The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Hello I'm after a digger to dig some ditches out which haven't been dug out for 20 years+ also heavy soil.

I've looked at a mcconnel 3 point linkage digger and a smalley tow along digger which has a lister diesel engine.

I've never used one will they be man enough?

Just after some advice and what are your thoughts?

Rent a Kubota!

I think bensdexta above may have it

However, having seen both in action in the past, the Smalley is OK on the flat, never struck me as very stable and a pain to move about so with a longer reach and probably better lifting capacity, easier to position (as long as the ditch edge will support the tractor) I'd consider the McConnell - somebody recently posted pics of a beatifully restored back actor - maybe they are looking for somewhere to use it.............

JCB!

I use the Kubuta type to clean out existing ditches but if they are really bad I would think it would be a bit slow.

i have a mc connel i use on my s/dexta for dicthes among other jobs
dont no how i did without it before, if your not hopeing its equlivant
to a track machine it will do your job but if its to be used every day with
alot of digging work might be better to go for a track or a jcb, i get by with my
old mc connel an the dexta but then again im not in ahurry these days

It was atkiman (new restored McConnel back actor) on this thread

http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/phpbb ... f=6&t=5950

I have an MF 30D Loader Backhoe myself. Does a fine job and very economical on fuel with the Perkins Diesel. Dandy Dave!

Thanks for the replys.

Bensdexta wrote:Rent a Kubota!

I was going to rent but would prefer to buy my own and have it there to use when I want and it might be handy for other little jobs.

Brian wrote:JCB!

I looked at a few JCB's and bigger wheeled diggers and they seem quite big for the job and usually well used or a lot of money.

oehrick wrote: the Smalley is OK on the flat, never struck me as very stable and a pain to move about

oehrick wrote: I'd consider the McConnell - somebody recently posted pics of a beatifully restored back actor

I prefer the idea of a McConnel but just missed out on a local one.

Found a Smalley Digger closer to home (But more money) and I have never seen one before and thought it look quite handy looked online but could'nt find much about them..saw a few videos on youtube of people dragging themselves around and no actuall digging videos.

They don't sound very powerfull and like you say don't look stable but I am only digging around my meadows once a year, have a bit of a play in nothing series but needs to do the task, does'nt matter if it takes time.

Do you think they will actually dig a ditch out or are they only suitable to use to clean a ditch once a year?

Thanks Again

I've seen builders using Smalleys to dig out footings, likewise digging graves but they don't take much of a bite & look to be a pain each time you need to reposition,
always suspected they came about for smaller users in confined spacers (a slot now filled by the mini tracked digger) - no hands on experience of either

If you've found one, ask to try before you buy - I'm pretty sure you could dig or clean a ditch with one but not altogether certain you'd want to do it again.

Hopefully someone who has actually used both for this sort of job will emerge from the mass of lurkers who read but don't post so often and give you a more practical assesment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdazU-QbOTA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZg1BC-IqcE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4v8xbtxECg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFD7nOu8SDw

Brilliant idea MM

And for Smalleys have a look at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oepcHQ-lHg and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7IKJ6QlDR4

which show how little they like breaking ground I couldn't see one actually digging.....

the mc connel will dig soil all day long no problem but it wont dig soild
bed rock type gravel without bother, that would take a track machine or a
jcb,the mc connel is handy to have for the like of digging drains as well as
cleaning them ,lif you need a heavyer machine then you could hire one in
the mc connel dont cost alot and if doesnt do your job you can always sell
it on, always be very careful when digging on slopes with any digger , iwould
go with the mc connel anytime, along with fordson great bit kit