Is an FEL and Backhoe Worth It?

[robertwhite]

Going to be getting a 35+hp tractor (think Kubota L4400 or so) and when comparing the prices of a base tractor for doing mowing, hogging, post holes, etc., versus the base tractor and then adding the FEL, quick release, and backhoe the price skyrockets another $12-14K.

Doesn't it make more sense to just get a used TLB for say $8-10K?

TLB would have much greater reach and capacity, no?

What would be the pros vs cons of getting a tractor set up or the used TLB?

Tractor would likely be new as I would keep it for a long time.

 

[magicheater]

Get the tractor w/loader. Mow grass with a zero turn, Wait to see if you really need the backhoe.

 

[robertwhite]

Get the tractor w/loader. Mow grass with a zero turn, Wait to see if you really need the backhoe.

I absolutely need the backhoe. Using a zero turn has been discussed, but the land is not perfectly flat so speed would be diminished and buying a ZTR AND a tractor w/bucket kind of defeats the purpose of the tractor.

We are talking about mowing 7+ acres and hogging 7+ acres, plus all the normal chores of a small farm type property.

 

[tessiers]

depends on what you need, I've got a 48 ford that likely has more hours then most compacts will ever have and it has never had a loader or hoe. Problem with the older TLB is maint and repairs. they can suck up a lot of savings real fast, and sitting hurts them more than running in most cases. I too would go with the loader and wait on the hoe, thats what I did but I now have both so maybe I should have just bit the bullet to start with. I would say the hardest part of buying a tractor, compact or otherwise, is realisticly looking at your needs, and choosing the tractor and implements acordingly.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Diamondpilot]

There is no way you can do chores without at least a FEL. The BH can be had later or just hire out the odd jobs you need it for. FEL?? YES! BH? Mabybe..

Chris

 

[joes_427_vette]

Loader is a MUST. Back hoe is a bonus. Rent one for a day if you have the need. Guaranteed, you will be stealing the kids milk money to buy one.
I bought a used hoe and made brackets to fit my application. Bought a 611 Bradco for 4k, used very little. I wouldn't part with it.

 

[magicheater]

I absolutely need the backhoe. Using a zero turn has been discussed, but the land is not perfectly flat so speed would be diminished and buying a ZTR AND a tractor w/bucket kind of defeats the purpose of the tractor.

We are talking about mowing 7+ acres and hogging 7+ acres, plus all the normal chores of a small farm type property.

Look at a used tractor and a new backhoe. There has been a lot of improvements in backhoes in the past 10 years. Just make sure the tractor you get has the hydraulic flow you need otherwise you will be buying a pump also. You need a loader if you are going to have a backhoe. You are going to spend some money either way. I really don't like to hear people say I can't afford it when you know darn well they really can't afford NOT to. Regardless of what you spend, if you get what you need you will be happy.

 

[Nitro-Fish]

Get the tractor w/loader. Mow grass with a zero turn, Wait to see if you really need the backhoe.

+1:thumbsup:

 

[ninefinger]

For me my FEL is a must, a BH would be nice but I would not have enough work around our place to justify the cost. Your needs may be different.

 

[kebo]

My first tractor was a 21hp 2 whl drive JD 750 which I used for several years. Actually, it worked pretty well for my needs starting out. Eventually, I traded up to a 4 whl drive JD 750 and after it using just a short while I swore I would never go back to 2 whl drive.
Using the 4x4 makes you realize how much more capable it can be in the right conditions & situations.

Some years later I moved up to a JD 790 with 4x4 and front end loader so yep, after using this one for almost 2 years I swear I will never have one without the front end loader!! There are just SO MANY USES the FEL is capable of, that going without one would make me feel naked now!

Haven't really toyed with the idea of getting a BH yet, but I guess that is the last "frontier" for me to venture into. I guess maybe if I did, I might never go without one afterwards!! This tractor stuff is like an addiction!!