I need some advice on backhoe operation.

[Eugen]

From mine own experience normal digging with the hoe was no problem as long as I didn't dig up something hidden. I've dug a bit around my property and have not found much as far as rocks or boulders. One time I did try to dig out some Spruce tree stumps by digging around them. I was not too successful because I kept digging up roots around the stump. Sometimes actually pulling the whole tractor towards the stump. I stopped and paid someone to grind these big stumps out. No sense damaging the machine trying to do a job that was too big for it.

Keep the Peace

Harry

This is very valuable input @Harry . There are a few big stumps that I initially wanted to dig out with a Case 600 series backhoe, so I was looking for one. It never would have occurred to me that it would be too small for the job. Couldn't find one to buy anyway. It's how I ended up with the big 680h construction king.

[Toolslinger]

I've done some big stumps with mine. Certainly more than the machine could lift. Dig around it, find the big roots you can't break with the hoe. Anything small enough that you can't just rip, you can get the teeth under, and then curl the bucket, while you're pushing down on the boom a little. The curl has a ton of force that is limited in use by the weight of the tractor. When you have the hoe's bucket on the ground for support you can put that power to more use. Once all the small, and mid size roots are done, then you have to do the hard work with the axe, or in my case a rescue saw. Hack off the big roots, but do it out from the stump somewhat so you have something to grab with the hoe as a lever. Odds are you'll be ripping those larger roots out of the ground later anyway, so longer doesn't hurt too much. Once the rootball was out, I had to split them in half for the Case to be barely able to lift them enough to get on my equipment trailer, so figure 1400 ish pounds per stump...

There's no question I'd have rather done those stumps with a bigger machine. That goes much faster (well used to) with the MF 202 Workbull. However, I can take the 646 with me, and the 202 weighs too much for me to trailer. Either way, it beats the heck out of a shovel, and I imagine we've all been there...

[Jancoe]

I've put my 6018 through some pain. Pulled around 75 large stumps with it. Some I didn't think I was going to get them out of the hole. But it grunted through it all. Will not ever sell this thing.

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[JSinMO]

I've put my 6018 through some pain. Pulled around 75 large stumps with it. Some I didn't think I was going to get them out of the hole. But it grunted through it all. Will not ever sell this thing.

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That’s impressive! If my 648 can do half that much I will be thrilled!

[Timj]

Digging stumps can be a humbling experience. But also can be good digging practice. The bigger the machine the better, but until you get to a big tracked machine you will find challenging ones.