Hi,

I may have a requirement for a machine which can move rubble/small
rocks, level ground, & dig ditches for services and foundatations
(site is 0.75 acre). Which would be best a small tractor with
loader/backhoe or a mini digger? (space is somewhat limited so a full
size JCB would struggle). What are the pros and cons of these
machines.

I would like to do the work myself, either by renting a machine or
buying a 2nd hand one to sell on when I have completed. I anticipate
this work being done over a few months/a year (off and on). Any rough
indications on what to pay, and what to buy?

Any advice gratefully received.

Regards
RObin

(Robin Soper) wrote:

Hello Robin

RS| I may have a requirement for a machine which can move
RS| rubble/small rocks, level ground, & dig ditches for services
RS| and foundatations (site is 0.75 acre). Which would be best a
RS| small tractor with loader/backhoe or a mini digger? (space
RS| is somewhat limited so a full size JCB would struggle). What
RS| are the pros and cons of these machines.

For any amount of work, avoid a backhoe unless the seat can swivel
180'. That pretty much rules out the minidigger/mini tractor range.

Using controls whilst twisting in your seat, even if they're off to
the side instead of behind, will have you wishing you were doing
something else very very quickly.

Minidiggers are fine. Ex-hire, Autotrader. Check seals and tracks -
the rubber ones can be costly to replace. The engine and pump are
usually Ok unless they've been abused.

--
Simon Avery, Dartmoor, UK
uk.d-i-y FAQ: http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/

"Simon Avery" wrote in message
...
(Robin Soper) wrote:

Hello Robin

RS| I may have a requirement for a machine which can move
RS| rubble/small rocks, level ground, & dig ditches for services
RS| and foundatations (site is 0.75 acre). Which would be best a
RS| small tractor with loader/backhoe or a mini digger? (space
RS| is somewhat limited so a full size JCB would struggle). What
RS| are the pros and cons of these machines.

For any amount of work, avoid a backhoe unless the seat can swivel
180'. That pretty much rules out the minidigger/mini tractor range.

Using controls whilst twisting in your seat, even if they're off to
the side instead of behind, will have you wishing you were doing
something else very very quickly.

Minidiggers are fine. Ex-hire, Autotrader. Check seals and tracks -
the rubber ones can be costly to replace. The engine and pump are
usually Ok unless they've been abused.



Take a look at http://www.directory.co.uk/Second_Hand_Diggers.htm

Rick