Backhoe Backhoe quandary

[PineRidge]

<font color="blue"> If you want to save money get a used tractor, stop buying beer, whatever, but get a factory frame mounted hoe. (My 2 cents)
</font>

I am the type that likes to do his homework before making any large purchase. Before I made my investment in a factory frame mounted backhoe I called my local gas supplier and talked with their service department. I wanted to know what the utility company used when they needed to dig in a trench. I figured that these boys would be using them on an almost daily basis. I was told that years ago they had indeed used 3-point mounted backhoes to cut the cost on equipment purchased. They also quickly found out that the repairs to those same tractors outweighed the savings made by the 3-point attached hoes. They cut their losses and moved on to the frame mounted backhoes and now use them exclusively. I also talked with a local New Holland dealer that backed up that very same story, seems he also furnishes some of the frame mounted Bradco backhoes to that same utility company.

I guess it’s the old story, “Pay me now, or pay me later.” When it comes to backhoes

 

[tawilson]

I plan on putting a backhoe on my 2120 in a couple of months. My New Holland dealer said Woods is coming out with a subframe that bolts on and stays with the tractor. As far as putting them on the new tractors, he said once the tractor manufacturers stopped warranting damage from aftermarket backhoes, the aftermarket manufacturers had to cover damage to the tractors if they wanted to keep selling equipment.

 

[PineRidge]

<font color="blue"> I plan on putting a backhoe on my 2120 in a couple of months. My New Holland dealer said Woods is coming out with a subframe that bolts on and stays with the tractor. </font>

Once my New Holland backhoe is dropped the subframe stays with the backhoe. It makes for a longer backhoe package for storage but it keeps the tractor cleaner after its dropped. I found that I can drop mine on two appliance dollies so that it can be moved around without much trouble. I did see another TBN'er post pictures of a custom made welded steel backhoe dollie that I am planning to make for a future project.

 

[aloha]

Thank you, one and all. The response to my questions has been fantastic.

My money manager read through the responses, made a few cracks of “sounds like backhoe envy” and “I want to know what are all these other projects that they use their backhoes for,” and then issued her decree: “I think we should own one that is big and strong.” So we will be going with 7.5 foot depth and subframe mount. And it sounds like using tractor hydraulics makes sense for us. The comments regarding easier/faster installation with the subframe mount and using tractor hydraulics rather than PTO pump were especially persuasive since we will be a one-tractor household.

I do like the looks of the Kubota BL 4690,but question whether it is worth the extra cost compared to Woods or Bradco. And the local dealer pushing the Kubota backhoe said it had only a 1 year warranty, which does not compare favorably. The third strike against it was the irritating dealer. I did read and considered the warranty issues when mixing implements. It may get complicated if something breaks and it is not obviously a manufacturing defect, but in a worst case one sues both Kubota and the implement manufacturer, and then stands back while they point fingers at one another.

The Kubota L3130 does appear to offer tremendous value, but is in a league different from where I plan to play.

The backhoe quandary now being settled, we are ready to go buy. Again, thanks to all.

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> The Kubota L3130 does appear to offer tremendous value, but is in a league different from where I plan to play. </font>

I know the feeling!

Summer of 2002 I started looking at the bX22 and decided on the B2410 and on a whim changed my idea and bought a B2910. I had seen a b2910 previously, and had decided it was without question too big for me and my needs with only 3.7 acres...but I bought one anyway.

I can honestly say that as time goes by it keeps getting smaller! No doubt in my mind that I would be quite happy with a L3130 [or 3430] and BH90 backhoe. I may just for fun ask my dealer how much it would cost if I traded my B2910 in...

Aloha, did you mention how much land you have? Sorry, I don't remember and your profile does not say much...

I know you think you don't want to consider an L series...but I kinda wish I would have...costs more to do it twice so I probably won't... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Just trying to share my personal experience...not trying to tell you what to do...only you know best what your needs probably are... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I say probably because I thought I bought more than I certainly needed...and I probably regret it a little now... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif but not too much. The B7800/B2910 are nice tractors too... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[aloha]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( did you mention how much land you have? )</font>
15 acres.

Perhaps what ultimately keeps me away from the L series is the big increase in weight from the B series, more than 1500 lb. It would mean needing also to buy a larger tow vehicle for those times the tractor will get to go play out and about.

It reminds me of the boater's problem: one's current boat, whatever size it may be, is always 2 feet shorter than the ideal boat length.

 

[Henro]

Another thing probably relates to grass cutting, at least for me.

Since I also now have a BX2200, the thought of going bigger does not [in my case]cause any concern related to the impact a large tractor would have on the grass cutting side of the equation.

And towing...well I don't have a trailer... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

You will not be dissappointed with the B7800/B2910 tractor I am sure...

 

[del]

Lawsuits against both manufacturers usually work that way. Ask the people with the
Class "A" motorhomes how hard it is sometimes to resolve
problems between the coach manufacturer and the chassis
manufacturer.

It can still fall on you. Why put yourself in such a
position right off the bat? To me tractors and tractoring
is something I do to relax, and lawsuits don't figure into
that.

I've learned from this thread as well. I have not seen
a non OEM backhoe that is frame mounted but it appears they
exist or are coming; and I've never seen a Kubota 3-point
backhoe and it surprises me they would sell such a device.

It's much quicker if you don't have to remove and replace
the 3 point arms to use a backhoe, but every inch a backhoe
is mounted rearward makes it less useable for ramp clearance
issues, off road issues and stress on the tractor.

What would be really slick is if someone came up with a
"backhoe hitch" design that all the OEMs' used, very strong
just for a hoe. The 3 point is designed for implements that
have to move up and down which a backhoe doesn't. If there
was some sort of massive frame mount structure to mount a
"built for that" hoe everything would be solved. Like the
skid-steer mounting system.

Any hoe would work on any tractor without question, come off
and come on without much delay and be structurally sound.

Someday maybe!

del

 

[tawilson]

"What would be really slick is if someone came up with a
"backhoe hitch" design that all the OEMs' used, very strong
just for a hoe."
Maybe that's what Woods is heading towards with the permanently attached frame I mentioned in my earlier post. I haven't seen any info on it yet, just know what my dealer told me. What I like is the fact that it is bolted to the tractor instead of pinned. Seems like it would be more solid. Also might give some protection underneath from stumps, etc. Mayhaps would strengthen the whole tractor. I couldn't find any information on the woods site about it.

 

[EdKing]

<font color="blue">My money manager read through the responses, made a few cracks of “sounds like backhoe envy” and “I want to know what are all these other projects that they use their backhoes for,” </font>

That must be what all "Money Managers" think/say. I remember when I was talking my "Money Manager" into getting the tractor in the first place, she kept asking "What do you need that for ?". Now after seeing what I can do with the tractor, she says "Hey, can you do this ?" or "Hey, I need you to do that." It's funny how they switch from "Why do you need that" to " Lets do this and that" or " I'm glad you have this, now you can do this for me."