New member ...looking to buy 24 to 30 hp tractor

[paulfun9]

Backhoe cost verses rental cost can be a tricky thing. You will find some like me who would not be without one and others who contend the once a year rental is more cost effective and yet the others who only have one or two big jobs that need done and then no more need so renting is the best solution.
Think carefully all the immediate needs then long term plans and possible maintenance on the property then weigh that against the TRUE costs of renting.
For me that means fuel and time to go arrange the rental, having to wait till the machine I want is available which its definitely not always going to be. The time frame needed to cover the job and sometimes the extra day when you don't get done because something happened or you simply ran out of time and need it for 2 more hours but have to pay an extra days rent for those 2 hours. also the cost of delivery yes most charge for delivery but then again many have a trailer but it cost money for fuel to run your truck and trailer and time, remember that extra two hours? Also the ability to do a job at your own pace and that can be a god send at times. Break downs with rentals are not as uncommon as some think so that has to be considered also. Then even when all goes well you also have to put yet more fuel in the truck to return the rental the next day.

Now consider the selling price of a used backhoe a few years after the purchase? How much will someone looking for a backhoe pay for a well taken care of backhoe for their machine especially if your lucky enough o find a buyer for it that has a similar machine that can use the sub-frame and all? I would bet that I can sell the backhoe and sub-frame from my DK in two years without loosing much more than a thousand dollars and trust me when I say that a 1000 dollars wouldn't cover my rental costs for the use I have gotten out of it so far and its not even been a hole year with that machine! So again consider use -vs- rental -vs - resale if your plans are not to keep it for ever.

With my old JD I purchased a used woods backhoe and modified a sub-frame from a slightly different JD to mount it on. When I decided to buy a new tractor for the home I sold the woods backhoe and sub-frame for the same as it cost me less the fuel it cost to go get the sub-frame and hoe. So I basically got 7 years of use for 2 hours of cutting and welding the sub-frame to fit and 2 tanks of fuel for the truck. So you could also consider a used backhoe for the jobs at hand and if like some here are handy with tools you could easily save in the long run.

Good luck with your search for a new machine! I hope you take the time to make the best decision for your needs and end up with a great machine!

 

[jeff9366]

After reading posts not sure i need a BH, although it would be nice ! Probably would set in the shed most of the time.

Consider a <$400 Bucket Spade if you do not need a $6,000 full time Backhoe.

Worked OK on the standard Kubota 'B' series bucket on the B3300SU.

Works fab on the optional Kubota L2296 Round-Back Heavy-Duty bucket (rigid+) on the Kubota L3560.

LINK: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...da-planting-sand-pears-kubota.html?highlight=

Bucket Spade is the most underrated attachment discussed on T-B-N.

 

[747driver]

Good points on the rental comparisons. Oh...i know about rental flaws, have been renting a bobcat for the property in TN. Breakdowns, flat tires,etc and waiting for a machine and the delivery cost. I will probably get the backhoe in a package deal, as it is cheaper that way. I have the type of property that always has a need for a BH, usually just small to medium tasks but so much quicker and less wear and tear on my older body !!

 

[Tractorrr]

KUBOTA is well represented InEast tenn. You got Tyler Brothers tractor in Maryville and Hix Brothers tractor in Cookeville. the B 2920 might interest you. Has better ground clearance than bx models. Also sounds like Barlows tractor which gets talked about a lot on this site might be on the way for you on the trip down to east Tenn.

 

[dodge man]

Just me but if I were buying new, I'd look at either JD or Kubota, but they also cost more. It sounds to me you are looking for at least a B sized Kubota. I think a BX would be to small but would probably get the job done. I never did see you list a budge but I'd say you are looking at going on 30k by the time you get all the attachements you need.

 

[Ron50]

On my 4020R Branson the backhoe subframe mounts at four places..You remove the lower 3 point arms and the two hooks on the subframe then slide onto these mounting places as you back over the subframe. The front of the subframe mounts to a solid round tube on the loader subframe with two flip over brackets with one pin each. The subframe for the backhoe overlaps the loader subframe and fits inside of it. Tractor still has good ground clearance. I just plug hydraulics into one of my rear remotes. Plenty of flow at 1300-1400 rpm for me.

 

[747driver]

Thanks for the info. I have been by Tyler and Ritchie tractor in Maryville. I will look the others up that you mentioned.

 

[747driver]

My budget is around 20,000. I can get what i need for that or less. I have looked at Kubota and JD. I think they are over priced for what you get compared to the others...just my opinion. Really don't need anything much over 30 hp. Not going to be really doing any heavy construction. Other than a FEL and BH i would like to get a box blade and maybe a rear scraper blade later. I do have a Artic Cat 650 4wd with a 5 ft. blade ...very nice machine.

 

[747driver]

Thanks for the Branson BH attach points. Have been looking for a video on youtube on how to attach a BH but haven't seen one. I really like the Kioti BH attachment and the way the subframe attaches to the tractor, seems to be much more strength that way instead of putting all the weight of the BH on the 3 point hitch assy.

 

[Gittyup]

I have a backhoe for my CK25. It was a big investment, but I love having it around. About half the hours on my tractor are backhoe work. I agree that resale value can offset your costs and allow you to have the hoe when you need it. The only issue is storage. Mine is a ladder frame Rhino brand. Off of the tractor it occupies about a 4x10' space, and you really need a good hard and dry space to store it when not in use. I had a closed-sides carport built pretty much just for my backhoe attachment (I do store many other things in it too).

For backhoes, I like the Kiotis because of weight and hydraulic flow. My 7.5 foot Rhino operates nice and smooth, and fast, on the Kioti when using multiple controls at once. Plus, you can leave the 3pt hitch arms on with the backhoe attached. I think Kioti is one of the best choices for backhoes.

A backhoe also makes a very nice crane. I've used mine that way several times. Loaded tires will also make your backhoe far more effective. Without, the hoe can push the tractor around as much as it digs.