Re: Mini excavator

Posted by Mark NM on May 10, 2003 at 06:06:03 from (68.35.158.246):

In Reply to: Mini excavator posted by Dave on May 07, 2003 at 04:28:05:

I've had experience with various full size and mini backhoe/loader tractors, such as Terramite and Allmand. My choice of small backhoes is the biggest Terramite model. Allmands are typically underpowered. Currently own an old medium-size Massey Ferguson backhoe/loader tractor bought at auction for a fraction of what a small add-on backhoe attachment would cost. I looked for several years for 3 point backhoe attachments, and have never found any good deals either new or used. Shipping costs on something that heavy can be very significant, so "mail order" has not been a viable option. Most pros I have talked to, strongly recommend rigid mounts for backhoes instead of the 3 point mounting. Adding a hoe that hangs off the back of the tractor hitch can create stability problems, and can easily overload the hitch, especially when driven over rough terrain, etc.

I strongly suggest you run the numbers on rental units vs. purchase, and determine how much use you will require to get your money's worth out of an add-on unit. The local rental centers will rent a Terramite or Allmand mini backhoe/loader for about $135-155 per day, plus cost of a trailer if you don't have one. The best deal is that you can often rent over the weekend for the one-day rate, with any excess usage over 8 hours charged at about $8.00/hour. One can dig a whole lot of dirt over a weekend with one of these machines. The only time I've seen a real disadvantage power-wise is in extremely rocky ground with large boulders or when trying to break up concrete. The other huge advantage of the smaller machines is that they can be towed with a standard full size pickup and common flatbed trailer. A terramite can actually be carried in the bed of a 1-ton pickup. I've seen used rental Terramites in decent shape, sell for less than an add-on backhoe.

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