Dougster

One of the main focuses of my business this spring is what I should do to increase my backhoe digging capability. I ran into some limitations in digging power last season with the Bradco 509 that almost sent me running to the equipment rental places looking for something stronger. With a little creativity, I did make it through, but it was clear that I could have benefited greatly by having a stronger machine. Along those lines, I have been shopping for:

1) All possible upgrade modifications to my current TLB,
2) A stronger compact TLB that could replace my current machine,
3) A used 3.5 metric ton mini-excavator to add to my "fleet", or
4) A used full-size backhoe to add to the "fleet"

Focusing today on Item 3, I've had a lot of trouble evaluating the wisdom of adding a used 3.5 metric ton mini-ex to the fleet. In general, I am looking for a machine not over 5 years old nor showing more than 2,000 hours of use. A cab is nice, but not essential. A thumb is essential, but can be added later.

I'd appreciate any input or guidance anyone can offer in regard to brand names, specific models and relative digging power in this class of machine. Published numbers are all over the place and I've been informed regarding how manufacturers can "cook the books" to make their arm and bucket digging force specs appear better on paper.

In particular, I am looking for the brand and model machine that will give me the proverbial "best bang for the buck" Is it the infamous Bobcat 331? Or the Yanmar VIO 35-3? or the IHI? the Kobelco? the CAT 303? the Kubota KX91-3? Capital cost means a lot to me because I can't finance right now... so more costly machines will tend to mean older versions of same.

Any and all useful input is greatly appreciated!

Dougster

MTPockets

I dunno, but I think I have to come over to play!

Joel

2005, Cub Cadet 2544
Tractors of the past:
Yard Machines 600 series transmatic crap
1992 John Deere GT262
1970? JD 110

Dougster

I am always looking for good, cheap operators!

Dougster

MTPockets

Haha! Thanks Doug. I dunno about good.

2005, Cub Cadet 2544
Tractors of the past:
Yard Machines 600 series transmatic crap
1992 John Deere GT262
1970? JD 110

PaulChristenson

GOOD and CHEAP...not in the same breath...unless it spoken in a foreign language...

Paul in VT

I used to own an ant farm but had to give it up. I couldn't find tractors small enough to fit it.
-- Steven Wright

Dougster

Just trying to put a man to work Paul! But with my wallet, he *does* have to be good AND cheap!!!

Dougster

Kennyd

Welcome to MU Doug

I have quite a few hours in two different mini-ex's, and after having used them, I don't think I would want to use a tractor mounted BH. The shear maneuverability of them is amazing. The thought of having to get out of the BH seat, then mount the tractor seat repeatedly is a real turn off to me. I know the "real" TLB's (JD110, Kubota M39) can just turn/flip over the seat but...Also have the tractor there to move dirt with the FEL is a real timesaver also.

Most of my time is in a small JD mini that is superb to use. I also have a few hours in a Gehl unit, but I heard that parts/service may be a problem with them.

My vote is to get a JD, Kubota, CAT, or Bobcat model that has good support.

John Deere 4110HST
FEL, MMM, FEL Forks (homemade),I-Match, Ballast Box, #380 plow (modified to fit) Markham LD-48 Grapple, and lots of other STUFF.

Ducati996

Garrabo has posted some great info on the Kubota KX-91 series which
would be right up anybodys alley

New to the Fold: Kubota L39 w/grapple, pallet forks, BH QA buckets, and more!
JD 2520, 210Cx, 46BH, 60" Box Blade-Mid West, 52" Mid West aerator, 52" first choice Tiller, 5' Fontier blade, 42" pallet forks, Green MFG PHD, Mid West York Rake w/guage wheels, Cub 3204 with Blower & Simms Cab, Mowers (44",48",50"),Ford 2006 F550 turbo diesel 4x4 w/11' mason dump, 16' 10k Doolittle trailer, Southwestern enclosed trailer, Wright Stander RH 52", Better Outdoor Product Quick 32" WB mower, and more !!

Dougster

Thanks very much Kenny! Funny that you should mention two brands that didn't make my short list. Interestingly, there was an excellent deal last fall on a used private party JD not too far from me. In retrospect, I probably should have jumped on it and hauled it home! It was in very decent shape. I had heard a couple "stay away from JD mini's" but you are likely to hear that about any brand (other than Kubota) if you shop around long enough. I would not rule out Gehl either (my Gehl dealer is not too far away), but I'd probably be looking for a lower hour machine just to hedge my bets.

But let me get back to my key point and see if you can help me or point me in the right direction: Price and brand and all other bells, whistles and nifty features aside, I'd love to know which brand or specific machine in the 3.5 metric ton class (~7,000 to 8,000 lbs) is really the most powerful digger. Not just HP, but arm and bucket digging force. Written specs vary all over the place unfortunately... some of it pure numbers manipulation and some of it real. Do you have any sense at all regarding which mini (brand or model) is strongest or at least perceived to be the strongest digger? Or, alternatively, which brand or model tends to be preferred mini among those pros in the know?

Dougster

Dougster

I found the thread! Thanks Duc!

That is a very nice machine. I drooled all over one at the MasCon show last month. It had EVERY bell and whistle plus a cab!

That's for when I win that Powerball Lottery... or when Paul formally adopts me as his son!!!
Dougster