How often do you actually use your backhoe? (BX and B size)

[Smokeydog]

Define homeowner?
Bought a used ford 4500 backhoe and used it a lot for 20 years and sold it for what we initially paid. It was just what we needed to fix driveways, landscape and repair, clear big trees, pond work, water lines. Once you have used one it is hard to do without. Got a Kubota B20 backhoe and amazed how much it could do. Replaced with much improved B26. For our hillside farm they are just too handy. Recently got a backhoe for the M59 Have a big spring, creek and waterfalls. Thinking it would be nice to be able to park/retire the airstream camper by the falls someday. Another backhoe project. The usefulness of any tool is what you can envision what you can create.

 

[Haff]

sounds like the general consensus is yes, people do use their backhoe with a couple exceptions. Thank you.

 

[Diggin It]

This discussion comes up a few times a month here and the general consensus is always the some, some do, some don't. It never differs no matter how many threads there are.

 

[desertdog71]

Thing to remember though. Machines are meant to be used and worked, when they sit around unused they are going to degrade.

 

[Diggin It]

when they sit around unused they are going to degrade.

Are we on the 'getting old' thread now?

 

[Haff]

Are we on the 'getting old' thread now?

is that about people getting old, or equipment getting old... or us newbies recreating all the same rehashed threads getting old?

 

[desertdog71]

no I'm saying a backhoe sitting in the garage not being used is going to degrade faster than one that gets used. All those seals and joints and fluids need to move around in order to stay in good condition. Most folks that buy backhoes use them for a while then run out of projects for them. $5-8K buys a lot of rental time with a more capable unit.

 

[fried1765]

I live on 80 acres with a mile long gravel driveway. I have, honestly, never wished for a backhoe attachment. I have never had the need for one. I have a couple other implements sitting out on pallets that are used only a couple times a year. Don't need another.

I also choose to have an open station tractor. Being retired, I can choose the time to go out and use the tractor.

If I ever do need a backhoe - my neighbor has a big, commercial unit that would do any job I could dream up.

So..oooo ,...how many TBN subscribers just happen to have a neighbor with....... "a big, commercial unit that would do any job"?

 

[fried1765]

no I'm saying a backhoe sitting in the garage not being used is going to degrade faster than one that gets used. All those seals and joints and fluids need to move around in order to stay in good condition. Most folks that buy backhoes use them for a while then run out of projects for them. $5-8K buys a lot of rental time with a more capable unit.

My new to me L48 TLB is sitting in my NE barn all Winter, with only a Battery Minder attached.
I am in Florida every Winter.
Will the L48 be degraded when I get back up North this year?
My previous Ford 3400 TLB was doing just fine after 49 years, with 33 years of Winter dead storage, until I sold it last year..

I have 3 cars that get the same Winter treatment.
Should I rent cars too?
They seem to work just fine, after Winter storage.

 

[DK35vince]

no I'm saying a backhoe sitting in the garage not being used is going to degrade faster than one that gets used. All those seals and joints and fluids need to move around in order to stay in good condition. Most folks that buy backhoes use them for a while then run out of projects for them. $5-8K buys a lot of rental time with a more capable unit.

Sorry don't agree
My backhoe can get used often for a few projects, then sit for months.
Am I glad I have it vs renting = YES
Does it degrade while sitting in the barn or do I worry about it degrading while sitting several months at a time in the barn = NO