Diggin it. YES I CAN!

[barbender]

 We're all used to the brakes on automobiles working, and autos have way less rolling resistance. 

 Of all the old cable skidders I've been around, only one has working brakes- mine. And they are so difficult to engage, like with your head in the top of the cab standing on the pedal, that I never use them anyways. They were like that from the factory is my understanding. 

 The only time I can really remember using the brake son my Grandpa's old backhoe was using them for steering.

[Southside]

There are a lot of calculated risks I am willing to take, usually when the liability factor dosen't include others and especially those who hire attorneys. 

The problem here is what if something goes wrong, what's the worst that can happen? In the woods BB might wreck a valuable log, or damage his own truck. On a public way, a whole lot of bad things can happen and in the worst case scenario actual criminal liability can apply. Top that off with the fact the defective brake is a known issue, guarantee you that the seller will testify he told Jeff, and to me the potential downside is greater than the savings of paying to haul the machine home.

[chevytaHOE5674]

You'd be over height on a roll back (guessing close to 15').

Depends on the machine. My backhoe would ride on a "typical" 45" deck height rollback and be a bit under 13'6".

My book for a Case 580SE lists exhaust height at 113", legal height is 162". 162-113= 49" deck height to be legal which most every rollback I've seen is. Also no problem on any deckover gooseneck or step deck flatbed.

I'd double check those measurements but height generally isn't a problem.

[Resonator]

Depends on the truck and machine yes, machines like that we hauled on a step deck or drop deck trailer. Also depends if the top of the cab or the top of the boom is the highest point. Either way measure to be sure.

[chevytaHOE5674]

Lay the boom back and ill bet the farm under height. 

This is the same size machine that I've hauled all over. Been stopped and scaled by DOT a few times and always legal weight and height isn't even a question. 

[Mooseherder]

Probably wouldn't hurt to ask the local dirt contractor move it for you.  He maybe happy to do that for reasonable especially if he is slow.  My buddy, a retired Trucker hauled my excavator home with his big tex trailer. 

[Corley5]

Frost laws are off in Clare County now ;D 8)

[Jeff]

No kidding? Hard to understand that! 

[Corley5]

Seasonal Weight Restrictions - Michigan County Road Association (micountyroads.org)

[doc henderson]

I bet the back roads will be fine and I wonder if you do already have it home.  be smart and plan ahead.  use the motor as a brake.  In rural areas, the farmer construction guys get right of way.

[beenthere]

I'm betting Jeff has the situation well in hand.  8)

[barbender]

Always take any advice from me with a grain of salt. We never worried about lawyers because we didn't have anything for them to take anyways🤷😊

[Jeff]

The backroads over there are a sheet of hardwhite ice, i just checked yesterday.thats why it makes no sense. 

[Walnut Beast]

Sure you can drive it but what if! I agree with Southside. Trailer it.

If you do drive it I would get a slow moving sign for the rear and have somebody with flashers on in the front and rear 

[Southside]

Always take any advice from me with a grain of salt. We never worried about lawyers because we didn't have anything for them to take anyways🤷😊

There is always your freedom to loose. Criminal negligence - the standard for manslaughter in most states - is basically "Would a reasonable person do ...."  The problem is these days the "reasonable person" standard is likely to be determined by a jury of peers who have never once done 95% of the things we take for granted as being part of everyday life.  

I mean - you and I grew up having BB gun fights, can you imagine today? 

[Don P]

So a reasonable person buys land in the tundra, and a backhoe. Is that where you're starting from  :D

[doc henderson]

Ice is a different story.  good decent weather, drive the sucker home!

[barbender]

I 100% get where you're coming from Southside. I even agree, mostly😁

[YellowHammer]

How heavy is the machine?  

Here, many of the backhoe operators hire out as weekend equipment transporters for a reasonable fee since they have a CDL for their operation and the correct equipment to haul stuff. 

[Ljohnsaw]

The problem here is what if something goes wrong, what's the worst that can happen? 

It's a backhoe, he can bury the evidence. 🤔😂

[SwampDonkey]

Locally, the construction contractors would charge $1000 minimum to float machinery. They have this 'standard' rate, and by the way they all talk it's as if they claim that cost with their own haul equipment. Like it's literal costing them $1000 to go hardly any distance. What's it cost to sit in the winter months in their yard?? :D I mean I don't mind giving them a wage for the time, fuel,  plus $200 for 10 miles. I don't expect a bill for 4 days labour to go hardly anywhere. I know a lot of equipment sitting this time of year. This is why people find alternatives. ;D

Like some of you say, if there is an accident, they will investigate. That means they will go all over both vehicles.

[upnut]

Congrats on the purchase! I'm sure you'll figure things out.....In the meantime I'd be searching for a used 36 inch ditching bucket, it would make slinging U.P. mud go alot faster. Put in many hours ditching with one like that on the road crew. Have fun!

Scott B.

You might find one here:Cook Equipment | Allegan, MI | Used Construction Equipment and Parts

[Jeff]

How heavy is the machine?  

Here, many of the backhoe operators hire out as weekend equipment transporters for a reasonable fee since they have a CDL for their operation and the correct equipment to haul stuff.

It is over 14,000 lbs according to the gentleman I bought it from. I'm going to try and get a hold of a tree service guy I know today. I think he retired last year, but maybe he didn't sell all his equipment. He had a hoe this size.

[chevytaHOE5674]

I have paperwork for a 580SE and it lists the tractor and loader at 12060lb, 82" front bucket at 760lbs and 24" rear at 270lb. 

Putting it at 13090lb.

If it has a 30" rear bucket its like 36lb more.

[Jeff]

Does it say anything about the front counterweight if it is an extendahoe? This one also has foam filled front tires, and i think the bucket may be bigger than a yard, but not sure on that