backhoe for utility tractors

[chuck172]

I'm curious if those who added on a backhoe attachment to their utility calls tractor are satisfied. Many I've seen look like very expensive toys.

 

[haroldy]

not so,, I have had a 3ph hoe for 25 years
wouldnt be without
doesnt replace real thing but very handy for smaller jobs
trenching ,small tree stumps ,any digging

 

[tman1020]

It is very handy if you have the need for one. I was able to get buy with out one for years. I would just use the front loader and not go as deep but that makes a much larger hole and takes longer.
They are very expensive and take up some space. however somethings you just can't do efficiently without one. Such as year round waterlines. I would say if you need one more than three times a year maybe consider it other than that I would probably just rent one or try to get by with the loader.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

I bought my Kubota BX25D specifically for the backhoe/bucket combination for a particular set of jobs. I'm doing about 1000 feet of french drain and some grading, and re-routing my well line. While I have it, I"m going to do some other small jobs that wouldn't justify renting one, but since I have it here, I'll get them done.

So far, so good. It's not a 90 hp Case backhoe, but it's getting the job done with no problems.

 

[ArlyA]

Our organization will be getting a compact JD and a backhoe will be the 1st attachment we'll get for it. Seems JD backhoe users, at least the models I've investigated have been quite happy with them. Smaller in size but not a toy.

 

[LD1]

You have a ford 4500 TLB.

I think you would be disappointed.

I faced similar option....add a backhoe.....or for the same money, just buy an old farm hoe. Sure, it requires more maintenance and upkeep.....but SOOOO much more capable.

I find myself disappointed when operating dads 4500 after running my 5500 for awhile. I am always mis-judging reach, not having the power to get as aggressive as I do with my 5500, etc.

I couldnt imaging going to something that only had half the reach of a 4500. But I do alot of field tiling. Just last week I laid ~120' of 4" down about 30" deep. Dug it in ~45 min. Couldnt do that with a small one. I "think" it would seem all I'd be getting done would be re-positioning.

Dont get me wrong.....there are alot of places where a small hoe would be nice.....like fixing a simple blow out, or some delicate work around the house, digging and transplanting some small trees, etc. But I always come back to the cost vs capability. And $8-10k buys alot of capability in a 1970's era machine. And since you are already accustomed to one.....I just dont think you will like a small hoe on a small tractor.

 

[sea2summit]

I bought my Kubota BX25D specifically for the backhoe/bucket

Did that as well^

When I started looking bigger the first consideration was a BH, added a thumb this time as well. I wouldn't have a tractor without a BH...until I retire and get a lot of land then I'll need a big tractor dedicated to normal ground work

 

[check]

Did that as well^ When I started looking bigger the first consideration was a BH, added a thumb this time as well. I wouldn't have a tractor without a BH...until I retire and get a lot of land then I'll need a big tractor dedicated to normal ground work

Same here. I dug a 30 inch trench with it, about 70 feet long, and it took about 4 to 5 hours, but I took a couple breaks. The backhoe worked great, it's just that digging for that long gets boring! I would not have bought my BX25 back in 2008 if it did not come with a backhoe.

 

[LD1]

Same here. I dug a 30 inch trench with it, about 70 feet long, and it took about 4 to 5 hours, but I took a couple breaks. The backhoe worked great, it's just that digging for that long gets boring! I would not have bought my BX25 back in 2008 if it did not come with a backhoe.

Vs his 4500 that could do that trench 2' wide in under an hour.

That's why I think he will be disappointed with a small utility with an add-on hoe

 

[Omega Woods]

I have used my hoe for 30 of my tractor's 77 hours over the last 5 months. I have made big dirt piles, dug out stumps, backfilled and graded one side of my house, removed gravel from my creek and lots of other projects that I couldn't have done with my FEL. I still have a zillion jobs to do with it and don't regret paying an additional 6k for it when I got my Branson. My tractor wouldn't be half as useful to me without it.

I was concerned it would not be worth the investment but, thus far, it has been earning its keep.