Mini Excavator

[southfork]

Is anyone using an imported mini excavator to prospect? I have my doubts about trying to move around on my hilly place.

 

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[N-Lionberger]

I have come to the conclusion that any piece of heavy digging machinery I can afford will simply not cut it on the ground I am working. There are so many big rocks.

 

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[pepperj]

I must admit that a tracked vehicle is somewhat expensive, while a towable one is considerably less. But... Harbor Freight does have one similar to the Honda TE301H, which is also towable, but for $7315.00. Harbor Freight is $3000, half the price of the Honda. Every tool has its' use, your selection should be relevant to the job.
View attachment 2173041

 

[southfork]

I was looking at towable diggers they look more stable. Maybe I could tow with a quad? sure would beat a shovel even if it needed repairs every day lol.

 

[Assembler]

I was looking at towable diggers they look more stable. Maybe I could tow with a quad? sure would beat a shovel even if it needed repairs every day lol.

Think of breaking down into towable units that the quad can handle.

 

[Assembler]

A very small fabricated backhoe from scratch can be broken down into units much easier. Just saying.

 

[southfork]

Think of breaking down into towable units that the quad can handle.

We haul trailer loads of oak firewood and rocks all the time power to spare.

 

[Assembler]

We haul trailer loads of oak firewood and rocks all the time power to spare.

That is great to help figure out what load sizes your rig or rigs can handle for traction on the slopes. May be a good idea to have a backup winch just in case.

 

[N-Lionberger]

Assembler how do you go from cheap Chinese to homemade multi part atv towable excavator? No one is doing that unless they have a scrap yard and they’re bored.

 

[bc5391]

That is just bad welds, much like my Big Tex trailer, I need to do more welding today to fix their crappy ones ( that failed).

 

[Assembler]

Assembler how do you go from cheap Chinese to homemade multi part atv towable excavator? No one is doing that unless they have a scrap yard and they’re bored.

It is up to you to focus on the materials you choose to use. If you look at what some have fabricated or have fabricated for them you will be in for some eye opening examples, Most will use non Chinese parts and metal if they can and have the budget for the build.
I think you will be shocked to find that there is Chinese parts just about every where now at some level.

There are engineers just about every town around the world to check out.

 

[copperpot]

Kubota is pricey.
I paid $35K for a the side by side sitting behind the track machine.
3 yrs old 326 hrs 1200 km no problems.
Stand up/stand behind manufacturer.

The track machine is a cool looking machine.

View attachment 2172543View attachment 2172544

Return on Investment?

 

[pepperj]

Return on Investment?

For the side by side?

 

[copperpot]

For the side by side?

Yes, or for a mini-excavator.

 

[Assembler]

Return on Investment?

A return on investment is usually factored upon the build level and limits of a given machine or equipment. If a machine breaks down in the first few days of use because of limits and has to be beefed up this should be factored in to the over all costs to show a reasonable return on investment made for the jobs completed.

 

[Assembler]

We haul trailer loads of oak firewood and rocks all the time power to spare.

So back to the question what size backhoe are you thinking of?
What budget are you working with?

What kind of load are you moving up say a 25 degree slope for example?
Does the load limit (traction) you are moving with rule out most off of the shelf made towable backhoes?

 

[Assembler]

kobelco ss1

https://allstocker.com/en/st/model/...or+mini&maker=KOBELCO&lang=en&modelNumber=SS1

Gradeability 25 deg

 

[southfork]

So back to the question what size backhoe are you thinking of?
What budget are you working with?

What kind of load are you moving up say a 25 degree slope for example?
Does the load limit (traction) you are moving with rule out most off of the shelf made towable backhoes?

We have several 4 x 4 trucks and several 4x4 quads towing something around is not a problem. But working with Chinese junk that you have to repair daily is a problem. We rent real equipment when we need it and have it delivered.

 

[Assembler]

We have several 4 x 4 trucks and several 4x4 quads towing something around is not a problem. But working with Chinese junk that you have to repair daily is a problem. We rent real equipment when we need it and have it delivered.

If the trucks and quads can get the rented equipment there the problem is solved.

 

[pepperj]

Yes, or for a mini-excavator.

The side by side return on investment. 3 yrs old. 800 miles of trios around the property.
100s of loads, wood chips, dirt, wood, small equipment like chain saws, fuel, garden tools, fencing, our harvesting.

It's got a stereo, heater, and AC. When the weather is too hot, I have a place to cool off.

It's made life alot easier around the property.

So how does one determine "Return on investment" actually?

 

[Tesorodeoro]

Is anyone using an imported mini excavator to prospect? I have my doubts about trying to move around on my hilly place.

My brother bought a used Bobcat excavator for $10K and it has been so useful clearing brush, lifting stuff, moving boulders, ect. 7,500 to 8,000 pounds maybe. Something you can haul around on a 10k trailer easily.
It handles steep country well as long as you know how to operate it. Only you know what your country looks like.