JD 110 Backhoe- any recommendations?
I’ve been thinking about getting something like this for farm use and some land maintainance use, some demo, etc.
Anyone have one, used one? Like it? Not like it?
Since you can detach the backhoe and add a mower, etc seems like it would be good on a small farm.
Any feedback on this idea?
“Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine.” -Charlton Heston.
Edited 6/13/2008 12:24 am by intrepidcat
Replies
I can't offer any advice, but I'd gladly take it for a test drive for you. :D
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Thanks but I'd have to buy one first.
I need to tear down some old delapidated farm buildings and then have a tractor to use on some projects like fences, culverts, road maint. , rocks and stumps, etc.
Seems like an ideal machine but I wanted to tap the collective wisdom of BT for recommendations.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston. My job here is to see that you take your medicine.
You can find many uses for one on a small farm and may find that you wish you had a full size one. I do not regret getting a backhoe one bit.
Mine (Case) is not a very simple operation to remove the hoe to add an attachment, just make sure it has a PTO. Here in Idaho 4x4, cab is very nice for moving snow but you probably miss out on that enjoyment.
Do you have a John Deere dealer close by for parts/service? That would influence my decision.
At any rate, as my cousin told me once when I was trying to decide on a new revolver, he just said "buy it already!"
Aaron
The reason this appeals to me more than a 'full size" is they say it can be hauled fairly easy with a 3/4 ton truck and good trailer.
That way I can move it to some other places without too much expense.
I saw the guy remove the hoe and it was pretty easy.
Ever use yours to demo a building?
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
Not yet! (Demo a building) dug ditches/culverts, water hydrants, septic tanks, sewer lines, buried propane tanks, small foundation, moves tons of snow and dirt (bucket float works great for back grading backfill) even dug right through a power line just last week by accident (not recommended for beginners LOL) backfilled sewer trench after figuring out how to fix power line (still working on this)
Good point on the transportation issue.
Edited 6/13/2008 1:27 am by CRF
They should work pretty good digging up stumps?
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
I see a lot of hoes in that size range here, usually Kubotas though.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Yeah, I'm going to compare to those when I get ready to buy.
I have a JD dealer and a Kubota dealer close enough.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
I don't know much about either one, but do know that Kubota makes both a "commercial or industrial" tractor as well as a "farm" tractor of about the same size. Guys here all use the commercial version.
I imagine JD has a similar set of models.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
I have a smaller version. The backhoe and loader come off so I can attach a lawnmower, landscape rake, box blade, tiller...great for drainage, gravel driveway maintenance, etc. I wouldn't want to dig a foundation with it that's for sure.
It's small enough to tow in my 14ft dump trailer. I've used it in jobs for sono tube holes (ever try digging a post hole by hand in Vermont glacial till and clay?) and I hire out to do some work for homeowners.
Check out tractorbynet.com more tractor info than you'll ever need. And some of the brand loyalty wars put the ez/festool drama to shame!
-Norm
i remember reading somewhere once about the advantages of the smallest tool that will do the job, and the mistake many make by getting the drill/saw/hammer/backhoe that is too big for what they really need, but they just liked the idea of having the big one in case they get to use it for something big.
The backhoe you showed a picture of isn't the same as a "farm tractor" - The backhoe doesn't come off easily, and there's no 3 point hitch. (Unless I'm mistaken - Newer models may be different)
Compact tractors certainly are handy, and you can get a lot of attachments for them. But most of the comments I've heard about add-on backhoe attachments have been that they're weak and slow. You're better off with a real backhoe if that's what you need.
As for size - There are all sorts of sizes of compact tractors. I wouldn't suggest anything less than 30 HP. That way you have something big enough to actually DO something with. some of the smaller ones are very light in weight and under powered. Sometimes you need power if you're mowing heavy stuff, or something like that.
You know I can't leave the brand alone without comment.
(-:
Obviously you need to steer away from that green brand. They're kinda like the NY Yankees - Over priced and don't necessarily perform well.
What you should MOST be concerned with is dealer support. The brand doesn't matter when it's down and you can't get parts for it.
Naturally, we want pictures no matter what ya buy.
Unless it's that one particular brand....
""Unless it's that one particular brand...."" LOL
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
I was thinking the same thing!
I was hoping you'd say something about the green brand.
This thing is supposed to be a 43 HP engine with 31 hydraulic HP.
This is one thing I thought would be good: it takes any skid steer attachment on the front.
and "Backhoe detaches quickly allowing use of regular tractor implements requiring 3-PT hitch and rear PTO"
also - Optional 7th function backhoe hydraulics power popular attachments like breakers and augers; hydraulic "thumb" also available
I am still interested in your objections to JD as a brand. I'm sure you have expressed them and I have just not heard them but if you care to expand on that I'd like to know.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
I bought a Kubota backhoe because it had three point hitch as well.I havent had the hoe off the tractor but Ive sure used it a lot. Id hate to be without it .
I bought a 48tlb . IM torn as I might should have bought a new 39tlb which is a little lighter . The 48 weighs in a 10,000 lbs. Its a little heavy for a pickup. Ive used a 21 a lot as thats what I used to rent . They are slow and unpractical to be serious , but they are sure handy to haul around .
In this class of machines its good to note that any size will get it done almost but it depends on how much time you have to do it . It takes a long time to get it done with a 21 but if you were just going to dig a short ditch then they are in their element to switch to another site which makes them popular to plumbers.
I cant comment on the 39 too much but I know its pretty efficient for its size . Ive ran one twice.
Everyone told me that I needed 50 hp for an all around mid range tractor to bush hog and I needed the weight and power to load . Ive operated full size backhoes quite a bit . The 48 is of course 4wd so its very close to a full size 2wd. The added drive makes up for some off weight of a full size tractor. Other than size of loader bucket its very close to a 2wd full size. In wet conditions it will beat a 2wd of course and doesnt break the ground as bad. Used 2wds full sized tractors are cheaper used however. My 48 had quick disconnects to the backhoe and front bucket . I have removed the front bucket and its a snap. 1 minute . Sometimes a tractor needs the weight of the front end and somtimes its needs the bucket off for getting around in small areas bush hogging.
Ive got a steep hill that needs hogged several times a year . It needs the added weight on the front end . I havent done it yet but I cleared the hill side with the tractor. It needs weight on the front end .
On a farm or uncleared property its the cats meow. My 48 will clear property very well as its surprizing . Normally anything 4 inches down its a bull dozer which does most of it except stable trees. The backhoe and a chain saw takes care of those .
I save the hoe on big trees . Ive learned that a 55 gallon drum will put a stove around a stump and burn it out under ground with about three loads of wood . I position brush piles over them too. On jobs that has a lot of trees I cut the trees for firewood and leave the stumps for a stump grinder . Its cheaper to rent one of those if you can work it all day in one location or hire it done . I learned I can hire it done for 10 bucks a stump if Ive got a lot of them. I wont put my tractor through it for that .
Ive demolished one building and Im going to do another next week with the hoe. Its quicker but you still have to do somthing with the mess . I dug a septic tank size hole and buried it . You can get a house down in a day with one in a burn pile . Takes more than a day to get rid of it .
Youll find you will need a dump truck next so get ready for it . At least a one ton .
Tim
Edited 6/13/2008 10:06 am by Mooney
Thanks for the helpful advice. I'm really going to compare the Kubota to the JD because I have access to dealers of each brand.
One guy I know just bought a large Kubota tractor as an additional and he said the JD of the same size was a lot more money.
Havent loked at the Kubota TLB's that much yet so your info is good help. May need to get back with you on some specifics after I look more.
Your 48 is bigger than the JD I'm considering. Kubota at 10,000 lbs and the JD is 7,500. The JD has 4WD.
There is a lot of clean up to do on this place. One old building is on the ground and another is close. Ater I get the tin removed and stacked in the standing building and all the junk metal picked up and hauled off I intend to start on the wooden frame structures. Knocking down, piling up and burning.
The pit idea had occured to me but it's good validation that you have already tried and recommend it.
This is going to take some time and I'm not getting paid to get in and get out so that's why I'm thinking about renting one ( or maybe try out several brands) and then deciding what to buy. Take my time to get what is really best within my price range. The JD looks like it'll be about $30-$35K new. Haven't seen any used as they are kinda new on the market with this model.
Had the DW with me when I stopped by a dealer, 'just looking' -and the salesman was asking questions and I almost dropped my jaw when I heard her make a comment about how much we "need one". I didn't realize it was going to be that easy.
One thing I would like you to elaborate on if you would is about using it to demo the house. Any tips you can share would be apreciated. Use the bucket or hoe more? Did you have a thumb? Grapple on the bucket?
Details, details, please.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
You can buy a nice used real machine for half of what you're talking.
My BIL bought a little Kubota with a hoe, he likes it and his wife loves it, BUT, I think it would take forever to do any serious digging with it. He paid $26K I think, but he's not mechanical so afraid to get a used anything.
There are lots of used machines out there, rent a big one and try it. For $30 -$35K you could buy a paid of used Case hoes that are still good workers. Towing something as heavy as the small one won't be much fun.
Joe H
The towing thing is just from a convenience standpoint. I have some other nearby ( about 25 miles away) property that could use some work and I don't want to have to pay to move it everytime.
It'll mostly be at the farm though. For now.
I have thought about used and I'm not much of a mechanic either. That's the kind of perspective I wanted when I posted this though.
If I come across agood used one it'll probably be mine a lot sooner than the new one wil be.
I'm getting more desirious of a TLB just going through this thread already.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
You can buy a nice used real machine for half of what you're talking
Agree 100%, except maybe change the half to 1/4?? <G>
Bought my Ford hoe off craigslist for $6000 3 years ago (after some bargaining). Had $800 worth of new tires and about 30% of hoses new, guy was fixin' it up but needed cash. Have seen good Case and CAT full sized hoes than need minimal fixup as low as $8K.
A few hundred more worth of new hoses and ready to go.
BTW, best online source for hydraulics I've found is surpluscenter.com (20-30% lower prices than Northern), used to be that Prince had a closeout site that was best but they discontinued that last year.
All the replies mean well but some of them haven't done the research you already have done . When people hear quota they think toy . The first ones were only 21 hp.
They don't understand the pto and three point hitch and the quick change features.
What ever you do don't get a farm tractor and settle for an attachment backhoe. nononono You'll be sick , very sick.
A big backhoe is a better buy . You can get more backhoe for you money but you wont ever have a tractor out of it . Never! All you will have is a backhoe .
I use the rear bucket to tear down like a huge crow bar . I remove the siding , windows , etc, down to the studs and work my way around the house cleaning up the area. Once its down to the studs you can push it over and start tearing up the roof the same way. I use kids , normally 2 to 4 of them. They think its cool. I use kids a lot . My insurance covers them and with me looking at them sitting on the tractor I can direct pretty good.
Any building you can put the bucket on the roof , you can just crush it . Storage size buildings are done in 30 minutes. Once you get a pile push it where ya want it .
What some don't know is that houses are always by stuff you don't want burned . Buildings too. Id set a match to one to if I didn't care what was around it.
The thumb and the grapple bucket is something I've really considered doing . You could virtually clean up an entire place and not get out of the tractor seat. I've thought about it many hours on end. You need it on both ends. I would need to be hired out to justify it . If it was done though no one would be competing with me. No one for hire or rent has that capability.
Tim
What exatly is that back hoe you have? I'd like to look it up for comparison.
Here is a link to the JD I've been looking at.
http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/GC/servlet/com.deere.u90785.cce.productcatalog.view.servlets.ProdCatProduct?pNbr=111BLV&tM=GC
View Image"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
Ive got the TLB48 Kubota.
http://www.kubota.com/f/products/l48.cfm
Its the biggest backhoe in the Kubota line .
Like I said , people are normaly thinking about the toy tractors that arent even in the TLB line . The TLB line is industrial. It has the beefed up frames underneath and they stay put . The backhoe clips on the frame , not a three point hitch.
Sounds like Im bragging but Im really trying not to. <G>
What I like about it more than anything is the automatic drive off the foot. Your foot leaves the pedal it stops . I had a friend killed bush hogging dragged off . It would not have happened on this tractor. Also like the rops . Its stout and provides shade . It would stand up to a turn over. Another old friend killed last year bush hogging where the tractor flipped over and pinned him. He ran out of air thats all. Had him mashed but nothing was broken. What Im fixing to mention is the best feature to this tractor ; Its the automatic drive again. While sitting in the backhoe position you can reach back and grab the floor pedal. On level ground while digging you can move with the backhoe which is ok if you dont have to reset by shifting the transfer to neutral which is right beside your butt . On a hill side with a manual tractor it would be unsafe to move with the bucket while digging. You would need to spin around and drive the tractor then set. Not with this tractor . You touch the pedal and she moves forward or backward and when you release the pedal its set making it safe to dig on a hillside.
The only thing bad about it is you have to slow down to nearly a stop to switch to one of three ranges . When you switch the tractor is out of gear becasue theres a neutral in the transfer of ranges and you must go past it best I remember . I dont do it on a hill . You could get a kid killed or your wife running it down the road on a hill if they did it. Dangerous feature . You have to climb the hill in a selected gear or stop and set the brake . Stopping on a hill means it has to be in 1rst range which is only a walk. So you have to judge the hill wich is normally 2ond. It moves out however down the road about 35mph in high range which is the only thing its good for I can figgure .
Tim
That's a great link. Thanks.
That TLB is definately a contender in my book.
That operation of moving with the bucket must be what JD calls 'creep to reposition'.
I intend to find out more about that feature, sounds handy.
These are definately not toys - either one.
I bought a book on operating TLB's to get oriented before I rent one and the first third of the book is designed to make you afraid of the machine tipping over or crushing you.
Have you ever had any close calls with tipping?
I've got some hilly areas to mow but the buildings I'll be demoing are on real level ground."Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
Nothing really except I was the one who found out about the tractor going backwards while I was going up a hill trying to change to low range. I was used to the machine I didnt have to think about it . I breaked it and dropped the from bucket at the same time . The break wouldnt completely stop it but the bucket did . It didnt run away or anything but if my kid or my wife had been on it I doubt they would have known what to do. I let my boy drive it on level ground . Its safe there for a kid to run.
I cleared a hillside . About 3 acres that most of the places on it I cant turn sideways with the hoe . A friend said as long as I have the hoe on I could position the hoe up hil and do it . So I tried it and it worked. Im not sure it will brush hog that hill sideways with the hoe off but I dont need to. I can back down the hill and pull back up it becasue I cleared every foot of it . Im not even sure if it will need the bucket on the front .
I used the hoe all over that hillside on rocks and stumps so I got really used to digging on the side of that hillside. I was so proud to have that feature. Its safe . The other type tractor would have taken a lot longer setting it and moveing it then resetting .
I went to the funeral of my old friend . There was a lot of talk about it then. The county judge said there was a level you can buy for a tractor . Since then Ive seen one . Im trying to remember . It was like 12 or 18 degrees and it goes into red dial . It looks like a small thermometer but the needle sticks straight up and of course has the same measuements to each side . Then someone said they were on Ebay and some one else said you could buy them at a tractor store. I plan on buying one . It mounts flat on the dash area. Judge says he has his on the bottom glass of his speedometer. Sounds like a good place.
Tim
Edited 6/15/2008 11:15 am by Mooney
Inclinometer is what you are talking about.http://www.tiltmeter.com/http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/kb13/ans_hillsides.htmAlso called slope indicators/sensors and tilt indicators/sesnors.Here is an application of an electronic version to level and safety lifts.http://www.liftandaccess.com/index.php?id=1340.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Thanks BIll.
Sounds like your experience even on a hillside has been pretty safe. That makes me feel better about that aspect.
That inclinometer you and Hartman talk about sounds like a good idea.
Most of the work I'l have is on level ground except some mowing. Maybe a little clearing but not much.
Thanks again for all your input on the TLB in general and the Kubota.
I looked up the comparison chart between the 48 and the KD110 and there isn't much difference. Kubota has some edge in engine HP but the JD seems to have an edge in hoe breakout force. Not sure if either one is enough to give that particular machine a real advantage.
May just come down to price, personal preferance and dealer support.
Thanks again for the help.
I'll be renting one in a while to see just what I can do with it and I'll post an update.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
This is a pretty cool site Bill posted.
http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/kb13/ans_hillsides.htm
If my son ever leaves I might have to have one of those remote mowers. <G>
The tractor you posted looks like a Kubota TLB look alike.
The terimite is only a a back hoe and its not very heavy like bill said. They do make some bigger ones like full size .
You might outta buy what you looking at instead of a Kubota. Everytime I mention Kubota people think I have a toy. Doesnt bother me unless I had it for hire . You might think about that .
Heres somting else to think about and IM not pulling for Kubota.
I went to the city and county buildings and asked what they ran and what was best .
It was Kubota by a strong margin. The judge said its the only tractor that will hold up in its size class . The run side arm hogs with the 48kubota. He said that tractor is very stout . Of course it is at that weight .
Tim
Everytime I mention Kubota people think I have a toy. Doesnt bother me unless I had it for hire . You might think about that .
Doesn't bother me as long as it does what I need it to do.
I've got a friend who has a large Kubota farm tractor, cab A/C and all. So I've considered them in the back of my mind but just kind of liked the JD.
I'll definately give both of them a close look before I spend that much money. Plus renting some type of TLB to get a real feel if it will do what I need.
I really hope it does because it seems like just what I need.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
Yes it is. I've got to go through that site a lot closer.
That expands on what the book was saying about operating on unlevel ground as far as a TLB but this site is more geared to tractors.
Very good info.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
Well, I got the JD 110. Delivered yesterday. Just in time for the tax break this year.
I'll try to post a pic, but no guarrantee.
That thing is fun.
Every car, truck and tractor in America should run on natural gas- it's the future.
>>>The thumb and the grapple bucket is something I've really considered doing . You could virtually clean up an entire place and not get out of the tractor seat. I've thought about it many hours on end. You need it on both ends. I would need to be hired out to justify it . If it was done though no one would be competing with me. No one for hire or rent has that capability. <<<
I thought about it too from that standpoint. Maybe getting one for my own use and learning with it that way then doing some freelance work for others.
I'd really like to hear your thoughts on that subject, please.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
We have a lot of trees here and brush. We get a lot of rain and its a very warm climate so we have a very long growing season. We have a zazillion briars and honey suckle along with new tree sprouts I dont know all the names. We have one little tree that will grow from scratch in the spring till fall 8 ft high. Those are the real pos. The sprouts cut easily and doze either one with the F bucket. However it makes a real mess . I normally gather them loose and sweep them in a pile like a push broom with the front bucket if I have room. Other wise I snatch them outta holes in the trees say with the backhoe which is slow . A grapple would carry them across a yard if needed .
Cutting firewood ;
A grapple on front would grab the brush and stack it and also pick the firewood up and load it on a trailer .
Light logging ; a grapple or a thumb on the hoe would load logs and carry them. By your self !
They have a rock grapple for the front that will pick up rocks and stumps with out getting off . We have a trazillon rocks . <G>
A grapple will really grap anything it can pick up and hold . The rock one will load scrap lumber , roofing , and tin off the ground. Its a big pitch fork with a holder on the top that gathers in. It will move a boulder into it.
They have buckets with out sides too with grapples.
The tractor Ive got uses bobcat buckets so it doesnt have to be Kubota. Theres all kinds of different buckets for different uses plus loading stuff such as pallet forks and hay booms.
Tim
Like Ron said, get a full size machine if you can, bigger the better in my experience.
My neighbor has a little Kubota toy that is fine for gardening, he's 85 and sold his full sized hoe an' dozer cause as he said with a grin: "my neighbor has 'em if I need'em"
mine is a Ford 4500, not that big but it would take a whole day to take the backhoe off.
...... No one has mentioned it yet but a hoe without a hydraulic thumb is only good for digging holes. Having a good thumb increased the usefulllness 100% IMO. esp if you are going to tear down some old delapidated farm buildings
Thanks for weighing in on this.
I recall you saying once that a full size back hoe was the one thing that helped you the most so I was looking forward to your input.
Most of the building has already fallen down so I'll only need to knock down some if it and scoop it into a pile or ( I like Mooneys idea here) dig a hold and push it into to burn it.
I looked at grapples for the bucket and am aware of the thumb but haven't priced them yet.
Would you think a bucket grapple or a thumb would be better?"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
Would you think a bucket grapple or a thumb would be better
The hoe has lots more powerful hydraulics than the bucket. The hoe with thumb will let your grandkids crush a car, lift rocks bigger than they are tall, pull 10" stumps (full size, have seen a BIG track hoe pull a 4 ft dia green fir stump in one chomp), etc. Have lifted and stacked 20 foot 12" dia fir logs with the thumb. Proably could do the log stack with the bucket grapple, but not as fast. Power on a hoe loader is minimal, if I were to build a bucket grapple, it would only be for a track loader that has much more powerful bucket hydraulics in proportion to a tractor loader.
I welded up my thumb from steel scrap and needed about $300 worth of parts (cyl, valve, some extra hose) to finish it.
I posted some pix of the thumb on previous threads, out of town right now so dont have those pix to post again.
The one item I passed up years ago was a big TD track hoe/loader. $5000, but weighed 30,000# so not very 'portable', but had 4-1 bucket plus thumb on the hoe.
Yeah, that track loader would be best. I saw one in the paper in San Antonio for about $15,000 that looked good in the pictures they had. Never went to see it on site.
Some really great information and recommendations are coming out on this.
I appreciate them all.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
I've spent some time digging swimming pools, foundations, pulling stumps with full sized backhoes. The popular Case 580 series is a good example.
That's the size I'd get for any kind of serious work. Anything smaller and you'll spend all day, digging out one stump or one big rock. Even a 580 is a bit small for excavating a full basement. It'll do it OK but it takes time.
I'd call or visit some local excavating contractors and equipment sales places, ask them what's under the ground in your area and what machine they'd recommend.
If digging is secondary or occasional you'd probably be better off getting a farm tractor with a standard rear PTO and hitch. You can do a lot of work with that kind of machine and a few implements.
Switching implements is as easy as pulling some pins, repositioning the tractor and replacing the pins. Everything is visible to the operator at all times so it's a one man job.
A simple rear scraper blade will maintain a driveway with ease. The day after a heavy rain, a couple of passes will have everything smoothed out again nicely.
You can always rent a full sized backhoe for a day or a week when you need one. That way you can have some fun operating the hoe once in a while, without having a lot of money tied up in a machine that needs to be protected and maintained.
In any event, I'd start by renting a full sized hoe for a day, to do that demo job and anything else that you've got in mind to try. Operating that machine will tell you what you want to know about what will work for you.
Edited 6/13/2008 1:10 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter
I do intend to rent one first. haven't sen any JD 110's for rent in the area but will probably try a 'full size' like that Case or whatever is available.
These JD 110's are supposed to be pretty easy to disconnect the hoe and connect other attachments. But on most others I've looked at it seems the hoe is not really designed to be removed.
You brought up what is perplexing me the most - TLB vs regular farm tractor.
I was at first considering a skid steer for the demo and then just selling it and getting a tractor but the idea of a TLB came up in conversation with a friend and that looks like a good possibility.
Thanks for the help.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
If you rent a back hoe for the demo, try to find one with the "extend-a-hoe" feature. That's a sliding arm on the last section of the hoe, nearest the bucket. It adds about six feet to the total reach, when fully extended.
Using that feature will allow you to reach quite high and/or far away from where you're seated. As you must pull the building toward you to knock it down, the sliding arm becomes pretty significant in making progress safely and easily.
I'd also look for a solid cab or ROPS, roll over protection, to keep you safe from falling debris.
A fairly long chain would be the best/safest way to pull down a problem area. I'd also have a reliable chain saw on hand.
Edited 6/13/2008 8:59 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter
Very good points. I'm covered on the chain saws.
What I'm thinking is a bucket with a grapple with an open bottom to the bucket, like a rock bucket so it would slide under the debris after it gets knocked down.
I may have to get a used TLB just to afford all the grapples, thumbs, hammers etc that I might need.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
All those features are nice to have but if you aren't near a large city it's not likely you'll find a rental with any of them on it.
If you use a hoe to pull down an old farm building, it's going to break it up pretty well. After that you only need to push the debris together before burning it.
Another possibility might be burning it as it stands. Contact the local volunteer FD to see if they'd be interested in standing watch on it. Of course a monetary donation to the FD is appropriate and expected.
You'll probably need a burning permit anyway, so this would be a good time to discuss the entire project with the FD's chief or assistant chief.
As part of your self education, take some time to look at small farm tractors with three point hitch and PTO, the size that will handle your basic chores...mowing and pushing dirt around.
There are probably one or two of them available in your area, used, from private sellers...older ones with very low hours on the hobbs meter...for bargain prices. That's because there are always some guys who only use their tractors for a few hours each month.
Small farm tractors haven't changed much in fifty years so newer ain't necessarily better, not according to farmers near me. Sometimes it's the opposite.
I've thought about the regular farm tractor route but this JD TLB appeals to me as it seems better equiped from the hoe standpoint to do the demo I need, as far as I can tell so far.
There are used tractors mostly two wheel drive all over craigs list and driving down the highways you see 'em everywhere with for sale signs.
Just haven't seen any used TLB's sitting around. That might be telling me something?
Some dealers have some but they are high as new it seems.
I did see one JD110 on craigs list that sounded like a desperate need to get rid of something he could no longer afford. Take over payments kind of thing. Gone in a few hours.
I won't even think about burning the buildings in place. The VFD in this area I would not depend on to keep it under control if anything got away. I will do some burning but very small piles or in a hole. Very carefully.
I've had fire almost get away from me before. Put the fear into me.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
Unless this is a BIG barn, any farm building demo with a full sized backhoe shouldn't take more than one day, even with a first time operator at the controls.
I've seen a two story, four unit apartment building pulled down in a couple of hours, then broken up and loaded in dump trucks.
The hoe can be used to break up sections of wall, laying on the ground, into workable chunks.
It's all about the size and strength of the machine's engine, frame and hydralics.
Edit: I know about the itch to buy a machine. It goes back to childhood for many of us. I've talked about it with a number of small excavating contractors over the years. We've always gotten a good chuckle from admitting how much we needed to scratch that itch, to own and operate a backhoe or dozer, even both.
I've dealt with that itch by renting a machine when I need one. It's not as gratifying as owning one seems to be, but my rational mind keeps reminding me about the cost vs. the amount of use I'd get out of it annually.
So here's one more thought from the rational mind; a good used farm tractor will only cost about ten percent of what you'd spend on that new JD. It'll satisfy most of the itch while taking care of all your chores, except the occasional digging.
If you make a list of the digging that you need to do, then rent a full sized backhoe for a day, once every few months, you'll be able to scratch the itch completely with a machine which has serious power and digging capability.
Edited 6/14/2008 8:48 am by Hudson Valley Carpenter
>>I know about the itch to buy a machine. It goes back to childhood for many of us. <<
A few weeks ago I saw an article in USAToday about a place on Colorado where you can go and for a daily fee operate ( play around with) bulldozers, back hoe, skid steers, all kinds of stuff. Can't find a link now, of course.
The 'itch' you mention is pretty ubiquitous.
I could put off the 'itch' but it's a "real need" to get something eventually to clean up this place, even according to the DW. So, you know that makes it official.
Great advice.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
I could put off the 'itch' but it's a "real need" to get something eventually to clean up this place, even according to the DW. So, you know that makes it official.
I appreciate the need as well as the itch. The great thing about having a real need is that it allows me to rent a specialized machine for a day, to do just that job.
It's like to that adult play pen in Colorado but with a practical justification. Having the best machine for each job makes renting more fun than owning, in my experience.
I've had some real fun on skid steers and small dozers with three way blades, rented for one day. Did a lot of work with them in a short time and became a pretty fair operator too.
If you can hold off on making a decision about what to buy, long enough to rent a full sized backhoe for a day, I believe you'll discover for yourself what most of those offering advice here have said about that type of machine.
Good thread, thanks to your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the subject.
I'm definately taking the advice to rent one for a time. Maybe more than a day.
I'll have to buy something but I'm taking time to see waht I really "need" and what I can get 'buy' with.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
"Small farm tractors haven't changed much in fifty years...."
I don't agree at all.
The engines are far better, hydraulics are much better, and the transmissions are much better.
The only thing they haven't improves is the 3 point hitch.
Q: Why are blondes so easy to get into bed?
A: Who cares?
Ron,
I'll add one more thing. The main reason I sold 2 of my Masseys was that they were not 4 wheel drive. To me a 2 wheel drive tractor with a loader is about worthless and becomes somewhat of a fairweather tractor. Love my Kubota and still have Dad's 58 Massey for dry days (last year wasn't it?)
Most of the new compact tractors are bulletproof. I've got a buddy with the yellow JD110 and he likes the versatility of tractor and backhoe. If I didn't have a dedicated TLB then I might consider something like that in orange. I looked at the green ones before I bought orange and they were not even in the same class. I was leaning that way anyway because of buying American until the salesman told me that there wasn't much of the green one made in the US. Heck, I think the Kubota was more mainland made than the green ones. In all fairness,I did not demo the yellow Deeres.John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
Ron, you left out the qualifier in my statement, "not according to farmers near me".
The OP has a couple of aims in mind one of which is to do some mowing. Given that's his main chore, I believe he can easily do the job with almost any small tractor with a hitch and a PTO, built in the last fifty years.
Having occasionally run my neighbor's flat head Ford 8N tractor from the late forties, with a Bush Hog attached, I'd be happy to recommend that reliable old machine for such work, even though it's sixty years old.
I'm just pointing out that he doesn't need to spend a lot of money to get a good tractor for his needs.
As regards what's the best bang for the buck in farm equipment of any kind, I'm far from qualified to offer an opinion.
Construction equipment is easier for me to evaluate.
Edited 6/14/2008 2:03 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter
There is a good argument for having an older less expensive tractor like an 8N around just to pull a shredder or farm trailer.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
like an 8N
Yeah, that's the operative part of that suggestion. Although parts are still available for those old guys, I suspect that many of them are now considered fashionable antiques by their owners, even though some others are still in use.
I've had good luck finding something like a small farm tractor or a dump truck, just by stopping at one of my neighbor's farms and asking him if he knows of anyone who might be looking to sell such an item.
It's not uncommon for someone to keep a machine in the barn for years, thinking that they might need it, never selling it until someone comes along looking for one.
I have several motorcycles in storage that qualify in that category, relatively low mileage too. If someone were to offer me a fair price, I'd get up and go find the title and registration.
You might end up on a little goose chase but you'd meet some good people and learn something worth knowing, that much I'll guaranty.
It's not uncommon for someone to keep a machine in the barn for years, thinking that they might need it, never selling it until someone comes along looking for one.
Kind of like my boat. Just haven't had anyone asking to buy it. But it will go in the water again.....I hope.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
My buddy has one of these machines that was purchased new. I've run it several times and it performs ok considering the size. It hasn't had any problems in the two years or so that he's had it. My thoughts are that the bigger machines are much nicer to run and don't seem like you're running a toy. If I had my choice of machines to purchase I would definitely go with a full size used machine over the 110 for the same amount of money.
I am curious what you used the TLB for when you ran it and what the guy usually does with it. Has he done any building demo with it?
Good point about the size and that does concern me.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
I'm no expert on these, but we've used small backhoes a few times in the last few months. One that they rent around here is called the Terramite.
I haven't been impressed. Like others have said, it took a good chunk of the day to dig out one decent sized tree stump (~16 inch diameter), and there was lots of 4 letter words spoken that day too. Same thing with digging a foundation - real slow progress. Originally took the small machine so I could tow it. After the clutch was gone in the truck and needed to be replaced, I started getting it delivered.
I could have had one about a year ago for 16K, but that's a lot of rentals...
All points to be considered.
Don K.
EJG Homes
Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
I think those Terrimites are smaller - at least the ones I've seen.
Mooney had a good idea on the stumps too about putting a barrel around them and burning them out.
Sounds like a lot of fun anyway.
"Coming to recognize you are wrong is like coming to recognize you are sick. You feel bad long before you admit you have any of the symptoms and certianly long efore you are willing to take your medicine." -Charlton Heston.
The teramite is a POS. Now the one that rented was mechically a POS, but even at that it was near worthless.Rented a mini-track excavator for the digging and it did a great job.But I need to haul some gravel for backfill and to spread out and smooth the dirt.No weight in the front and it could do the lightest scraping with the bucket..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
A long time ago I had a Case I liked.But newer stuff is probably much better. I didn't have it long because I couldn't justify it. I didn't use it enough plus someone paid me more than I paid for it and I sold it. Then I would borrow it back for a day or two.