[ksss]

If your looking at a 35 sized mini ex, you could haul it and a skid steer on a gooseneck trailer to help in mobilization. The 35 sized machine is a good size, big enough you can dig waterlines and so forth with enough lift capacity to be able to put a decent sized rock retaining walls. Yet its light enough that you can transport it easily. A skid steer is just so much faster than a compact tractor or TLB. The 180 degree limitation on a backhoe always seems to be an issue on smaller jobs. There issues with a SSL is it making a mess at times, laying down plywood can be an option on sensitive ground, goes back to what you want to do with it.

 

[ksss]

I have a loaded 590 Super N. Love that hoe, best damn back hoe I have ever run.

 

[ksss]

I would only say try not to get junk to stay under the money. Even if you have to do one machine a year, buy something that still has some life left and hopefully you can still get parts for.