Loader Backhoe Fits in Fine with Residential Plumbing Work

Troy Starnes and his B100T loader backhoe.

The Bobcat® B100 Turbo loader backhoe fits the operations of Troy’s Plumbing, Burlington, N.C., in more ways than one. With a 14-ft. turning radius, it’s the right size for working efficiently in limited access areas. A 31.5 hp turbo-charged diesel engine provides the power to work productively on larger jobs, while the roomy cab makes operation easy and comfortable.

Troy Starnes and his son, Cameron, use the machine for water and sewer line installation and repair, mostly on new residential and remodeling projects. Troy bought the B100T after looking at other similar size loader backhoes.

“We used to rely on digging contractors for our excavation work,” says Troy. “Sometimes we had to wait a day or two for them to show up. Now we can do the work on our schedule. Because the machine is light enough to pull on a trailer behind our van, I didn’t have to buy a different vehicle to tow it. And our dealer, Piedmont Bobcat in Kernersville, is close enough for convenient service.”

The Starnes use their B100T with a 20-in.-wide trenching bucket for digging and a 5-ft.-wide loader bucket for backfilling. They make good use of the machine’s 1,600-lb. rated operating capacity and 3,600-lb. lift breakout force on a variety of jobs.

“Normally, we dig 2- to 6-ft.-deep, but we can dig down to 9 ft. if we need to,” Troy says. “We use it for small repair jobs that require only a little digging to excavating sewer ditches up to 200 ft. or longer.”

Like the four other models in the Bobcat line of loader backhoes, the B100T features the Bob-Tach™ attachment mounting system for mounting loader attachments and the X-Change® attachment mounting system for changing excavator attachments quickly and easily.

The cab makes work easy, too, with conveniently-placed controls and an adjustable operator ’s seat which swivels 180 degrees for loader or backhoe operation. “All the controls are very accessible,” Troy says. “To change the hydrostatic transmission between forward and reverse you just press your toe or heel on the foot pedal. All in all, our B100T does a great job.”