Buying Advice Used JD 110 vs everything else

[TJP89]

I know that the OP has almost decided to go with a 110, but my thinking is that for 30-35K, one can get a lot of tractor new, even with a BH. As he seems to have a property that will need constant work, a tractor wouldn't be a bad idea. I would be inclined to get a new tractor with BH, then he has it, and the 110 can't be used for general upkeep. The 110 might do the initial jobs a little better, but over the long run a tractor would probably come out ahead. As the OP isn't interested in HST, there are plenty of basic options for heavy solid tractors that will do his initial jobs and upkeep work down the road. At this point, used isn't cheaper than new, so why go used?

 

[TSO]

I know that the OP has almost decided to go with a 110, but my thinking is that for 30-35K, one can get a lot of tractor new, even with a BH. As he seems to have a property that will need constant work, a tractor wouldn't be a bad idea. I would be inclined to get a new tractor with BH, then he has it, and the 110 can't be used for general upkeep. The 110 might do the initial jobs a little better, but over the long run a tractor would probably come out ahead. As the OP isn't interested in HST, there are plenty of basic options for heavy solid tractors that will do his initial jobs and upkeep work down the road. At this point, used isn't cheaper than new, so why go used?

?????

The 110tlb is a tractor. The BH can be removed and it even has a PTO/3pt option.

 

[ultrarunner]

I do like the creep function when using the backhoe... it's the cat's meow.

 

[DocDryden]

The loader on a SCUT, CUT or a utility farm tractor is designed to load material, scoop up piles, etc. It really is not designed to dig, at least not at any decent duty cycle. If you look at a Bobcat skid steer, you will see when the loader is all the way down (digging position), the lower arms are actually against the body of the Bobcat. If you look at a JD210 and observe the angles and the way the hydraulic rams attach, you can also see how it can dig all day long. On the JD110, it's pretty stout, but I've seen enough busted bell housings to think most of the digging should be done with the backhoe, with the loader relegated to loading and relatively light digging work. I've never seen anyone bust a bell housing, I've just seen the results. It makes me wonder if they were truly abusing the unit or if more likely the bolts worked loose over time allowing dynamic loads on the bolts. I guess I am saying that a good operator that maintains his JD110 well and isn't stupid may be able to do more digging with the front bucket than I suspect.

DavesTractor,
I have heard of the horror stories of the 110tlb with the busted / cracked bell housings. Are you saying that this can be avoided by not using the 110 like a bulldozer? Thanks in advance for the info

 

[AKfish]

The loader on a SCUT, CUT or a utility farm tractor is designed to load material, scoop up piles, etc. It really is not designed to dig, at least not at any decent duty cycle. If you look at a Bobcat skid steer, you will see when the loader is all the way down (digging position), the lower arms are actually against the body of the Bobcat. If you look at a JD210 and observe the angles and the way the hydraulic rams attach, you can also see how it can dig all day long. On the JD110, it's pretty stout, but I've seen enough busted bell housings to think most of the digging should be done with the backhoe, with the loader relegated to loading and relatively light digging work. I've never seen anyone bust a bell housing, I've just seen the results. It makes me wonder if they were truly abusing the unit or if more likely the bolts worked loose over time allowing dynamic loads on the bolts. I guess I am saying that a good operator that maintains his JD110 well and isn't stupid may be able to do more digging with the front bucket than I suspect.

You know... I've heard those concerns before. Maybe I've just been lucky - cause I've dug alot of stumps, roots and frozen ground with my 110.

But, I also try to "pay attention" when I'm working.

And, I've always maintained that there's not any tractor, excavator, dozer, etc., etc. that can't be "broken"!

AKfish

 

[DavesTractor]

DavesTractor,
I have heard of the horror stories of the 110tlb with the busted / cracked bell housings. Are you saying that this can be avoided by not using the 110 like a bulldozer? Thanks in advance for the info

A little care in operating the machine, not making big impact type loads on the castings and you'll never break a JD110. They are a solid tractor. Like AKfish mentions, he has done a ton of work with his without issue. I do not think the JD110 is particularly weak in the bell housing, I just think it runs a really stout loader and if used like a "rental" you can break it. I would not let that affect a decision to buy one of these. If it isn't already cracked or broken, it is highly unlikely a careful operator will break it. If I didn't already have a skid steer and mini-excavator at home, I'd consider a JD110. I wish Mahindra made a dedicated TLB for the USA market. We sell a ton of backhoes on the smaller Mahindras and folks are happy with these just like the green JD and the Blue NH (as opposed to commercial units). But they are a small farm tractor with a backhoe attachment, not a dedicated machine. You give up some reach and strength for the versatility of being able to quickly dismount the backhoe and attach implements.

I think JCB makes a "midi" 50'ish HP TLB. I've not owned or used one, but that sounds like a good size.

 

[AKfish]

DavesTractor,
I have heard of the horror stories of the 110tlb with the busted / cracked bell housings. Are you saying that this can be avoided by not using the 110 like a bulldozer? Thanks in advance for the info

I'm not sure exactly what people were doing or what it takes to crack the bell housing. Likely a combinations of factors - not just one, single thing.

Something that I'll admit to doing and fully realize that I should "NEVER" do is work the backhoe with the stabilizers and bucket UP. Yeah, it really twists and torques the tractor. Usually, it's just a little, quick scoop or grab of a stump or tree.

But, it's just a sec or two and don't want to take the time (or space) to get the tractor all set up. Lazy.. I know. I finally learned my lesson after swinging the hoe boom smack dab into one of the stabilizer feet!!

So, there's alot of ways you can subject the machine to stresses that are outside of the design criteria. Stupid bulldozing piles at high speed or working the backhoe without 4-point stabilization...

AKfish

 

[TJP89]

?????

The 110tlb is a tractor. The BH can be removed and it even has a PTO/3pt option.

Yes, I get that. It is still not quite the same though. If the OP is comfortable with it, fine, but it just seems that that is a lot of money to spend on a used machine that is not as adaptable as a modern utility tractor.

 

[dusty3030]

Yes, I get that. It is still not quite the same though. If the OP is comfortable with it, fine, but it just seems that that is a lot of money to spend on a used machine that is not as adaptable as a modern utility tractor.

Yeah but he has like 4 or 4.5 acres I believe. Once everything is built the backhoe becomes an expensive yard ornament. Buy a used heavy machine and flip it into a tractor later.

 

[TJP89]

Yeah but he has like 4 or 4.5 acres I believe. Once everything is built the backhoe becomes an expensive yard ornament. Buy a used heavy machine and flip it into a tractor later.

Good point, and I agree, he really doesn't need a backhoe in the long run. But if he buys a used machine, uses it for 2-3 years, is he going to get a decent price for it at that point, so as to be able to buy a good utility tractor. It won't have to be as big, but 30K is a lot of money. Most likely you guys are right, but I would still consider going new. Then again, it's his money!