Backhoe’s

[DraxTheDad]

I’ve been shopping around for a backhoe, something that I can use for digging and moving material around.  I guess a tractor with a backhoe attachment would make the most sense.   Unfortunately price tag wise, $25k is a bit steep for someone who just wants to use it from time to time.   Was thinking of getting used, but anything that is $10k seems to always have a ton of problems.   Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

[10-Ring]

I think I tractor with a backhoe attachment or the way to go. A much cheaper option, that honestly I'm not crazy about at all, are the Harbor Freight tow behind backhoes. I didn't like the thought of having to get off the machine and reposition it with a truck every time it needs to be moved. Plus there is no way that thing has enough ass to dig anything other than soft dirt. All that said there is a Facebook page dedicated to them and they get great reviews by people who actually own them. 

Another option is a Chinese mini excavator. I know basically nothing about them other than they can be had for about $5k. But I imagine that with most any Chinese clone equipment you are rolling the dice, best case scenario. 

 

[DraxTheDad]

I have thought about the Chinese mini-excavator, but something about it makes me feel like it wouldn’t be good enough.  But I don’t really know.   I guess i should go to a store and see what they have to say about them.

I agree with the harbor freight stand alone, moving it around would be a pain in the butt.   That’s why I’m thinking Tractor with attachment, gives me the best of both worlds.   

[Darrell]

I bought my Branson (Korean origin, actually Kutje) tractor about 18 years ago, along with a backhoe attachment. The thing has been almost trouble free since I bought it. The one exception has been a head gasket that failed for an undetermined reason last summer, but repair was easy enough.  My tractor is 42 hp, which seems just about right for me. It's big enough to dig up fairly large stumps, and the FEL is rated to lift a ton. And it's small enough for me to drive between trees in woods.  I'd wanted a tractor for years before I finally bought one, and honestly, I waited far too long. 

I don't use mine for any kind of commercial work, but it seems like I used it for chores at least a couple times a week. It comes in handy for all kinds of things that you might not associate with a tractor, too. Last year I bought a used four-point automobile hoist, and I used the tractor to move heavy steel parts around, making installation FAR easier than it would otherwise have been. I bought a 6" chipper for it, and that really helps with keeping my property up. Apart from the loader and backhoe, you'll almost certainly want a box-blade, too. 

My advice would be to find a tractor you like and buy it. If you find it's not being used as much as you thought, you'll be able to sell it pretty easily and recover most or all of your money. (Assuming you buy used.) 

I've been looking around for a tracked skidsteer, and I suspect I'll find that I really needed it long ago, just like the tractor. 

Edited 2 hours ago by Darrell

[gregintenn]

My experience has been you get what you pay for.

[res308]

I really don’t know why I waited so long to get a tractor. When I got ready for one, a friend of mine sold me his 50 horse Massey Ferguson with front bucket, big box blade, and a backhoe attachment. I am very thankful for that backhoe.
I know I won’t be able to do as much work as a full size backhoe, but it’s just right for what I need. I love that thing. 

Edited 58 minutes ago by res308