backhoes vs mini excavators

radman · Jun 9, 2001

Which is better at digging? Faster? Easier to use? I have seen several used mini excavators for sale near the same prices as backhoes for compact tractors. Many of the diggings specs are equal or better for the excavators. I realize an excavator is another peice of equipment to haul, and their purpose is limited to backhoe-type work. Any other drawbacks?

DarinRay · Jun 9, 2001

radman,

Hands down the excavator will out dig a compact tractor anyday given the same relative sizes and I would bet even if the excavator was smaller it would still work better for digging. If that is all you are going to do is the digging and you don't have to haul or move much soil or material then then go get a excavator and give us some pics so we can dream about it. I am now working on some hillside project with my L35 and Magnatrac and am always thinking about a dozer or excavator to do it easier. Then again it always seems easier with something you don't have then you get it and you have to be able to operate it efficently for it to be better than the way your were doing it to begin with. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Like you said then you do have another piece of equipment to maintain but then again you have another piece of equipment to maintain. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Some more drawbacks are that you don't tread very lawn friendly/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif, have to really look into or have someone that knows undercarrages which is a whole different ball game.

Darin

Anonymous Poster · Jun 9, 2001

Minis will do circles around a compact with backhoe. I've had a ym1702d with loader & backhoe & a 6000 lb mini for over 2 years. This year I got a 4000lb mini. I rent them out & also operate them for hire. The mini outshines the TLB in tight places. You have a 360 degree swing , so dirt can be piled away from the digging. Quick to move both for digging out ditches & trenching since stabalizers don't have to be raised & lowered. And with the blade light excavating can be done easier than with a loader.

JonSpinosa · Jun 16, 2001

Radman,

Mini excavator's are superior over TLB's. I have a L35 and a Kubota mini-excavator. Truthfully, I hate operating the L35 backhoe. The seat is a pain in the butt to switch from the forward position to the rear position to operate the hoe. It is very difficult manuevering the hoe as compared to the excavator.

After running the mini you will not want to go back to the TLB. The only negative point about the mini, is that the tracks can tear turf very fast. Try one out and you will see for yourself.

Jon S.

JayinNH · Jul 5, 2001

Jon S,
I have a L3010 HST and have a need to do some backhoe work from time to time. If you are doing small work around the house and yard does the 5000 to 6000 dollar backhoe attachment pay for itself or would you recommend renting a mini?
Jason

JonSpinosa · Jul 8, 2001

JayinNH,
Mini excavator rental rates are about $30.00 per hour. At $6000 to purchase a backhoe attachment it would take 200 hours of use to pay for it or about 25 days. However, sometimes it is very difficult to financially justify our toys. It is very convenient to have your very own backhoe available when you need it.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 11, 2001

Where are you guys buying your backhoes for $6000??? I paid $3500 for a brand new Kelley B750 which works great. I guess it's not the heaviest hoe out there but it seems to do the job for me.

JayinNH · Jul 11, 2001

donny,
I'm looking at the Woods 9000. With installation it's about $6000. The 9000 has a digging depth of 9 feet. Was that Kelley a subframe?
Jason

cowboydoc · Jul 11, 2001

That's a great price Jay. The cheapest I could find the Woods 9000 around here was $8000 installed. Really makes me wonder even more about the markup on these things if one dealer can make a profit at $6000 and another charges $8000.

JayinNH · Jul 11, 2001

Richard,
Actually they said $5899.00 installed so I rounded up.Sorry to rub it in. I just don't know if it's worth spending the money to get. I would like some other impliments that are a little cheaper but could really use that backhoe soon. I'll keep debating.
Jason