[Stonehenge]

I've enjoyed running a Mini-Ex a couple times, but have a hard time justifying buying one (and lord know how I like to buy toys). I've been thinking about a backhoe type attachment for my skidsteer, but wonder about how well it performs compared to a Mini-X.

Seems like mobility would be hampered with a skidder, as far as swinging the arm around.

So if your choice was RENTING a mini-x or BUYING an attachment, which would you choose?

[Stonehenge]

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[dan deutekom]

You can do a lot of renting for the price of the attachment. I have never used the attachment on a skidder but it certainly seems like it would be awkward. I think I would just keep renting until I had enough work to justify the purchase of a mini-X

[Paul]

Is that our fearless leader running something other than a Gehl?

I know they have gotten cheaper, but a mini ex is still big money. We bought our first one back in 97 and our second one in 99. Do they make money for you ........ yes if you have that kind of work. Setting large stones, digging base for walls, installing drains, or working close to buildings. Putting one on a skid steer, they don't have the 360 swing, are much longer, can really tear up a lawn and are a pain to transport. most attachments run around $7000 to $12,000. If it was me I would look for a used mini-ex something for around $10,000 to $14,000. Oh we bought our first one new after renting it for 8 months, and our second one used.

[Paul]

One more thing you could have set the sienna coping with a mini-ex and had half the labor and time.

[Stonehenge]

Yeah, that NH was a pretty nice machine.

That's what I figured with the skid steer attachment. Seemed like less of a reach, too, when trying to drop excavated soils somewhere.

It took me a couple hours to get used to using the machine, but I was starting to get the hang of it.

Checked the price of a nice big one like this, and I don't recall the price now, other than it was way outta my range. $30K+ I believe.

Ok, I'll stick to the rentals, unless I can find a nice used one. Paul, you have a Takeuchi, right?

[BJR]

I use my Excavator more than my track loader.

I've had a backhoe attachment for the loader and it is no where as usable as an excavator. They are quick to dig, load trucks and backfill walls.

Mine is only a 1.6 tonne Bobcat 322, but I have excavated up to 50 cubic metres in an easy 8 hour day.

I would recommend them to anyone that does a lot of retaining walls.