Terramite

[yankeefan8282]

Anyone use them? I saw one at the rental yard the other day. had a loader and a hoe. Looked like a good unit for light work, little impact.

Was not familiar with them.

[cat320]

I had rented one a while back when i needed to do work ontop of a septic system in a yard.we had to dig for lamp post and bushes and such.It was not a bad little machine and it did the work but that was in sand , and sandy gravel nothing hard.

[Steve Frazier]

I've rented them in the past and I'll say they beat a shovel, but really aren't good for anything but the smallest of jobs.

The machine doesn't have enough weight to get the full use of the backhoe, you constantly toss yourself around while digging. I will say however I was able to pull a 3' diameter rock out of a hole with it, that really surprised me!

The loader will only reach a 1 ton dump with the sideboards off and has a limited curl so each bucket usually isn't full.

But like I said, it sure beats a shovel!

[yankeefan8282]

Latley I have been renting excavators or skid steers as I need them. All I have is a dingo. It is great for most patios and walks but slow and you can't really load a truck. I can buy a used Terramite from the rental place for a good price. Figured it would be good fro bigger jobs (only dig topsoil), and moveing materials. Plus in the winter thought I could build a ramp to load a spreader. As an added bonus I can haul it on my landscape even using my small pickup. Saving me the cost of having to get a big trailer.

Would this be a good temporary purchase? I want a skidsteer but don't see having the money till next spring.

[Steve Frazier]

I'd recommend you rent it for a day before you purchase. Like I said, the machine beats hand tools and will increase your production slightly, but it is very limited in its abilities. I don't think the reach is much more than the Dingo, I've rented one of those too. In fact, except for the backhoe, I think the Terramite would be on the same scale as the Dingo.

[yankeefan8282]

Well I have one rented to do a patio excavation this week. Need to get all the way across a backyard and thought a skidsteer would be to much. Plus it is not a lot of work. I will compare to the Dingo as I work then make my decision.

Thanks for the advice.

[Steve Frazier]

I don't know what kind of deal they're giving you, but a used compact tractor with a loader and backhoe would be able to do more work. If you keep your ear to the ground, you can find a decent used one in the $600 to $8000 range.

[yankeefan8282]

Would I be able to reach a one ton to load? What brands / models should I be looking at. I have used tractors before but do not have knowledge on them. I would not mind buying something that neede a little work. I have a bit of mechanical ability.

Thanks for the advice.

[Steve Frazier]

I'd look for John Deere, Ford or Kubota, they will be easiest to get parts for. They are available in many sizes, just make sure you check the bucket height before you buy.

In order to load a 1 ton dump with the Terramite, you will have to remove the sideboards and load from both sides. Even then you won't get a full load on the truck. I've been there.

[cat320]

Well really what it comes down to is spending more than you want or have to get a machine that will do what you want the terrimite is a good home owner machine in my opinion.To load trucks and excavate alot you will need a bobcat and or a mini excavator. but you could find like and a kubota with the three point hitch that is alittle bigger and do a faster job.

[SnakeCreek]

I rented one once. Like was said before they are a little better than a shovel.

[KSSS]

I rented one once. Like was said before they are a little better than a shovel.

They look to me like some FFA kids red ribbon entry at the county fair.

[RenoF250]

See if you can find a JCB Mini. They only weigh 3,400 pounds and can do quite a bit. I have one that is giving me some troubles right now so my opinion may change.