Woods BH6000 or new tractor

[KeithInSpace]

...is a BX25 better than a BX2660 with a Woods backhoe?

Probably a smidge better. Also more expensive. That would come full circle to the capability being directly proportional to cost.

BX1500 with BH least expensive, but slightly less capable.

BX25 best "value" combination of tractor and backhoe.

BX2660 with Woods BH6000 probably best capability (largest pumps, largest engines, largest seat, etc.), but also most expensive. He'd probably be touching on $20k or more even before he starts into MMM, BoxBlade, or any other accutrements.

Dunno. BX2660 probably not the direction I would personally go. I'd put more value on getting the BH than the small incremental capacity improvement.

Also, owning the BH6000, I will say that the Kubota pin/installation system appears to be easier and less finnicky than the Woods mount. And the seat swivel system on the BX23/4/5 is certainly superior to the Woods.

 

[TripleR]

Probably a smidge better. Also more expensive. That would come full circle to the capability being directly proportional to cost.

BX1500 with BH least expensive, but slightly less capable.

BX25 best "value" combination of tractor and backhoe.

BX2660 with Woods BH6000 probably best capability (largest pumps, largest engines, largest seat, etc.), but also most expensive. He'd probably be touching on $20k or more even before he starts into MMM, BoxBlade, or any other accutrements.

Dunno. BX2660 probably not the direction I would personally go. I'd put more value on getting the BH than the small incremental capacity improvement.

Also, owning the BH6000, I will say that the Kubota pin/installation system appears to be easier and less finnicky than the Woods mount. And the seat swivel system on the BX23/4/5 is certainly superior to the Woods.

Thanks; gotta quit reading these backhoe threads before I wind up with one.

 

[bxkubota]

Well I have decided that based on everyone's helpful feedback and my own decision making I am going the route of the BX25 with a 54" deck (I have the bagger and deck boot and hose for the 54" deck already). I have my tractor on Ebay and Craiglist right now to see what offers it brings. If nothing comes in that is appealing, it will be traded.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Since a pattern of changing tractors has been started.......I don't know if a Woods is better or worse than a Kubota BH. I would think in my mind (right or wrong) that it's been a cheap add on later if it has a brand different than the Kubota tractor. I'm not saying I'm correct, I'm just saying how I would think. I believe that if a used BX25 is for sale/trade beside a BX2660 with a Woods BH the all Kubota would bring more money and sale quicker than the mixed breed. If in doubt and anyone cares, ask a dealer. I have both the BX25 and a BX2660 but don't have a Woods BH. I really like both of them. There are differences between them even though it can't be seen in the pictures. One very noticeable difference is how much quiter the BX25 is over the BX2660 and how much easier/smoother the fuel feed is on the BX25.

 

[KeithInSpace]

...don't know if a Woods is better or worse than a Kubota BH...cheap add on later...mixed breed...

I'm not sure I agree with this notion.

I would wholeheartedly agree if the "addition" was some Chinese 3PH-mounted unit, painted black, that ran off a separate 5.5 HP Yin-Shuan pull-start engine for hydraulic pressure and blew hoses more regularly than a 1982 Audi.

I can tell you that the Woods unit is every bit the backhoe as the OEM unit. I'll go a step further and say that the Woods unit on my personal machine IS A BETTER BACKHOE than the BX22-generation OEM backhoe (for those who don't know, the BX22 being the BH-equipped contemporary to my BX2200/2230 generation machine phased out after 2006). That was actually a factor in my decision to purchase the backhoe later. I didn't care for the straight boom and the lower-end construction of the Kubota BH of that generation. I'll also say that the BX23/4/5 BH has caught up with, and in some ways exceeded, Woods, making the decision more of a wash...the financial savings making the all-Kubota machine a clear(er) victor.

I know there are some add-ons that are of lower quality than the OEM units. Generally speaking, Woods items are not in that group.

Love for all...just wanted to share my thoughts.

[/soapbox]

 

[Tom_H]

The Woods backhoe really is finnicky to get on. My setup with the wheels that bolt on at the base of the hoe, the end of the boom, and the stabilizer feet make it easier to get everything alligned. I do find that I have to use the hydraulics to get all 4 points alligned and make all 4 connect at the exact same time. That can be a real PITA. I think the BX25 is probably easier to get back on.

I am still having electrical problems. It all started when the dealer put the Woods bh on. My starter and solenoid work now, but I still have shorting fuses.

The "wings" on the Woods bh attachment points prevent full 3ph lift if the lift arms are at absolute maximum spread. The lift arms hit the "ears" before full lift is achieved. I solved this problem by cutting those things off with the reciprocating saw-hacksaw blade, then smoothing with angle grinder.

 

[KeithInSpace]

The Woods backhoe really is finnicky to get on...I think the BX25 is probably easier to get back on.

Totally agree. I do OK lining everything up, but need to move the boom and put pressure in certain places to get the locking hasp to latch over the upper pins. But I definitely like the Kubota solution better.

...electrical problems...started when the dealer put the Woods bh on.

Huh. Odd, considering there are no electrical connections associated with the backhoe. Not to diminish yours, but I've had no such issue.

The "wings" on the Woods bh attachment points prevent full 3ph lift if the lift arms are at absolute maximum spread.

I can honestly say that I haven't been limited by this. I have several attachments including an 'oversized' post-hole-digger. I can see the issue, though.

My response to Mr. JohnThomas was taking exception to the addition of a Woods Backhoe somehow lessening the the tractor. If confronted with virtually identical tractors, in virtually idential condition, with virtually identical hours, one equipped with Woods and the other with an OEM backhoe (my BX2230 with BH6000 vs. a BX22, for example, I'd probably pick the "Whole OEM" unit for the reasons he pointed out. But I don't think I'd pay extra for the pleasure of a Kubota BH over a Woods...certainly not on my generation of machine. In theory, I paid more for a Woods than a Kubota, but there were other mitigating circumstances.

And the things you mention that admittedly add 55 seconds to the installation procedure don't affect how much dirt you move. In fact, I've previously stated other items I prefer on the Kubota unit over the Woods...notably the seat mechanism.

This doesn't make the Woods cheap. Just a different solution that fits some folks and not others.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

My response to Mr. JohnThomas was taking exception to the addition of a Woods Backhoe somehow lessening the the tractor. If confronted with virtually identical tractors, in virtually idential condition, with virtually identical hours, one equipped with Woods and the other with an OEM backhoe (my BX2230 with BH6000 vs. a BX22, for example, I'd probably pick the "Whole OEM" unit for the reasons he pointed out. But I don't think I'd pay extra for the pleasure of a Kubota BH over a Woods...certainly not on my generation of machine. In theory, I paid more for a Woods than a Kubota, but there were other mitigating circumstances.

This doesn't make the Woods cheap. Just a different solution that fits some folks and not others.

Taking exception but you would do what I suggested.
I told you I didn't know about Woods but I've believed (right or wrong) that they would be cheaper than OEM Kubota and I believe the majority of buyers would believe the same thing. That was my point and thought I had given all the disclaimers that I was not speaking from knowledge or experience but purely by my perception. Must not of been clear enough. My perception from no knowledge or experience. I think you took it as a personal assault on your decision. It wasn't. It was to respond to someone looking at, I think, a new now generation machine.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Po-TAY-to, po-TAH-to. No conflict here. It is all in what fits the purchaser's situation. I'm not disagreeing with what you said, really, just the broad net you cast in saying it.

My only real point is that a Woods BH is NOT a "cheap add-on". It is an implement just as any other. Kubota makes a snow-blower, but so do other companies...doesn't make all of them "cheap". Similar with tillers. Who knows...maybe the KUBOTA unit is "cheap" and the others are nicer.

Some people find value in having "Kubota" written on each and every implement. Not a problem. Some people take their wheel-weights off three times a year so they can wax the rim UNDERNEATH the wheel weights. Then put on tire treatment to make everything REALLY shiny. There is nothing wrong with any of that.

I'm just careful about exactly what the "cheap" label is affixed to. I didn't buy my backhoe at Harbor Freight, nor do they sell it.

All that said, my first preference would be the OEM backhoe on a new machine. No doubt.

 

[Tom_H]

I think many would agree with me on this. If you don't have a BX, and want to buy one and to have a backhoe, it is less expensive and simpler to get a BX that comes with a Kubota backhoe; currently that's a BX25. If you already own a BX that didn't come with a backhoe, it's probably less expensive to add the Woods BH6000 than it is to trade in for a BX25. If you add the Woods, you are going to spend a bit more time with r/r, but you will get a hoe that will do 101% of the job the BX25 hoe could do.

As to the electrical issue, I think they somehow scuffed a wire in some tiny little place up front while attaching that long sub-frame that runs all the way to the front of the main frame. There's likely a miniature short that they just can't seem to find.

When I put the 42" Pengo auger, AND the 18" extender on my PHD, I had to go full spread to get the full sized U-bar on, and I had to go full height for the auger to clear the ground. In that configuration, I had to cut those little "ears" off the 4ph so I could get full lift while at full spread.

Keith and John, each of you adds great value to this forum.