question is: Is a Branson BH250 actually useful when used correctly and personally (no commercial, so length of projects if more or less irrelevant) or would I be better off with a shovel?

Thank you all.

For me a backhoe on my tractor doesn't make a lot of sense. Since I utilize the 3pt hitch attachment for the majority of the work with my tractor.

But versatility is awesome. And these tractor units sure beat using a team of horses like our ancestors had to.

But the question that I'd ask myself is this, Do I really have the time to put up with the much slower pace of a tractor mounted backhoe?

I've run both tractor backhoe and an excavator. An Excavator beats a tractor mounted backhoe every time. A better job is done in a much much shorter time frame.

I think the suggestion to buy a good used excavator and sell it when you are done for similar money is the one I would go with. I'd do lots of research and immerse myself in the excavator buy and sell market to learn what sells better in your area of the Country.

Done properly and with a little luck you might even make money on the deal.

 

[mike peyerl]

I know the "backhoe or not" subject has been discussed many times here. I have read many of the threads. Love all the knowledge here. I seem to read either:
-Everyone is crazy, mine is great
-Waste of money overall

My question is... if I don't expect the BH to be a mini-ex, and I do my projects SLOWLY and CAREFULLY, couldn't I get a lot done?? Manage expectations, but still:
-Dig trenches for power/water lines
-SLOWLY dig stumps
-Little by little pond
-Little by little root cellar
-Footings for barn/house/shop foundation

I have 6.4 acres of heavily wooded raw land that I will be making into a full time homestead from scratch myself. So the BH would get a huge amount of work.
I am buying a Branson 4820H in March. I was quoted $7,500 for the BH. Ballpark an extra $90/month on the loan payment. In my area, a mini ex for a weekend (still work full time, mostly remotely) is ballpark $400 for the weekend. So, about 19 rentals.

If the BH is CAPEABLE of doing things WITH TIME, I would 100% rather take the time and do my projects right, than rent and rush. Not to mention I work on call all over the country, so even scheduling rental is very difficult.

So I guess my main question is: Is a Branson BH250 actually useful when used correctly and personally (no commercial, so length of projects if more or less irrelevant) or would I be better off with a shovel?

Thank you all.

If you just want the time on the machine for tractor therapy get the backhoe I have one it's slow but does the job. That being said if you want to get serious work done it's not the best option just go rent something or hire someone else to do that part of the project

 

[murraya8922]

For me a backhoe on my tractor doesn't make a lot of sense. Since I utilize the 3pt hitch attachment for the majority of the work with my tractor.

But versatility is awesome. And these tractor units sure beat using a team of horses like our ancestors had to.

But the question that I'd ask myself is this, Do I really have the time to put up with the much slower pace of a tractor mounted backhoe?

I've run both tractor backhoe and an excavator. An Excavator beats a tractor mounted backhoe every time. A better job is done in a much much shorter time frame.

I think the suggestion to buy a good used excavator and sell it when you are done for similar money is the one I would go with. I'd do lots of research and immerse myself in the excavator buy and sell market to learn what sells better in your area of the Country.

Done properly and with a little luck you might even make money on the deal.

A used mini ex sounds better and better, especially after I've seen the resale. I'll continue to research. Thank you for your input!

 

[kenhar]

Apparently my last post didn't post. A Dresser/International 175c is not a mini excavator. It weighs about 34,000 lbs. It's like a bulldozer with a bucket instead of a blade. There are plus's and minus's with a machine like this instead of a toy. Moving it from one location to another requires a lowboy truck and trailer, not a pickup truck and tandem axle trailer. Also, get it stuck and you have not just a problem but a "major" problem. Comparing the work capabilities is like a major league baseball player and a kid in little league. If it yours, use it when you want to. Rent it, use it during your rent time and deal with the weather and other responsibilities. If you don't over pay when buying, you should get your money back. I've had my 175c for over 12 years and no major break downs. Probably appreciated in value by 20%. If you break it or tear it up, you might have a very large trotline sinker.

 

[maxreco]

I was able to dig numerous stumps as large as 24", both hardwood (maple and oak) and pine buy using a $300 attachment called the "Rip and Dig" on the bucket of my 1995 Ford 1620 27 Hp tractor. I just started out about 5 feet and starts digging to break off the roots, and continued until I could push underneath the stump. By repeatedly lunging into the dirt beneath the setup, eventually cut through enough dirt and root to the point I could see the stump move. From there I would either attach a chain and pull it, or lift it with the rip and dig. A few stumps required me to use a grub ax on the largest roots. Some were so heavy that I could only skid my bucket or else my rear would lift off the ground. I could get a large stump out in a few hours.

Of course, I would have loved a BH or excavator. But, I used an old 27hp tractor, a $300 attachment, some sweat, and stubbornness to get it done!

 

[murraya8922]

I was able to dig numerous stumps as large as 24", both hardwood (maple and oak) and pine buy using a $300 attachment called the "Rip and Dig" on the bucket of my 1995 Ford 1620 27 Hp tractor. I just started out about 5 feet and starts digging to break off the roots, and continued until I could push underneath the stump. By repeatedly lunging into the dirt beneath the setup, eventually cut through enough dirt and root to the point I could see the stump move. From there I would either attach a chain and pull it, or lift it with the rip and dig. A few stumps required me to use a grub ax on the largest roots. Some were so heavy that I could only skid my bucket or else my rear would lift off the ground. I could get a large stump out in a few hours.

Of course, I would have loved a BH or excavator. But, I used an old 27hp tractor, a $300 attachment, some sweat, and stubbornness to get it done!View attachment 776658

This looks very much like the "stump bucket" I am highly considering! I makes a lot of sense, stab, stab, cut roots, stab stab, and eventually all of the roots are sliced along with the dirt they were holding onto. The heavy duty one by Titan is what I'm looking at. $1,500 is a lot lot cheaper than $10,000! Plus no additional moving parts, and it's SSQC.

Random to everyone here...did you know Yanmar wants $15,000 for their backhoe attachment!?! I thought Kubota was proud. Wow.

 

[maxreco]

That should do it. I don't have a skid steer mount.

 

[Vigo327]

ratchetrake.com

Had to look that one up, but it is exactly what it sounds like.. a clamp-on stump bucket attachment. It’s longer than a ‘spade’, looks sturdier, and has teeth.. still $299.. i’m glad it’s available and surprised i hadn’t heard of it.

As for the backhoe, i’m happy with my tiny 6.5’ woods on my b8200. I use it often, and have lots of projects still lined up for it. Ive done some of the work on my property with a borrowed mini ex and while yes they are totally superior diggers (and cranes etc) they’re desirable enough that there are hardly any ‘deals’ to be had, and some things are extremely expensive or laborious to repair. At least on the backhoe most of what could need fixing is totally exposed. I say this as ive got one backhoe totally down to bits and pieces for repairs, but it is a very light duty 40 year old machine that was severely abused. Still, i can say that there’s not much on a small tractor backhoe that is imposing to keep up with or repair.

 

[Williy]

YOU hear buy this other piece of equipment
and forget the backhoe but I don't believe that
most people have the cash to purchase this
other equipment to do the job and when you
have a backhoe on your tractor you can take
your sweet time about what you want to do!
My drain pipe from the house to the septic
tank has a plug some place and with the back
hoe it didn't take very long to find it! Now will
just pull the root out may be have to cut a hole
in the pipe to get the root out and just put a
patch on the hole instead of cutting the pipe up
and replacing it. PVC pipe prices are unreal
$75 for a 20 ft thin wall pvc pipe when I remember
paying $9.95 for a 20 ft piece of thin wall.
Now because of the cold temps some pipe lines have shut down and some refineries are shut down
because they were told to cut back on the use of
electricity and the gas for reg here went from $2.46
to $2.75 over night.

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL

willy

 

[Williy]

Here is some info on tree planter buckets:

tree planter bucket tractor attachment - Google Search

willy

 

[maxreco]

View attachment 776895ratchetrake.com

Had to look that one up, but it is exactly what it sounds like.. a clamp-on stump bucket attachment. It’s longer than a ‘spade’, looks sturdier, and has teeth.. still $299.. i’m glad it’s available and surprised i hadn’t heard of it.

As for the backhoe, i’m happy with my tiny 6.5’ woods on my b8200. I use it often, and have lots of projects still lined up for it. Ive done some of the work on my property with a borrowed mini ex and while yes they are totally superior diggers (and cranes etc) they’re desirable enough that there are hardly any ‘deals’ to be had, and some things are extremely expensive or laborious to repair. At least on the backhoe most of what could need fixing is totally exposed. I say this as ive got one backhoe totally down to bits and pieces for repairs, but it is a very light duty 40 year old machine that was severely abused. Still, i can say that there’s not much on a small tractor backhoe that is imposing to keep up with or repair.

That's the one. It doesn't compare to an excavator or backhoe, but the original post asked if there was an inexpensive way to remove stumps, among other tasks. It worked for me. It's very well made; other than having to replace a ratchet strap after it was damaged by me. I would suggest that you consider welding in an additional plate under the center of your bucket. I don't have any deformation to the lip, but it created a few dimples where the jack screws hold it. Nothing significant.

 

[Williy]

IMHO something like this would work
better looks like it would cut the roots

willy

 

[hornett22]

This looks very much like the "stump bucket" I am highly considering! I makes a lot of sense, stab, stab, cut roots, stab stab, and eventually all of the roots are sliced along with the dirt they were holding onto. The heavy duty one by Titan is what I'm looking at. $1,500 is a lot lot cheaper than $10,000! Plus no additional moving parts, and it's SSQC.

Random to everyone here...did you know Yanmar wants $15,000 for their backhoe attachment!?! I thought Kubota was proud. Wow.

The one for my Mahindra was $7k made in USA

 

[hornett22]

I've dug out several massive stumps with my 1626. I'm quite impressed with this machine.