Can a BX23 really dig?

RayCo · Aug 24, 2005

So, I'm a couple weeks away from buying myself a subcompact TLB. As of today, the BX23 is the front runner. But, I was outside today looking at my ground, and couldn't help but wonder if the tiny backhoe on this tractor actually would be able to just bust right into my ground and take out a scoop. It just seems like such a tough task, and I have to be skeptical. Of course, if I think about it, I'm able to jump on a shovel and penetrate the ground, so I guess I'm just being paranoid.

My land is pretty tough. I live in south eastern PA (Chester County) and I swear my ground is 50% rock and 50% titanium or something. So, those of you who own a BX23 in this same general area, if you wanted to go dig a 10 foot round hole 5 feet deep, your tractor could do it?

Thanks

Junkman · Aug 24, 2005

I have a BX22, the precursor to the BX23 and live in rocky Northeaster CT. My backhoe will dig in the dirt all day long until it encounters a rock that is larger than the bucket can handle. I have dug alongside of a rock and then pushed it out of the way, and I have also just had to change the direction because of a rock that was just too large to get around. You need to pace your need to dig with your ability to pay for a larger machine. The larger the machine, the easier it will handle the larger rocks. One rock in the backyard was over 20' long and a excavator with a 54" bucket couldn't move it. It is all relative. If you plan on digging a lot and know that you will encounter large rocks, then I suggest that you buy a bigger, more expensive machine. If you are willing to take your time and occasionally change direction because of a immovable object, then the BX23 will be OK.
I am never adverse to spending another's money, so I suggest that you buy the big bad $75K loader backhoe that you see being trailered behind the tri axle dump trucks. Get an extenda hoe and there will be no problem digging. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RayCo · Aug 25, 2005

( I am never adverse to spending another's money, so I suggest that you buy the big bad $75K loader backhoe that you see being trailered behind the tri axle dump trucks. Get an extenda hoe and there will be no problem digging. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

You know what? You're right. Maybe what I'll do is just get an excavator, a bulldozer, and a quarry-sized wheel loader. Screw all this BX23 nonsense. That's good for nothing but getting the mail. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks for the BX23-owner feedback!

Berniep · Aug 25, 2005

My ground is hard enough in the summer that I have to jump on my shovel with both feet to get it to penetrate and I am close to 300 pounds. My bx 23 digs it just fine. I don't have a lot of large rocks (except for the bedrock that is close to the surface around here) I have had some trouble with large roots but I just worked them a little and they eventually broke off.
Some people on this board have used the BX23 to move amazing amounts of dirt
Check out what Jim did in these threads:

Foundation
The pile

Mike_C · Aug 25, 2005

Yep, I've dug 4 foot trenches into hard clay. It took a while because the boom is not extremely long, so when digging that
deep you have to move more frequently, but the bx22/bx23 will git-r-done.

jim_wilson · Aug 25, 2005

Yes Virgina - the BX23 will dig.

It sounds like your ground might be harder than what I have around here (Northeast MA) but the ground here is still full of plenty of rocks. If you think you might have trouble breaking the soil you might want to talk to the dealer about trying both the 10" and 12" buckets to see if there is any difference in digging power for you.

jim_wilson · Aug 25, 2005

And it will make a big piles too.

nasdaqsam · Aug 25, 2005

Jim, I like that bucket where did you get it?

sorry to hijack the thread....on that note. If your patient the BX can do mostly anything you want. The key is not expecting a full bucket every time you set the bucket in the ground. It takes some getting used to.

Very happy with mine.

jim_wilson · Aug 25, 2005

The 24" bucket is great - in softer soil it really moves the dirt a lot faster than the 12". The 12" still digs better though with less stress on the backhoe. I got the bucket from fellow TBN member Stef who upgraded his BX23 to a B3030. This bucket has been so useful I have thought about making them as a sideline business - I bet there are other BX owners out there who could use one.

theboman · Aug 25, 2005

See if your dealer has a BX23 he can bring out to demo.

HomeBrew2 · Aug 25, 2005

In summer, my area's ground can only be penetrated with a breaker bar. A shovel, usually only a balling spade, is only used to collect tailings from the bar. Under the surface may be rocks rom 2" to 24". Also I have many rock outcroppings that I removed during the winter when soil was easily workable. Last week, I had the BH on for planting a bush. Before I removed it, I thought I'd try pickin' more outcrops. I was amazed!!! It took a little wiggling with the bucket teeth to break the surface but it did in very short order. The rocks seem to be set into the soil like concrete so some extra digging and wiggling was necessary to pluck them out ... sometimes actually making full circles with the bucket/stick control while constantly moving the boom up and down slightly to take advantage of minor cracks and gaps in the soil as work progressed. I never expected the little BX to do so much of that kind of work this time of year.
Cheers!

nasdaqsam · Aug 25, 2005

( It took a little digging and wiggling.........so some extra digging and wiggling)Isn't that a dance step or something? I hope no one could see you! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

nasdaqsam · Aug 25, 2005

Jim,

Is that a custom bucket or purchased bucket?

I would like to find one. It would be perfect for my needs. I love using a ditch bucket for smoothing things out.

Thanks

Keybal · Aug 25, 2005

RayCo:

I'm a few miles away from you in Media, Delaware County. I, like Junkman, have a BX22. Your welcome to come over and play if you would like. PM me if you want.

SCB · Aug 25, 2005

Nasdaqsam,
Stef had the bucket custom made by a local shop where he lives. tried to buy it but Jim beat me to the punch. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I really think there would be a market for it though.

As to the original post, I was amazed with the backhoe once I got mine. It will dig very well.

nasdaqsam · Aug 25, 2005

( Nasdaqsam,
Stef had the bucket custom made by a local shop where he lives. tried to buy it but Jim beat me to the punch. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I really think there would be a market for it though.)Especially if anybody has actually had a chance to use a ditch bucket. For some kinds of work it can not be beat.

My friend owns a rather large excavation company and most of the time he will final grade an entire lot on his way out with his ditch bucket rather than bring a dozer in. To be honest I'd rather he did them all with the bucket. Much better job.

RayCo · Aug 25, 2005

Uh, SCB, that BX really removed the stump on the BX Trophy page?!! (Link)

I'm way beyond impressed.

escavader · Aug 25, 2005

I have had rocks on the surface i couldnt even push with the front loader,but i could lift up one corner with the hoe and push it along.Ibought my 23 last winter,i loved the power it had and ability pushing back these high snowbankings here in MAINE.Ithought the hoe would be the weak link[i couldnt try til spring],boy was i ever wrong.its its strongest asset.Every one just thinks its a neat looking little toy,until they see it work,then they are all begging for me to do this and do that.SO far this year ive been hired out for a 400 ft drainage ditch[then filled with stone, a150 ft waterline job,,at least 25 pull stump jobs[of course any over 10 inchs i leave alone unless they are mine.Speaking of which,i had a3 ft pine stump i pulled it took 4 hours after i got it out with the hoe,the root ball was so big,i couldnt lift it,or drag it with the tracter,i had ta wash it with the pressure washer to get the dirt off it to lighten it up.yes i got it out exclusivley with the hoe.
One important thing to know,that my dealer told me,its not so much the power of the hoe,its the weight of the tractor.You see i was thinking on a b series with a woods hoe.It had alittle more digging force,but what good does it do if it lifts the tractor off the ground.for 4000 bucks i made the right choice.Ican take this off and on in under 5 minutes,it has no complicated sub frame,this hoe was made exclusively for this tractor,and vise versa.The woods would go 7 ft this only goes 6 -i dont need any thing7.Like previous stated,you have to move alot.Just reach around lift your fel,lift up the stabilizers a little,push the throttle easy then set down and start diggin.
If you have never run a big hoe before you will absolutely love this rig.if youhave,you might not
ALAN

kenneyz · Aug 25, 2005

I have a bx2200,w/ the front blade,kubota snowblower and a few other goodies..I love it. My brother just bought a bx23....can it dig? WHAT....oh my gosh can it. We live in northeast PA...rocks from all over the world are born in my yard.( we're down on the creek flat...all gravel) Forget a shovel...we use the 3pt phd to plant trees around here, not because we want to..we have to. I dug an 85' trench about 30" deep in about 2hrs the first time I used it and I had never run a backhoe before. Now...I'll pick your teeth with that thing, I can make it do anything. Needless to say.."I" don't think you'll be sorry, you'll find more and more uses for it all the time.

SCB · Aug 26, 2005

Rayco,
Yes, The bx did dig that stump out. But, it couldn't get it out of the hole. I split it in three to remove it from the hole. It took a considerable amount of time. Most stumps up to 18 inch diameter are less than an hour to remove, but when you get to that size (4 1/2 foot) it takes alot longer. it just depends on how much time you have.