Since we are talking about excavators: Chinese Mini X vs. Subframe backhoe on tractor.

[HawkinsHollow]

All this excavator talk has me itchin'. I have 3 or 4 jobs I need a digging tool for. The only financially feasible options for me in the near term is a Chinese Mini X or a subframe backhoe for my Branson. Of the 3 jobs only one has space issues where a mini ex would more than likely be better. The 3 jobs I have are: Digging out a hillside (12'wide x 40 feet long about 5 feet high at the highest) to make more space and install retaining wall, make a new road into my bottom land (only a couple hundred feet up out of a gully), and flatten an area and install retaining wall off the side of an embankment from the top. The last one is the one with space issues as the landing is only about 20'x15' and squeezes down to about 10' wide at one point.

It seems to me like the tractor backhoe would be a more capable digging tool on my full bodied 30 hp Branson tractor. The only disadvantage in my eyes is the lack of mobility and larger footprint of the tractor/backhoe combo. I could probably find something cheaper than a chinese Hoe in this combo as well. If you could only have one, which would you pick?

I know they say rent rent rent. And I have and am not opposed to it. But renting isn't getting any cheaper and I borrowed a machine this past summer to do my footers and it was nice to not be on a SUPER tight rental schedule.

What would you do in this case?

 

[MattB4]

The more capable digging tool is the excavator. The tractor with FEL is more capable of dirt moving over distance though it may be cumbersome with a add on hoe. Tractors not originally designed for a backhoe often require you fight having to switch seats.

 

[Jrasband]

I would recommend the excavator it is a superior digging machine by comparison and you will find so many uses for it as time goes on.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

The more capable digging tool is the excavator. The tractor with FEL is more capable of dirt moving over distance though it may be cumbersome with a add on hoe. Tractors not originally designed for a backhoe often require you fight having to switch seats.

For movement, yeah I guess that is true.

 

[rScotty]

A backhoe for everyday chores. You can always rent an excavator for the few times it is better.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

And by "more capable digger" I meant power wise more capable. But movement does come into play.

 

[steve tym]

A mini X will far outperform a tractor back hoe. Very recently I thought about a backhoe for the tractor, figured if I was going in for the backhoe, I might as well buy a mini. Ended up with a Wacker Neuson 7500 pound machine.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

A mini X will far outperform a tractor back hoe. Very recently I thought about a backhoe for the tractor, figured if I was going in for the backhoe, I might as well buy a mini. Ended up with a Wacker Neuson 7500 pound machine.

Of course a 7500 lb mini is going to out perform a tractor backhoe. But does a 1.5 ton chinese mini?

 

[MattB4]

Of course a 7500 lb mini is going to out perform a tractor backhoe. But does a 1.5 ton chinese mini?

You need to compare in the same weight class.

Many years ago I added a 3pt backhoe to my little MF GC2300. It would dig and do some very light trench work but was a pain to work with. I converted it to a skid steer mount unit and it became much more handy but still rather limited trying to trench. A year and a 1/2 back I picked up a 1-ton gas powered micro-ex and it easily outperforms that backhoe attachment for general digging and trenching (I sold the hoe off). The limitations of the micro is being too light for stumping and too slow getting around. It is strictly a rare use machine for me. But it was dirt cheap and they can be found now for less than I paid.

If I had the money and I would buy a Chinese mini-ex at of least 3-ton for the diesel engine and more refined controls. You can find them now for under $20k in the US.

 

[steve tym]

Of course a 7500 lb mini is going to out perform a tractor backhoe. But does a 1.5 ton chinese mini?

I didn't mean to compare the two, just stating what I bought. Tractor backhoes are very limited in what they can do. However, as stated, they have no ground speed and you can't put a plate on them to go help a neighbor.