Backhoe What backhoe is best?

[7000]

Hi guys and gals,

Looking to purchase a backhoe for my new tractor. Will be using it for scrub/tree removal, digging a pond area, moving dirt and rocks, digging a few 3ft or less trenches and moving tree/bush/weed cuttings around for disposal.

I have decomposed granite soil, regular dirt and clay areas to contend with. I have selected a LS tractor and backhoe combination for the job. Have a choice of a LB 3100, LB2100 series or LB 1100 backhoes. Price stops me from the LB3100 series and there is only a 130# difference in the digging force and 1ft reach and depth capability difference between the LB2100 and LB1100 series backhoes. There is a $1000 difference. Is the $1000 worth the extra foot I have decomposed granite soil, regular dirt and clay areas to contend with. I have selected a LS tractor and backhoe combination for the job. Have a choice of a LB 3100 series, LB2100 series or LB 1100 series backhoes. Price stops me from the LB3100 series and there is only a 130# difference in the digging force and 1ft reach and 1ft depth capability difference between the LB2100 and LB1100 series backhoes. There is a $1000 difference. Is the $1000 worth the extra foot dig depth and 1ft reach? The 130# of digging pressure extra is on the shorter depth machine. Therefore, the extra money is only for the extra foot of reach and depth of dig?

Thanks again.

Also, I am considering adding a thumb to the device. Is that really a great advantage?

Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Guesseral]

Who has the best backhoe! Well depends who you ask everyone has the best hands down!

 

[oosik]

I think you are on the right track - choosing the backhoe offered by your tractor manufacturer. This should ensure the maximum ease in mating up. The difference in digging force will basically relate to speed of digging & could under certain conditions determine depth of dig also. I get this info from my friend who is a commercial excavator. The remainder of the factors you are considering - cost and length of arm are something you must decide based upon your expected use. I know he has what is called an extend-a-hoe and he specifically purchased this for use in his business. Remember, he is a commercial contractor.

 

[davrow]

Each tractor model normally specifies the backhoe to use. If you already selected your tractor, you should probably go with what is recommended. See tractordata.com. Example of LS G3038 uses LB1102
TractorData.com LS G3038 tractor attachments information
Warranty issues can and have arisen when installing a bigger backhoe than recommended by the mfg.

 

[Stonehaller]

Seems like every time I dig with the backhoe, I could use more reach. I have never had to dig to max. depth, but having more reach means you have to reposition the tractor less often, helps with moving rocks, logs or whatever with the thumb. A thumb is immensely handy by the way and would not have a backhoe without a thumb. For digging stumps, a narrow buck or ripper hook makes it easier to break roots.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Seems like every time I dig with the backhoe, I could use more reach. I have never had to dig to max. depth, but having more reach means you have to reposition the tractor less often, helps with moving rocks, logs or whatever with the thumb. A thumb is immensely handy by the way and would not have a backhoe without a thumb. For digging stumps, a narrow buck or ripper hook makes it easier to break roots.

Very true. The backhoe on my BX23 is very capable for its size, but more reach is at the top of my wishlist.

I bought a Bro-Tek ripper tooth for it for ripping up tree roots. Works great.