Got a B2301 - add a backhoe, or...

[Carlsmiff08]

Get a used mini excavator in the $25,000 range ?
Kind of know the answer, but wanting some reassurance.
Land it'll be used on is hilly (some steep) and clay/rocks/roots.
Using it for clearing trails for ATV's, leveling ground for small sheds and greenhouses and short trenches.
And..... Kubota or non Kubota ?
Thanks !

 

[trikepilot]

Like you, I am in VA - but I'm in the mountains east of Roanoke near SML. I have a B2620 with the BH65 hoe. I have cleared lots of forest roads that we call "Kubbie Trails" since they will fit the B2620 or the RTV400 but not a fullsized vehicle. I have cleared wooded land for a 20x30 shed and I have created or optimized miles of drainage ditches. If you work smart, choose wisely, and don't bite off more than you can chew, a B series with a hoe is an immensely capable machine. That being said... it is not MiniEx! If the opportunity presents to get the tractor and hoe you speak of at a price point you can live with, then do it! You can always rent a MiniEx for a weekend or a week to really get work done and save a ton of money.

 

[jimh406]

You might also look into the really small excavators (China?) if a BX backhoe could potentially do the job.

Obviously, the larger machines can do a lot more work, but I don't know if you ware thinking about going that big or not

 

[Carlsmiff08]

You might also look into the really small excavators (China?) if a BX backhoe could potentially do the job.

Obviously, the larger machines can do a lot more work, but I don't know if you ware thinking about going that big or not

Neighbor has just got one of the cheap Chinese mini mini excavators.... Looking forward to seeing how it will actually perform.