SCUT's with backhoes

[snymat68]

Truthfully, the biggest reasons I got the BH, or even the entire machine for that matter, is because...
1.) I like to invest in tools.
2.) I don't like to rely on others when I don't have to.
3.) --AND THIS IS A BIG ONE--
I want to do my work on MY schedule, and not have to worry about scheduling a rental and having it back in time.
If my project takes longer than anticipated (almost always), no biggie.
If it rains on the day I was planning to do the work, no biggie.

I, personally, don't see the big debate here. It's like anything else in life, there are specialized, purpose-built, tools for any job.
Take photography for instance (another hobby of mine). I have an interchangeable-lens camera. If I wanted the best possible images all the time, I'd buy prime (non-zoom) lenses. If I did that, I'd constantly be swapping lenses.
Since photography (not unlike tractors and projects) is only a hobby, and not my profession, I own (mostly) zoom lenses. They are much more versatile, at the cost of a little image quality. It's a trade-off.

For the professional that's using their equipment (tractor/camera/whatever) to make a living, it might make sense to buy more, specialized equipment.
For the rest of us, we have the luxury of buying something that might be a compromise of quality/efficiency because it's more convenient, etc.
Heck, for some people it might make sense to have a dedicated tractor for every implement.
Just do what works best for you.

 

[Diggin It]

I've never really paid any attention to minis until recently. One thing that stands out ( or should I say doesn't stand out) is outriggers. What keeps them upright? Is it just the weight of the low slung engine and tracks?

 

[Henro]

...Heck, for some people it might make sense to have a dedicated tractor for every implement.
Just do what works best for you.

Amen to what snymat68 just said (in addition to the quote above).

My B2910TLB is a step larger than the SCUT but the there is no difference really...compared to the "real thing." :laughing:

A guy where I used to work actually did have a tractor for each implement. Said old tractors were cheap enough to make it worth it to him...Works for him...sometimes I wish I had that option!

 

[ovrszd]

Counter weight.

 

[fried1765]

Counter weight.

I think my 11' hoe including bucket weighs about 1700 lbs.
An ideal counterweight.

 

[ovrszd]

I think my 11' hoe including bucket weighs about 1700 lbs.
An ideal counterweight.

Sorry, I should have "quoted". I was responding to Diggin It's comment about Excavators.

 

[4570Man]

I've never really paid any attention to minis until recently. One thing that stands out ( or should I say doesn't stand out) is outriggers. What keeps them upright? Is it just the weight of the low slung engine and tracks?

The tracks don’t have any flex like tires do plus you have the blade for a stabilizer. And they have a counterweight on them.

 

[Imold]

Harbor freight has a 15% off anything no exclusions sale going on now so I called and they said the towable trencher/backhoe was included so that is a 450.00 dollar savings which will cover tax and shipping, total is 2850.00.
Do not think I will find a better deal then this so now I have to decide if this is the best way for me to go, used tractors with backhoes start at around 5500.00 for fixers uppers to 30k and cheapest used mini backhoe I have seen around here is 14k.

 

[kenmbz]

I love my SCUt with BH, the dealer asked me what I wanted to do and he pointed me to a non=BH version. When I threw in trenching and stumps, he pointed to the BH.
I think the BH does make the smaller SCUT more appealing to people with smaller non-farm plots. But with over 6 acres, I use both buckets all the time.

 

[Imold]

To be honest I still kick myself for not getting the TLB model, it is a lesson learned the hard way in my book being I never thought I would need a backhoe but as others have said. Once you get one you will find things to do with it. Boy are they right especially with 12.7 acres, my next tractor will have a backhoe for sure but for now I will have to see how the Harbor Freight one works next spring for me.

 

[fried1765]

To be honest I still kick myself for not getting the TLB model, it is a lesson learned the hard way in my book being I never thought I would need a backhoe but as others have said. Once you get one you will find things to do with it. Boy are they right especially with 12.7 acres, my next tractor will have a backhoe for sure but for now I will have to see how the Harbor Freight one works next spring for me.

I kinda wonder if there was ever a person born who said: .... "I absolutely hate having a backhoe".

 

[Henro]

To be honest I still kick myself for not getting the TLB model, it is a lesson learned the hard way in my book being I never thought I would need a backhoe but as others have said. Once you get one you will find things to do with it. Boy are they right especially with 12.7 acres, my next tractor will have a backhoe for sure but for now I will have to see how the Harbor Freight one works next spring for me.

I am guessing that you will find using the HF unit easier on your body than a pick and shovel...

When I saw them advertised in the past I wondered how useful they would be, as there is nothing much there to hold them in place while you are digging. But I suppose if you are towing it with your tractor, and keeping it attached to the tractor when using it, the main part may not be pulled around too much by the boom/stick when digging.

I know with my B2910, I still sometimes pull the tractor when using the backhoe to dig a stump, even with the bucket down, the stabilizers in the ground and the brake set. Not a lot, but maybe six inches or so.

 

[polarred21]

To be honest I still kick myself for not getting the TLB model,

Trade it in! Heck they are regular making them everyday somewhere albeit China, Indonesia, Afghanistan....life is short. For my non tractor owning self it will be a TLB when the day comes!

 

[Doofy]

Trade it in! Heck they are regular making them everyday somewhere albeit China, Indonesia, Afghanistan....life is short. For my non tractor owning self it will be a TLB when the day comes!

Yep, your money- your choice. Don't let the tractor bullies dictate what you need or don't need.

 

[polarred21]

Heck here is another for sale for a BX, not sure what good it will do anyone without the subframe brackets......

 

[Doofy]

Heck here is another for sale for a BX, not sure what good it will do anyone without the subframe brackets......

View attachment 630223

At that price, I would either buy or build the sub-frame.

 

[Imold]

No pic or shovel for me I have a better chance of trying to golf or Go bowling and those are not happening anytime soon either hahaha I have some use for the backhoe/trencher but not enough to justify trading in right now or finding a used backhoe. When I upgrade in a couple years I will be getting a TLB for sure.

 

[Imold]

Heck here is another for sale for a BX, not sure what good it will do anyone without the subframe brackets......

View attachment 630223

Almost looks like a Harbor Freight Backhoe without the motor and frame.

 

[ovrszd]

Takes a trained/experienced eye to notice differences in various brands.

 

[Imold]

Hahaha