Bobcat or Backhoe?

[Terrian]

You no longer need a ticket to operate one outside your property either. Worksafe says you "should" have a certificate to say you can operate the machine safely, but they don't say you must. Having said that, if something goes wrong ( regardless of wether it is on your own property or not) and you can't prove that you are competent to operate the plant, then you will be in more crap than a Werribee duck.

Tools

lets not get forget insurance (lucky for me I have loader & skid steer licences)

[DavidG]

"Tonka toy" works nicely in back yards providing it is not too hard.

[Bluegum]

I reckon it wouldn't hurt to have the ticket just in case something does go wrong. As they say you just never know if something does at least as others here have said you will be classed as competent. It might save you a whole lot of heart ache.

[Terrian]

"Tonka toy" works nicely in back yards providing it is not too hard.

nice little tonka toy, next size up would be more usefull, but the one in the pic (I am betting the operator does not have a ticket for the machine !!!) is very good for tight access areas.

I reckon it wouldn't hurt to have the ticket just in case something does go wrong. As they say you just never know if something does at least as others here have said you will be classed as competent. It might save you a whole lot of heart ache.

having
the correct ticket also means that you have shown some skill with using the machine and at least know some of the rules of use....

where to buy, trading post is one, there is also a monthly mag, same mob that publish 'Just Trucks'

[sundancewfs]

I drove my own forklift for 12 years in my own business and finally decided to get a ticket as the guys across the road at the local machinery dealer had a tester coming in, to ticket some of there employees. I used to work for them as spare parts manager (before they got their fork), so they let me in on their group and I did my ticket then. Funnily enough after I left my business, the next job I got was because I had the ticket! so I will probably do it regardless of whether or not its needed, as little bit of personal development never goes astray. I'm hoping to spend under $15,000 ( I have friends that are heavy plant diesel mechanics) I'm going to get some quotes for the earthmoving work before I go ahead and buy, to see if it really will be worth it. The other option would be to hire. That way I could hire both a bobcat or a backhoe. Do hire firms require you to have a ticket? If the quoted price for all the work comes anywhere near $10,000 I'll buy. So far you have all put forward some excellent reasons for the various machines. Thankyou