Backhoe Backhoe for a John Deere 3720?

[cathomps]

I have a John Deere 3720 (44HP eyhdro) and absolutely love it. I have a wallenstein 6" Hydraulic chipper, landpride rake and JD forks. Since we always need "more" implements I am planning to add a backhoe this Spring. I have been researching different models and have a few questions for those who have more experience than me. I am assumign that I will need a subframe as it seems like a lot of stress to put on the 3 pt hitch. Do I have this correct. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each. I am not too overly concerned with total cost but just really want a backhoe that will be easy to use and easy to swap out for other implements.

Second question...what would you say would be the best backhoe? I am lookign at the JD 448, the wallenstein 720 and also the woods. I would want a hydraulic thumb and already have rear hydraulics (for the chipper). I plan to use for general upkeep around the farm, landscaping and some logging and general messing around.

I am looking forward to the discussion and learning more about does it make sense to stray from the Johne deere backhoe? I can get both the JD 448 and the Walenstein from my local JD dealer.

Chuck

 

[wallace]

What about the hydraulic thumb?
Does Deere offer one?
Woods only offers the hydraulic thumb on the 90X and Woods will only hang the 80X on you tractor.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Deere doesn't offer a thumb option on the 448 or any other hoe for the 3000-4000 series. The best mounting system is by far the deere as it really makes the hoe part of the tractor and is the easiest to take on/off. The woods is a real nice unit also. The manual thumb option for it is really nice. The mounting is very solid also. You can easily add a hydralic line to any hoe so I wouldn't worry too much on that. I'm not familar with the wallenstien so i won't comment. Don't take our word for it go look at both and then makeup your mind. I'm very happy with the 448.

Matt

 

[cathomps]

Greatwhitehunter...

Thanks for the thoughts on the mount. Sounds like you are a fan of the JD mount. Do you know if the others mount as solidly as the JD or maybe you are just not familiar with them?

I know Wallenstein offers a manual and hydraulic thumb. The hydraulic thumb is controlled by a foot pedal. Right now (thru March) they have a special where if you buy an attachment they give you a free accessory. For the backhoe if you buy it before the end of March they will throw in a second bucket or a manual thumb for free. I am surprised to hear that Deere does not offer the hydraulic thumb.

Chuck

 

[swines]

If you're buying new, the 448 is not the current model. The 485 is the current model. If you want a thumb, talk with the dealer he should be able to put a hydraulic thumb on the backhoe as an add-on item.

 

[luckyfarmer]

Hey, I own a 2007 JD 3720. Watch out for the tires, my land is mostly gravel and sand, I'm not rough on the machine, I was out with my 6 ft brush hog cutting grass and I notice the citric liquid leaking from a hole in the rear left tire two weeks after I bought it, then the other tire went, I finally spent $1350 to have the tires foam filled. Then the front tire popped, so I had them foam filed too.
the tires in my opinion are junk

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Hey, I own a 2007 JD 3720. Watch out for the tires, my land is mostly gravel and sand, I'm not rough on the machine, I was out with my 6 ft brush hog cutting grass and I notice the citric liquid leaking from a hole in the rear left tire two weeks after I bought it, then the other tire went, I finally spent $1350 to have the tires foam filled. Then the front tire popped, so I had them foam filed too.
the tires in my opinion are junk

What kind of tires to you have? (R1, R4, Turfs?) Sounds more like the wrong tire for the job...I know a neighbor of my parents has a new Grand L 3540 with turfs and he goes thru the same...
I absolutely love the Galaxy Marathoner R4 tires on my 3520