Comparison 2wd vs 4wd Backhoe

[Martian]

I've got many threads on here about backhoe comparison as I'm looking to get something for my land. I have a compact and would like to have a secondary tractor as well to do some heavy work. Through my searches I have found a comparable 4wd to a 2wd and similar specs besides can be 3 to 4 thousand dollars more. I was wondering does the price justify or is it more of a mindset.

Thanks.

 

[Opti-Mist]

In the "old" days there was only 2WD. A backhoe is quite able to pick the rear end of the tractor up and move it sideways, foreward and aft (with the loader bucket off the ground) so 4WD is not essential. In fact, I've never used my front wheel assist when using my backhoe, at least not because it was needed. If you foresee applications where it would be more than just useful, get it. But I've not considered it mandatory.

 

[Martian]

That's kind of what I figured. I have my eye on a 93 Deere 310D. Just the basic model 2wd std hoe no cab but has low hours in good shape and is listed at 11500 which seems to be a steal for the age and condition. My only concern was traction with 2wd.

 

[RoyJackson]

That's kind of what I figured. I have my eye on a 93 Deere 310D. Just the basic model 2wd std hoe no cab but has low hours in good shape and is listed at 11500 which seems to be a steal for the age and condition. My only concern was traction with 2wd.

Nice thing about a backhoe tractor is you can use the loader and backhoe to "walk" yourself out of a bad situation.

 

[Qapla]

4WD is not a requirement for using a BH. However, the 4WD comes in handy when using the FEL and most BH's also have a FEL.

If you never plan on using the FEL, save the money on the BH. If you plan on using the FEL only to backfill the holes you dig with the BH, save the money.

If you plan on using the FEL to move and spread the dirt you dig with the BH, I'd give the 4WD more consideration.

 

[LD1]

4wd is nice and would help out "some", but how much is debatable.

Those good old BH's arent anything at all like hanging a small BH off a CUT. They are WAY more massive, and WAY heavier. The FEL is pleanty usefull even on a 2wd BH compaired to a CUT BH in 2wd only.

Example: My buddy and I were building a dirt jump in the middle of the field. Hard packed clay/sod.

I have a smaller L3400 CUT. 1/3yd bucket w/8 teeth. In 4wd and a 700lb blade on + loaded Ags, It was a struggle to get a full bucket. Doable, but had to work at it.

We also had the 4500 BH there as well. 10k machine. 1 yd bucket, 2wd, NO teeth, and 70% tread R4's. No trouble at all filling the FULL bucket.

It really suprised me how well it dug. Because before the 4500, we had an older JD2040 w/loader, and it was about worthless with anything less than 1000lbs on the back.

Point of all this is, I have my doubts how usefull 4wd would be unless you plan on working in really muddy situations with the FEL. Because even if the 4500 had 4wd in my example, it would have not been needed. Infact, I dont think I could even get the wheels to spin. It just powered though everything.

Plus, most people who buy a BH, plan on using it mainly for the BH. And 4wd does nothing to help the hoe out when you are digging with it.

If it were me, instead of looking at 3k more for a comparable 4x4, I would compair dollar for dollar. See how much nicer/newer/bigger of a 2wd you can get with that extra 3k vs spending the 3k on 4wd.:2cents:

 

[cowski]

i would rather have a lower hour 2wd than a high hour 4wd.

 

[Stonehaller]

The FEL on a 13,000+ lb 2WD JD 310D will dig circles around a 4WD drive CUT. There is just no comparison. The only thing you might need 4WD for is if you have to operate in muddy conditions or you have very loose sandy soil. Other than that, save the money.

 

[slowzuki]

Mud is bad in a 2wd backhoe trying to shuttle dirt around. The septic guy brought his 2wd 580 hoe to do my bed, he couldn't move without dragging himself with the hoe. I had to use my Kubota to move all the material, he was just amazed, he had never owned a 4wd.

 

[CurlyDave]

While my BH is much smaller than a JD 310, I use the loader a lot more than the hoe.

I always use 4WD when using the loader. I always use 4WD when using the hoe, because it gives me 4 wheel brakes.

If you land is level, 2WD my work just fine, but if you have hills 4WD has a definite advantage.