Thinking about a Mini-X ... ?

[Shawn T. W.]

Fit on the trailer. - you plan on moving often or are you thinking of hiring out? If the latter, check prices on insurance first, you may quickly rethink that plan.

Nope, neither.

But knowing the trucking industry quite well ... Trying to schedule delivery when I'm home, and they could deliver would be extremely tricky!

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I found this inspection video interesting ...

And this is a place nearby that Deere 17D that may do a pre-purchase inspection ... Heavy Equipment Repair Services in Colona, IL, Galesburg, IL & Quad Cities Area | B&B

 

[deezler]

So ... Would it be fair to say that a TLB and Mini-X would have the same digging power, if they were the same weight, (weight is the anchor the bucket pulls against?) but the Mini-X has much faster hydraulic flow, so can not only cycle faster, but can combine actions better?

I'm late here and didn't read all replies, but just to flag this one:

No, a mini-ex that is the same total weight as your compact TLB will dig WAY better and harder. And yes, much faster too. Tractor backhoes are just weaker, period. A tractor frame is not built strong enough to handle the full reaction forces of a comparably strong backhoe.

I have rented mini-ex's a few times, and then I bought my Kioti CK3510 with backhoe, and was pretty dissapointed with how weak it is. It can barely dig through tree roots, takes forever to get a stump out. Almost not worth even trying. And my Kioti is nearly 5000lbs with the front loader and backhoe mounted, actually sometimes I fill the front loader bucket with soil for another 1000lbs or so, and the backhoe still just kinda sucks. Better than a hand shovel, though.

 

[D'oh]

I chose a Mini Ex and a Stand On Skid, over a TLB for a few reasons

Small Lot so turning a TLB around would prove troublesome in many cases.

Dig a Pile, then 180 degree turn to move it. Or jump on the Mini Skid to move it?

360 degree of movement, not 35-45 degree with a Back Hoe. Not dirt so much as Branches, Stones, Outboard Motors, whatever.

I can tow a Trailer and Load Dirt with 1 Machine.

If I had a Tractor, I would use the 3 point hitch, more than the Hoe. Every time I need a Hoe, I would be switching, then switching back shortly.

 

[laurencen]

when I moved to the acerage, I purchased a Kioti CK20 or 224 anyway also got the backhoe, rough and finish mower and for some reason unknown a rear snowblower, used the tractor maybe 30 hours cut grass and dug roots and trenches for gas and water, it was slow, not comfertable and basically a pain in the neck first snow fall
I had a skidsteer but next year picked up a bobcat E32, now this runs circles around the tractor, I run augers, home made trenching buckets, 3 fot rake, tilt bucket and a breaker, its been a great machine yes its slow traveling any distance but runs circles around the tractor
the tractor was retired into the container figured I may need it, that was 8 years ago

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I'm not really worried about tight spaces ... This is my 16 acres, mostly all open ...

My backyard, the creek is just past the tractor ...

The front yard ...

By little TLB has 150° swing with the BH ..

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I see this, which seems like a lot more machine , but a bit past my proposed budget ... It looks like Hitachi actually makes the smaller Deere's ... But it's also quite about farther away ... Pushing 450 miles, one way!

 

[anomad]

letsdig18 did a good video a few years ago about what to look for with a used excavator. Many of the things apply to a mini also.

 

[Carl_NH]

That's a nice machine 1350 hours and a decent price. It looks good and clean too. 12" tracks, and 5400 lbs its a size you can do some work with. Richie specs https://www.ritchiespecs.com/model/hitachi-zx26u-5-mini-excavator

The only drawback is a 12" bucket - good for trenching but at that price you can add another one.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

The only drawback is a 12" bucket - good for trenching but at that price you can add another one.

Which leads me to another question ... Can I put a Deere bucket on a Kubota or Bobcat?

What is a good universal sized bucket for these 2-2.5 ton excavators?

 

[Carl_NH]

On buckets it depends; if its a quick change type, no as each brand has their own bucket QA setup. As for an ideal size, I feel 18" is a nice all around bucket width.

On the ZX26U they have there QA system Hitachi ZX26U Digging Bucket - 18" / 450mm

But you can buy or have the flanges cut and get a standard bucket and weld them on too.

If its not a QA setup - then its the pin diameter and stick width are the key dimensions to look for.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I was thinking of challenging testing my welding skills, and build a converter bracket to put some of my Massey Ferguson attachments on it ...

 

[4570Man]

Which leads me to another question ... Can I put a Deere bucket on a Kubota or Bobcat?

What is a good universal sized bucket for these 2-2.5 ton excavators?

If it’s a pinned bucket maybe. If it’s quick attach almost definitely not. Unlike skid steers excavator buckets have pretty much zero standardization. Even the same brand manufacture only shares maybe 2 size classes per bucket.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

On the Hitachi I showed above ...

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listing/for-sale/246903277/hitachi-zx26u-5n-mini-excavators

It shows these orange "extensions" on the blade, are they "steps"?

Seems like it's still a current model, which interests me, as it should have parts availability for longer ... But still under the 25 HP emissions requirement ... And I was wrong on the mileage, its only 250 miles away ... But I'd have to save up some more pennies!

There is this Deere D35 in the next town over from me, which I probably could arrange delivery on my schedule ... But I'm pretty sure it will have at least a tier 3 engine, which I don't want ... But I'm sure it's a good/better digger than it's little brother D17 ...
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listing/for-sale/255009573/2011-deere-35d-mini-excavators is the $2K extra for a thumb reasonable?

 

[anomad]

On the Hitachi I showed above ...

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listing/for-sale/246903277/hitachi-zx26u-5n-mini-excavators

It shows these orange "extensions" on the blade, are they "steps"?

View attachment 5604164

Seems like it's still a current model, which interests me, as it should have parts availability for longer ... But still under the 25 HP emissions requirement ... And I was wrong on the mileage, its only 250 miles away ... But I'd have to save up some more pennies!

View attachment 5604165

There is this Deere D35 in the next town over from me, which I probably could arrange delivery on my schedule ... But I'm pretty sure it will have at least a tier 3 engine, which I don't want ... But I'm sure it's a good/better digger than it's little brother D17 ...
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listing/for-sale/255009573/2011-deere-35d-mini-excavators is the $2K extra for a thumb reasonable?

Those are probably pockets for picking up a tool box or forks or something. Guys that do utility work will use boxes to haul their junk and sand for back-filling or whatever.

2k for the thumb sounds about right. If you get one without a thumb it might make sense to look at a Jawbone bucket or Graptor bucket. Those are AMI offerings, but there are other brands. They integrate the thumb and bucket into one piece.

 

[General Lee]

I had a BX23S with the backhoe. Similar to your little SCUT. When I was considering a mini-x I too wondered how it would compare to the hoe on my tractor. I got the Kubota U-27 and I can tell you there is absolutely ZERO comparison between the two. Even if it was the U-17, no comparison. the mini -x's will dig circles and circles around a mini TLB. You all be surprised at the strength these mini-x's have.

 

[dnw64]

On the Hitachi I showed above ...

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listing/for-sale/246903277/hitachi-zx26u-5n-mini-excavators

It shows these orange "extensions" on the blade, are they "steps"?

Seems like it's still a current model, which interests me, as it should have parts availability for longer ... But still under the 25 HP emissions requirement ... And I was wrong on the mileage, its only 250 miles away ... But I'd have to save up some more pennies!

If you really want a mini-x, I say you break the piggy bank that you put in the basement a while ago and get this one. Seems to be in excellent shape, almost exactly what you want and a reasonable price. As you know, those situations don't come up very often.

 

[Carl_NH]

The JD35 appears to run well, looks like the drive motor was replaced (orange) which is good, the bucket has play - bushings and new pins are needed. The seat needs to be replaced, and some TLC given to the JD 35 and it can be a nice unit for you.

BTW - $2K for a thumb addition is a good deal - so $22K for the JD35 delivered thumb and some new pins and bushings. BUT at 2600 hours it's getting to a point where it needs maintenance if running daily - for your use - it's likely one that will run a long time. It's 9K lbs so a more stout machine, but it needs some TLC.

It really depends, if you want to get in and go (which based on your driving and schedule you do), and for minimal repairs, the Hitachi 26 is a better condition low hour machine. Yes, you will need/want to add a thumb to the Hitachi too, and that will be $2K give or take.

I vote for the Hitachi 26 as its cleaner, lower hours, and better condition.