I can rent a 6000# mini ex for $180.00 a day. That option took my plans for a backhoe off the buy list. For $8K, you will need to do lots of digging....The only thing holding me back is cost at this point. It puts me outside of the price range I'm looking for, but comments like this are reassuring. The backhoe appears to be one of the most impactful implements one can buy. I'm going to do what I can to swing it!
My BH-90 got a ton of use and was a good investment for me. Most of the jobs it did just wouldn’t have got done if it was going to cost me a rental or do it by hand. But 8k probably more is pretty steep for a tractor backhoe attachment. I’d look at buying a stand alone unit. And if you’ve got that cash and weren’t relying on Kubota zero percent you’re solidly in the price range of much stronger used Kubota L45 or L39. You can buy an older L35 for a lot less than that but it’s not as strong of a loader as the newer L45/39 The L35 would still work circles around a L2501. The dedicated TLB series is a whole different animal.
I have an endless amount of stumps to dig up, four large retaining walls planned and lots of drainage around the house just to start. It will all take me a lot of time. I know I can cut time with the correct tool, but I will run up rental costs close to the amount I'd spend on the backhoe.
Sidenote- your setup caught my attention when I initially started reading these forums. Are you still rocking the winch and grapple? If so, still loving it?
If your replying to me, yes, the Farmi and grapple have been flawless. They have earned their keep.I have an endless amount of stumps to dig up, four large retaining walls planned and lots of drainage around the house just to start. It will all take me a lot of time. I know I can cut time with the correct tool, but I will run up rental costs close to the amount I'd spend on the backhoe.
Sidenote- your setup caught my attention when I initially started reading these forums. Are you still rocking the winch and grapple? If so, still loving it?
Quote from Essex Equipment
Essex Junction, Vermont
Kubota L2501 HST 15116.00
LA525 Q.C. 4669.70
Loaded R1's 335.00
Rears spaced 5" 500.00
42" 2000# Forks 600.00
LP BB1572 1219.00
3rd Function 950.00
BH77 7999.00
LP SPL1072 1131.00
Rebates -1600.00
Fees 226.00
Sub-total 31165.70
Tax 1855.18
Total 33020.88
The dealer says prices will increase 5% as of April 1st. We will look to make this purchase in March. There are some items that may be tweaked. I am on the fence about the backhoe. I can make great use of it, but it's very expensive. I will also be paying cash for a Farmi JL351P in May.
Anyone in VT, NY, NH, ME or MA have any input?
Any input is greatly appreciated and I love to hear what people think of their own machines no matter where they reside!
Cheers,
Seth