Backhoe Backhoe info

[Khill407]

I have a Kubota L3710 tractor with a Bush Hog loader. I am looking to buy a used backhoe attachment. I need help deciding on whether it should a three point or subframe and, which brand. I am inclined the go with the subframe. I am looking at a Woods and Kubota. What other brand should I consider? It will be used for medium duty and light use. Any suggestions? Also, where is the best place to look for one?

 

[wilkesland]

This is a question which has been asked a lot and you are going to get a lot of opinions. You may want to check out this thread http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...just-facts.html?highlight=point+hitch+backhoe I thought it was a very good discussion.

I don't have a backhoe, so I can't give you an informed opinion based on experience. However, I have concluded that for my compact tractor - MF 1260, I am going to go the subframe route when I can afford it. I've given up looking at 3 point hitch backhoes.

Good luck!

Barry

 

[dqdave1]

I have a woods 7500 that is about 10 years old and has about 1500 hours of backhoe operation. It has served me well.

 

[DavidVT]

I put a very old woods 750 on my 3430 using a 3pt mount and pto pump.

Paid too much for this tired old 'hoe and ALMOST always think i wasted my money when I see it sitting in the field....

However, it usually takes about 5 minutes of digging with the 750 to justify the expense vs the alternative: A true tempered backhoe with a hickory boom.

I always run the old 750 at or near idle to compensate for it's accumulated wear and tear. Even at this low speed and power, it digs far faster then I ever could!!

I wonder about the Korean and Chinese small backhoe attachments. I am curious about their power, reliability and durability vs apparent cost advantages. I see that the woods units do well with parts and information support for the older units. Will the far east units be as well supported? Eventually they will, but are they now? I ask because I have more in this loose old woods then what I am seeing new far east units go for on the web... hmmm???

 

[Khill407]

Thanks to both of you. I have read the suggested link. I think I leaning towards the subframe. Any idea of what the best way is to go about finding a good used backhoe?

 

[JoelD]

Do a search on sub frame and 3pt backhoes, this topic gets beaten up about once per month.

Check craigs list and ebay to start with, you'd find some out there.

There are also kit built units (I had one) that are very strong, reliable and adaptable.

I had a guy in VT build mine (Al), did an amazing job and the thing dug better than a hoe twice it's size.

Joel

 

[Khill407]

I have heard good thinks about the Woods. I have a price on a new BH70 with a 12" bucket and subframe for my Kubota of about $6300. I really want to spend around $3000 on a used one if I can find one. Know anything about a Bush Hog?

 

[Richard]

I was once "dying" for a tractor with a backhoe on it. Bugged the wife to no end...finally she said "shut up...my brother is selling something, go buy it"

I ended up with an industrial JCB backhoe/loader (15 1/2' digging depth)

Paid about 13K for it as I recall.

At the time, I was pricing new subframes for a Kubota and (very poor) memory tells me they were around 9,000 new?

With today's economy, you might look at an older industrial backhoe/loader. Bigger, badder, stronger, heavier, easy to lift your house off your foundation with a pull of the stick...

Then, keep your tractor configured as it is.

Today in hindsight, I'm very glad I went this road. Loader/backhoe is far more capable of doing what I would have wanted a tractor/backhoe to do.

Just trying to throw some off the wall thoughts out there for you.

You could buy a used one, use it for several years and resell it for probably similar dollars that you paid for it.

 

[Khill407]

Thanks JoelD. I will look on Craigs List. Have already looked on EBay without much success. I'll keep trying - there has to be one that someone wants to get rid of.

 

[tessiers]

I have a Bradco hoe on a JD and I have used it both as 3 point and as subframe. I would not use it again as a 3 point unless absoloutly nessesary. When using something as heavy and powerful as a backhoe movement in the attachment is a very bad thing, either 3 point or subframe. Over time with use a little movement turns into a lot of movement. Movement causes breakdowns. I can not speak for all backhoes but of the ones I have experience with the subframe is a seperate component designed for the individual tractor. You can buy almost any backhoe and order a subframe to fit your tractor, mine was around $500 to $600 if memory serves me correct. With hydraulic connections I think mine cost about $1000 to install. Keep in mind you will have to find a dealer for the backhoe to order the correct subframe, or find a competent fabrication shop to modify the existing one.

Good luck!