Backhoe Mini excavator or backhoe attachment

[Green Acres Homestead]

I test drove a mini excavator. It was neat but was $28000. I wonder how it would match up against a backhoe that I would buy for my Kubota L4740.

 

[Mechanos]

The mini will dig circles around the backhoe attachment in my opinion.

 

[Jay4200]

The mini will dig circles around the backhoe attachment in my opinion.

+1.

OTOH, it IS an extra $20,000...plan to do much digging, or is this just for fun? If you're digging every day, get the mini. If you just want something around to dig with on occasion, buy the backhoe attachment (get the biggest you can), and send me half of the savings (for making such a brilliant suggestion).

JayC

 

[haroldy]

not so quick,depends on the requirments
28000 is a lot for occasional use

 

[MHarryE]

I had a L3710, asked my dealer about a backhoe attachment. He came up with a price over $8,000 but he had a customer who bought a backhoe and found it wasn't the right thing. He might be able to get it for me for between $5,000 and $6,000. While waiting for the dealer, I did a lot of research and found I could get Cat's smallest mini-excavator for $12,900, used in a dealer rental fleet. It can get into places I couldn't even think of with TLB, it has tracks so I can work in places where I might snag a tire, it's way faster digging than a TLB - just take my word for that even though my mini is only a 1.8 ton machine. And having 2 machines - I have even raised an implement with the tractor bucket lifting one side while lifting the other with the mini and then backed my trailer underneath. And if you are ever feeling lonesome, you will find dozens of new friends when they learn you have a mini-excavator because everyone will be asking for help.

 

[Sledgie]

I started out with a 45 hp tractor and added a subframe backhoe attachment for about 7k. It worked better than a shovel but not much, and it is a real PITA to take on and off. So I found a Mustang mini ex (made by Wacker in Austria) with 750 hrs for 12,000. I will have to say you get some good exercise jumping off and on to move the tractor every 3 feet, but it sure is sweet to run the mini ex and have every control at your fingertips.

 

[Code54]

Having had a TLB and ran Mini Ex's - I would go with the Mini Ex if you can afford it and will be using it a lot.

 

[Monster5601]

Another difference between a backhoe and an excavator is the latter has a full 360 swing as compared to the backhoes 180 degree swing. It is much easier to keep the diggings away from the dig area when you have more swing.

 

[Green Acres Homestead]

Some great facts and logical advice and also valuable insight into the equipment. That taking off and on implements is a pain. I will be using a fair amount loading logs, making logging roads/trails to get my one ton in, ski and walking trails and landscaping. I would need something with a thumb to move brush and load logs.

Anybody know about how long a mini would dig out out a 12 inch maple stump. I know there is alot of factors here but a rough estimate. An hour or 30 minutes.

 

[Code54]

I took out a 20+ inch maple last year in about a half hour - This was the full tree and about 8 to 10 feet from our house. Just dug the three sides and pushed high on the tree. Took some effort but the mini (around 8000lbs with a 24" bucket) did it! I was impressed!!!

 

[Green Acres Homestead]

What three side did you dig. I assume tge one facing the house was not touched

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I started out to get a FEL only for the MF 265 and new was the only option and around $6K+ for a 60 HP tractor.

Found a good running 1983 JD 310B (13K pounds) but well worn backhoe for $7200. Been working it hard this week but that is the most we have used it the two years but it gets used often for short periods of time.

Knowing myself I would never use a BH if it was not ready to go at a push of a button. I do enjoy the MF 265 for bush hogging, box blading, etc with NO FEL installed.

While the JD BH has not had any running issues one does have two engines to service and keep up with but there is nothing to hitch/unhitch which is a requirement do to physical limitations.

Everyone has their own preferrences.:thumbsup:

I can tell you a JD 300 series is not for work in small back yards.

 

[Code54]

The side I didn't dig is the direction I wanted the tree to fall if that makes sense. Sort of leave those roots as the hinge....
Hope that explains it - just dig fairly deep and rip out most of the roots on those three sides so when you reach up to lever it over it moves - don't want to get it swinging back and forth - that could be bad

 

[Gale Hawkins]

The side I didn't dig is the direction I wanted the tree to fall if that makes sense. Sort of leave those roots as the hinge....
Hope that explains it - just dig fairly deep and rip out most of the roots on those three sides so when you reach up to lever it over it move - don't want to get it swinging back and forth - that could be bad

That is a good plan for falling the tree you are digging and especially if gravity is working against you. :thumbsup:

 

[wedge40]

Some great facts and logical advice and also valuable insight into the equipment. That taking off and on implements is a pain. I will be using a fair amount loading logs, making logging roads/trails to get my one ton in, ski and walking trails and landscaping. I would need something with a thumb to move brush and load logs.

Anybody know about how long a mini would dig out out a 12 inch maple stump. I know there is alot of factors here but a rough estimate. An hour or 30 minutes.

This is like asking how big a tractor I need. Mini excavators are anything between 0 and 12000 lbs. At least that's how they are classified on machinerytrader. A one ton mini wont be much use digging stumps. So you should tell us what mini you're looking at.

Wedge

 

[Localmotion]

To repeat what lots have already said....

For Speed, Stability, Comfort and Agility (you can get an excavator far more places than a backhoe) go for the excavator.

For budget, ease of transportation (assuming your tractor is road legal), and if it's not going to be used often, go for the backhoe - Just don't expect it to perform as well as an excavator as these are purpose built for the job....

 

[Localmotion]

This is like asking how big a tractor I need. Mini excavators are anything between 0 and 12000 lbs. At least that's how they are classified on machinerytrader. A one ton mini wont be much use digging stumps. So you should tell us what mini you're looking at.

Wedge

A 1t is fine for digging stumps - it just takes a bit longer and needs chains...:laughing:

 

[EE_Bota]

I am looking at mini-ex too.

Reason...more capable.
Needs...almost non-existent.
Helpful: my brother and my best friend and I are willing to go in equal partners for a used one. All of our needs are minor. I have the least need of the three.

We are looking to spend $5-6 K each. My brother has lots of equipment..a ditchwitch, dump truck, bobcat, several tractors, and a Woods backhoe on one of the tractors. Yet, even he still would prefer a mini-ex.

 

[Green4310TLB]

Depends on your projects. I had a huge old Ford Dinosuar of a TLB liked it, but is was a very old used machine. No problems digging out trees, moving heavy farm equipment etc.. Sold that one and got the baby green one. It is probably more useful on a daily basis, easier on fuel and fits in the garage. Now I wish I had a mini ex to do real digging projects again. Maybe some day - after I pay off this one. You will be happier with the mini if you already have a small tractor.

 

[Localmotion]

Of course there is another reason to go with the mini excavator....

It leaves your tractor free to pull the dump trailer :laughing:

If you buy a backhoe I'm guessing it won't be long before you're in the marlet for a dump truck or another tractor and trailer... :confused2: