Tractor Backhoe VS Mini Excavator - Real World Test

Tractor Backhoe VS Mini Excavator - Real World Test

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[RockhillfarmYT]

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[WardInstruments]

Thanks for your effort here. You've thoroughly talked me out of getting a backhoe for my Kubota L4600. Much rather have a small, dedicated Chinese mini-excavator and have the tractor handy for loader work. Makes excellent sense.

One other thing to mention: When I talked with the Kubota dealer about 1)The parts to add rear remote hydraulics to my tractor to run the back hoe, 2) If the backhoe could be fitted for a (hydraulic) thumb, and 3) If the thumb would require a third, dedicated rear remote, they didn't know what I was talking about. The parts guy gave me a blank stare. The Assistance Manager didn't know, but said he would find out and call me. Never did. That experience also helped me decide against a tractor backhoe attachment.

[Gallowaylights]

00:04:12 it be neat to see a split screen showing all three digging real time!😅

[reloadnorth]

In 2018, my wife bought me a tractor backhoe when I was away at work. Nice treat after being away for 3 weeks. I find that with the TLB we can load any material, put forks on it, carry anything, put a 3 point snow blower etc. It is much handier than a single use machine.

[RockhillfarmYT]

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If you want to know why I’m supporting Chinese made equipment, here is the full explanation:

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[thinde]

I don’t mean to be the safety guy but jumping in a narrow hole while you’re saying it’s 6’ deep was hard to watch for that split second. I know you jumped in and out but people don’t understand how dangerous dirtwork can be and if that sloughed off while you were in there it really can be enough to prevent you from getting out while suffocating you from the force on your chest or cutting off circulation to your legs. Over 5’ requires shoring if you were on a real job. Just trying to throw a little info out there for anyone that might not know.

[anthonymartin]

It's not too long of a video. One thing is for sure in this type of scenerio. Having some hours in a machine can significantly change how it performs. Someone with allot of hours in a machine can be a real artist. I personally like the idea of having 2 separate machines. So much work can be done that way. Even a modest excavator is more versatile than a backhoe. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[kosh]

Great video. I believe that for most folks who need a tractor to begin with and are not utilizing it for a business, the backhoe attachment makes the most sense. It’s not quite as useful but more cost effective. Plus I guess there is a reason why most local municipalities have at least one backhoe in their inventory.

[slt]

Hi Brock. Great video.

I have both. Started with a BH on a 60hp tractor and recenty bought 1t mini excavator. In Aust backhoe abut 6000AUD and excavator 11000Aud. My experience; backhoes are limited. BH swing is less than 180 degrees vs excavator of 360 degrees. With 2 machines you have more flexibily. I can dig then use the tractor to move the dirt. You dont waste time removing whatever you have on the TPL to be able to attach te backhoe. Operations are much easier.

BH routine; 1. position the tractor, 2. drop front end loader to stabilise, 3 get out of seat, 4 get on backhoe seat, 5 drop stabilising legs, 6 start to dig, realise not in correct position, 7 raise legs, 8 get out BH of seat, 9 get into tractor seat, 9 riase FEL, 10 move tractor, 11 drop FEL, 12 get out of tractor seat, 13 get into BH seat, 14 drop legs, 15 dig.

Excavator routine; 1, postion excavator, 2 start to dig, realise not in correct position, 3, move excavator, 4 dig.

Problems with excavator; 1. slow speed between jobs - load it on a small trailer, 2. tracks can come off if its not tight on surfaces with protruding rocks if they go under edge of the track.

Cheers

[mikesorg]

I think you did a very fair and concise comparison between the advantages of disadvantages of one vs. the other. A dedicated unit is always going to be better than a jack of all master of none. Very true when you consider a skidsteer and mini ex vs. a TLB (tractor loader backhoe). If I could afford 2 then I would own 2. If I could only pick one then the tractor and backhoe win out.

[terrahillfarm]

I bought a Branson/TYM 5520 and added the BH200 backhoe. Cost me $6500 extra. Does the job but not as good a hoe as a regular size, diesel, 3 piece boom MiniEX. Is great for digging occasional holes or trenches, but it’s not really efficient for serious, long term backhoe work. The biggest downside by far is that it is not convenient at all to install and remove the backhoe from the tractor, since the entire 3 point assembly must be removed. MiniEX would get into action quicker, but it would also require additional equipment storage and maintenance. If your tractor was smaller and/or a frame mounted BH wasn’t available, then the gas MiniEx might make more sense. Overall, the TBH is a good implement for occasional use that has paid for itself in just a couple years of work on my homestead. 👍🤩💪

[bgrutterdds]

Watching this makes me think I need to completely eliminate the 1.5ton gasoline minis from my menu as my property is pretty much all clay beneath a thin layer of top soil. Particularly at @22:45

[BrodieBr]

Been watching your videos for a few months now and have to thank you for taking the time to work and rate these machines and give us valuable feedback. I'm disabled and can't walk, sit, or stand very long and thanks to technology like this I'm able to keep my own home so far. I already have tractors and am saving money to get a mini excavator. This would be a game changer for me having a very strong ''third arm'' via the excavator with 360 degree roation to help me do all kinds of yardwork

[Lets-do-this-]

Yeah, I live in the south. I don’t need that cab that would save a lot of money all by itself.

[TheTractorYard]

Great video, Brock! We have a lot of customers who find themselves in the backhoe vs mini excavator dilemma. I think you hit most of the topics of debate very well!

These green machines will be available for order at our dealership very soon… right now we are still working hard to test and improve each model before we launch.

Right now we are still running our TYM 574CH tractor/loader deal at $35, 000 with $1/mile shipping from our location. Just mention Rockhill Farms!

We are working on a package deal for around $44, 000 which includes the 574CH AND the gas mini excavator in this video! So stay tuned for that…

We have lots of financing options available including 2.99 for 84 and 4.99 for 120 (new for March 2025)

Give us a call or visit our website for more details!

🍻

[oakiewoodsman]

That little machine is a great inexpensive option. I really looked at the Kymron 2 ton units before purchasing my TLB.

[oakiewoodsman]

My Kioti with the backhoe is very long. Great job showing and discussing the differences.

[joachimdorvall]

Can you do a lifting capacity on the two excavators too? Interesting because the cylinder on the bom is on different sides on different excavators.

[RobertBrothersJr-dcnr]

Great comparison Brock. I bought a tractor with a backhoe. It’s more versatile for what I need, for digging it’s not as efficient as a mini excavator but it’s a job specific unit. What you loose in efficiency with a tractor backhoe you gain in versatility. If money was not an issue I would have both. Enjoyable video Brock. Thanks

[Zacharyelliott]

Hi Brock, on the tym backhoe. I have a tym 4820 with a bh250 and I had the same issue with functions working slow or fast. If you take the hydraulic lines off the backhoe hydraulic block and remove the adapter fitting in the block there are orfices plates in there that you can make bigger for faster or become creative if you want it slower. Just a little tip that I found.