Wanting a backhoe for my L5460

[BGigHarbor]

I am ignorant about different backhoes and ways they mount to tractors. (Never used one before).

I have a Kubota l5460 with a regular 3pt hitch (and 3 rear remotes with top and tilt).

I am wanting to buy a backhoe soon for ongoing projects I have. Maybe a bh92?

Can someone explain to me the options I might have in mounting a backhoe to my tractor? Do I use the 3 pt hitch or take it off with different brackets?

How does the bh92 connect hydraulically? How about a hydraulic thumb?

Any suggestion on a standard size of leg, bucket or any other choice I need to make?

Or if you could point to me threads discussing this I would appreciate it as I have had a problem finding much info this morning.

I want to understand the options better before I go and talk to a dealer. At this point I am not in a position to make an intelligent choice and it's all expensive enough I want to get it right the first time.

Thanks, Bill

 

[nybirdman]

Back hoes that use a "sub-frame" are stronger than the three point hitch type,stronger meaning safer.You would have to remove the three point hitch.Also less wear/tear on the tractor.All commercial type BH's are sub-frame mounted.I.E. Kubota L45 and L59,JD 110 ect.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Bill that is a nice size Kubota tractor. When I started looking for a FEL for the FIL old 265 MF I came home with a FEL and Backhoe already mounted on a good JD 300 series for $7200. I know you have an awesome tractor but you might look at that option when you are looking at spending $10K +/-.

I can tell you more than once I wish I had a FEL since getting the backhoe just because it can be handy when digging to dump into a FEL bucket to keep the job neat and clean. If the upkeep of a used back hoe or track hoe is something you can do that would be a plus. The heavy sub frame is a plus especially when clearing ground and pushing over trees.

Again my solution is not everyone's cup of tea but there is NO hook/unhooking in our case.

 

[Dutch61]

I find my dealer the best place to get educated. You should get a sub frame mounted version which means dealer installed. I have no rear remotes but my L3240 has a male/female connector..same as my BH77. Once 3 point is removed you back up to BH to allow hydraulic hook up...Once fluid connected tractor running you adjust the BH arm or bucket of the unit..to align hook and pins..then back up a few inches..then more BH adjustment to align pins..then pin..then dig. Sounds harder than it is..go to the dealer or search you tube.

 

[BGigHarbor]

Looks like kind of a pain to take off the top n til and 3 pt hitch to mount the backhoe each time. And swap back to move the dirt back.

I like the idea of a used cheaper machine with a dedicated backhoe. Probably not a Kubota because they seem to be so expensive even pretty old.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Backhoe Loaders | eBay

John Deere 302a Loader w JD 9250A Backhoe Tractor Stock 81806 No Reserve | eBay While this one would need a seat and other stuff read the story of the owner and you will see this could be a good machine for some in the PA area. The 300 series JD are good tractors and parts are still out there but not cheap from JD.

The Bobcat B250 would be of interest to me if I did not want a full size unit if the price stays sub $8K. The sliding backhoe would be a huge plus when needing to dig by building, property line, etc.

The JD 310a is nearly the same as our 1983 310b and you can dig then push over very large trees I have learned and if it stays around $8K could be a buy but with all used equipment there are risks to consider. The weight is about 13K on this unit. While it is a work horse it is too large to use in a small yard but great for around the farm. If something happened to ours I would shop for a replacement just because we use it for lifting, loading, etc so often. It may only be for 10 minutes. The hoe is great if we have to pull a rear loaded wheel of of the 265 MF for example or swing a used engine out of the truck bed. Used it to dig a grave for a new foal a couple weeks ago and the same day dug the hole for the next door neighbor storm shelter into the side of a hill. We do use the hoe more than the FEL. As I stated I was looking for a FEL to go on the 265 MF when I learned I could get a full size running/working backhoe for the price of a new FEL for the MF.

As you will read people buy used machines to do a job like prep for a new home location, ect and then sale the backhoe. Often they start out with a construction firm and when depreciated out or just are not dependable enough for 8-10 hours days day after day.

If you can find one in driving distance so you can check it out that would be best. I think it cost me $400 to get my hauled 200 miles. We have learned worn pins are not a real concern if you just keep it greased for your own use. We do not loan it because I know it and can compensate for its age related issues.

I was told rear brakes can be an issue on old Case units but it is best (not possible often) to actually work any used machine for one hour by an operator that knows the class of machine. Ours did have a green hydraulic pump so I expected years ago someone had replaced the OEM pump (a plus in my view). If you can buy one that needs tires at a low price that is good. We had OK tires but they were old and hard so we replaced and the now can move around on hills much better because of a better grip. This is a huge plus if trying to remove snow too.

Having a hoe is more useful than I expected.

Again having another old machine around is not for everyone but when you can get a good working complete backhoe for the price of a new Add-On backhoe is can be a good solution for some.