Backhoe To hoe, or not to hoe?

Famah · Apr 28, 2010

So I think I have found my first tractor, and the time has come to figure out how I want to have it equipped. It is a Kubota L3700 (which is replacing the venerable old L3400). It is basically the same machine as the 3400 with a couple extra horsepower. It come with a quick detach FEL.

I have some really rocky woods that I would like to turn into field. I also would like to be able to skid logs out of the woods after I cut them. So a backhoe sounds great for digging up rocks and stumps, as well as for lifting up cut tress so that I can get a chain around the trunk.

The dealer I have been speaking with has downplayed the usefulness of a backhoe on this size of a machine, as have a couple of my tractor friends. They say that, for the price of a backhoe, I have many, many hours of excavator rental. Then I wold have a machine that is really up to the task.

But I see so many tractors of this size, and even smaller, with backhoes. I have to wonder. What do you think?

What are some of the best reasons to have a backhoe of the size that would go on a 37 HP tractor?

I greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you.

Mousefield · Apr 28, 2010

I don't have many rocks on my place but mostly treed. Part of the reason I got a backhoe was to do light logging and firewood cutting/splitting. We have some large trees and cut into rounds they are heavy. As I am watching my back the backhoe is very usefull in lifting logs high enought for a good cutting height for me. Also lifting the rounds onto my log splitter. To me my tractor would not have been nearly as practical without the backhoe. I am very glad to have the backhoe, works for my application of what I do with it. My tractor is a Kioti CK35 HST.I think you are doing the right thing in thinking about the uses you have for it and also how often you would use it.

sweettractors · Apr 28, 2010

Famah said:
So I think I have found my first tractor, and the time has come to figure out how I want to have it equipped. It is a Kubota L3700 (which is replacing the venerable old L3400). It is basically the same machine as the 3400 with a couple extra horsepower. It come with a quick detach FEL.

I have some really rocky woods that I would like to turn into field. I also would like to be able to skid logs out of the woods after I cut them. So a backhoe sounds great for digging up rocks and stumps, as well as for lifting up cut tress so that I can get a chain around the trunk.

The dealer I have been speaking with has downplayed the usefulness of a backhoe on this size of a machine, as have a couple of my tractor friends. They say that, for the price of a backhoe, I have many, many hours of excavator rental. Then I wold have a machine that is really up to the task.

But I see so many tractors of this size, and even smaller, with backhoes. I have to wonder. What do you think?

What are some of the best reasons to have a backhoe of the size that would go on a 37 HP tractor?

I greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you.

My experience is with a real Case backhoe in the woods and on hilly conditions and it ain't good. These hoes are top heavy and in my opinion are very dangerous in the woods. Be Safe! Ken Sweet

Gizmo2 · Apr 28, 2010

Famah said:
So I think I have found my first tractor, and the time has come to figure out how I want to have it equipped. It is a Kubota L3700 (which is replacing the venerable old L3400). It is basically the same machine as the 3400 with a couple extra horsepower. It come with a quick detach FEL.

I have some really rocky woods that I would like to turn into field. I also would like to be able to skid logs out of the woods after I cut them. So a backhoe sounds great for digging up rocks and stumps, as well as for lifting up cut tress so that I can get a chain around the trunk.

The dealer I have been speaking with has downplayed the usefulness of a backhoe on this size of a machine, as have a couple of my tractor friends. They say that, for the price of a backhoe, I have many, many hours of excavator rental. Then I wold have a machine that is really up to the task.

But I see so many tractors of this size, and even smaller, with backhoes. I have to wonder. What do you think?

What are some of the best reasons to have a backhoe of the size that would go on a 37 HP tractor?

I greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you.

LOL,
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/122273-new.html
I would have been lost without my hoe years ago, not so much now but got the new one anyway. The JD 650 was 17hp! Note: If it were not for the BH on the 650 trade in value would not have been near as much either.

sal64 · Apr 28, 2010

hello i bought a backhoe for my jd990 4 yrs ago used it about 5 times now it sits havent used it for about 2yrs in my oppinion u could hire someone to do the work much cheaper.

TripleR · Apr 28, 2010

Only you can make the decision on something like this. We bought a good used Case backhoe many years ago and once our projects were done we just parked it thinking we might need it again some day. We didn't and now it needs lots of work to get it back in shape. We rent one on the rare occasions we need it. My brother is going to retire this year and take the time to get it working so we can sell it or maybe he will do some custom work.

If you need one they are great and if you don't they are just a waste of money no matter the size. I will never own another one, but sure would if I had a use for it.

Famah · Apr 28, 2010

Thank you for all of your replies. It seems like a pretty even split of opinion at this point. For those of you who use your hoe regularly, what do you do with it? Mousefield, it sounds like you process a lot of wood, and the hoe comes in handy for that. Given my time priorities, I will most likely be getting most of my wood split and delivered, supplementing with the occasional tree I need to take down for other reasons. But other than processing wood, what are you using your backhoes for?

The rocks I need to deal with vary in size from 12" to boulders that the largest normal excavator will not move. It is sounding like I might be better off renting, but I want to be sure before I give up on the hoe. Thank you again.

jinman · Apr 28, 2010

I see lots of plumbers who own small Kubotas with backhoes. The plumber who did my new house in 2002 had one. More recently, I see lots of mini-excavators used by plumbers and concrete guys to dig footers. All these folks use their backhoes at least a couple of times a week if not more. I think the key to backhoe usefulness is constant use. $6k-$7k extra is a lot of money to pay for once-in-awhile use.

Mousefield has a very good use for his backhoe and will get his money back in saved backbreaking work alone. I'd bet he doesn't often swap the backhoe out for other implements. As I get older, swapping implements becomes more of a chore for me. I've had days where I put three different quick attach implements on the FEL and three different implements on the 3PH. Two of the 3PH implements were PTO driven. I got a lot done, but swapping implements is work no matter how easy you make it.

I used to always say renting was the best solution for a backhoe, but now that I live 30 miles from the closest rental yard, I'm not sure if that is correct. I keep looking at full-size LBHs with envy. I'm just not as sure as I used to be. Perhaps buying, using, then selling isn't a bad idea.

charlz · Apr 28, 2010

I just have a b7100 with a backhoe so not really powerful. I use it to clean ditches, dig trenches, take out or plant small trees and bushes etc. In this size range it is a 'beats the *&^^ out of using a shovel' attachment :laughing:

If you are going to be digging out rocks, trees etc. I would think life out be easier with a rented mini excavator. As Jinman pointed out, it depends on how far away from the rental yard you are.

Mousefield · Apr 28, 2010

Jinman, you are correct in guessing I do not swap out my backhoe often. I leave it on the tractor unless I am going to boxblade and or backblade our road.

Some of the other uses I have used my backhoe for are to, several times, move some good size rocks to block off paths dirt bikes and ATV's were trespassing over. Not to have them speed down our private road and screw it up makes the backhoe priceless. Have also dug a couple of ditches and moved small fruit trees for a couple of neighbor. Have built a couple of walking paths for the wife to walk her goats. We are in a rain forest and lots of dead stuff on the ground, nice the backhoe can pick up large branches, downed trees (some I cut into smaller pieces first) and move it rather than me. Have used it for digging up a number of stumps. Being a 7 ft on a 35hp tractor it will only do so much. If you are looking at moving lots of larger rocks then the excavator is the way to go. Because I use the backhoe lots it would not pay for me to bring in someone often but for only an hour or two, that's not practical. My wife, who bought me the tractor, sees what I do with it and the backhoe and is very happy I have it.