We been through this so many times in the past, ie unleaded gas. We all complain and after a few years we get used to it.
Nowadays if your marriage isn’t perfect like on the Hallmark Channel you get divorced only to get someone else who some other guy got sick of. You do that a couple of times until you give up and just live with it!
My newest tractor is a 1953 Massey Harris 44 special with front loader. Paid $ 600.00 & drove it on the trailer. I'm with Screwloose & JustWood , be patient. The economy is gonna change big time & stuff will get cheap for a while. Those two you're looking at are quite small for doing any digging.
Yep.. I need one of these. Yoop.. as I said, I've got the BX25D which is the same as the BX23. It IS on the small side for digging up stumps. I've done it, but it definitely takes longer with a small tractor. Plus, if the stump has any size to it, you'll find the tractor can't lift it. I had to completely get all dirt and clay off of one before I could lift it out. For trenching and moving gravel it is OK. Lots of good advice in this thread. Enjoy the research, and look for a great deal. I'm sure you'll find what you want.
You can find some big tractors for 10 grand if you go old enough and do not mind working on them but for new tractors 10 grand does not go very far. Ford 555 backhoe 1976 paid 8 grand but I had to work on it before I could even use it. And on a older tractor there is always something popping up that needs repair. I just happen to like doing it.
Because I have a small lot at the lake, I think this would suit my purposes. I read somewhere that it'll dig as deep as 6 1/2 feet! Should be plenty. I was wondering just how they are on stump removal and found this video. Seems pretty nice, no? There was one listed near Minneapolis last evening with 39 hours that had the bucket, backhoe and also snowblower but the price listed was right around 23K! I thought it was way too high. Guess not, this morning, the post was deleted by owner....
What’s the soil like? That might do quite well in sandy/loam soils but I’m not sure about heavy clay.
I've not had issues with the clay, aside from clearing it off of some of the rootballs for weight reduction. Here's a pic of the pine stump I remove last year (I think). That pine was something like 13" diameter. I had to move that one with the bucket after I got it out of the ground. It's a shame we aren't closer Yoop, I'd let you try out the BX25D. See if there's anyplace you can demo one. You'll quickly find what the machines limitations are.
BTW Yoop, if you get one, I highly recommend this thumb for the BH. Factory Mount Barracuda BH Thumb On this year's wish list.. Backhoe Ripper Quick-On Backhoe Bucket Connector
Does anyone make a hydraulic thumb? This is an awesome place for custom Kubota accessories Specialty Repairs Custom Mods
I don't recall seeing any, OR they were well out of my price range. Edit.. That may also require an additional line and third function equipment.
I would love to get a mini excavator with a hydraulic thumb, maybe there will be some good deals soon.
Where I would be using it is very rocky and clay...some, but not too much. the clay doesn't start until you get a bit deeper. Normally, the digging depth there wouldn't be hitting much clay.
Like anywhere, there are places where your tenners turn red from the clay there is so much. In other areas... not. damm glaciers!