3-Point Hitch To hitch or not to hitch - that is the question.

MaineTom · Mar 13, 2015

Well time is getting close to dropping the dime(s) for the new SCUT. The decision has finally been made to go with the BX25D.
I'll be getting it with:
R4 tires - BH Thumb - Land Pride Grappel - BX Quick Attach- FEL - Maybe LED work lights and 2" wheel spacers if I can get them with the order.
I'll be doing my own fabrication of a skid plate, and a hitch ball for the BH. Most of my work will be in the woods clearing brush, trees, rocks, stumps etc., and cutting and hauling fire wood.

So giving that to start, I don't plan to have any PTO driven equipment, and I think I can do most tasks with out a 3PH...can anyone make a good argument why I might need a 3PH BEFORE I purchase any equipment that needs one? I've seen a lot of posts that mention they have several hundred hours on their machine and the 3PH is still in the box!

Zebrafive · Mar 13, 2015

I would think you would want either a rear blade or box blade to fix ruts or maintain woods trails. You can do some of that with a bucket in a pinch, but easier with a rear blade/box blade

MaineTom · Mar 13, 2015

Your are right, and when I feel I need one of those, then I'll get the 3PH, but I don't think it's worth it to order it with the tractor.
Even then, I'll probably rent box blade rather than buy one.

varmint · Mar 13, 2015

I'm confused here- are you saying you don't intend to get a 3ph?? Surely it comes with the tractor unless you delete it? Maybe not, since this is often a BH equipped tractor.

MaineTom · Mar 13, 2015

That's right...it does not come with the BX25D.

bigtiller · Mar 13, 2015

Id rather have one in a box on the shelf the day i need one, rather than ordering one and waiting for it. I bet it is cheaper today then it will be when you need one in _ _ years.

GBOUTDOORS · Mar 13, 2015

I have a BX2360 with FEL but no BH but I use the 3PTH with a BXM 32 chipper, 5' back blade, 4' Kubota tiller, 4' bush hog, homemade firewood trailer, 22 ton log splitter, 4' rake, and for next winter a new 50" snowblower. My friend down the road picked up a nice very little used BX24 with FEL and BH and it had a 3PTH also. At first we just swapped tractors if I need the BH or he needed any of the 3PTH implements. But he found that he could use the implements far more often than the BH so has started to collect his own. As he has the BH and I only find myself needing it occasionally will stay with my set up but if I do upgrade in the future it will have both BH and 3PTH. So I would go with the 3PTH with the setup.

silvertramp · Mar 13, 2015

Forget the BH and go with the 3pt hitch.

Deerherd · Mar 13, 2015

I do a lot of work with brush and trees like you describe and wouldn't think of doing it with a backhoe attached all the time. You don't plan on snow removal or driveway maintenance?

I would forego the backhoe and rent that when needed and buy a much more capable CUT sized tractor with a 3pt hitch for skidding logs out. You will do a lot more of that style work than digging stumps out of the woods. How much lift do you have on the scut with a grapple? A grapple on a CUT sized tractor is very useful, not so sure about what you are considering.

Putting a carryall on the back with chainsaw equipment and a place to stack and carry your firewood would make much more sense than a backhoe. Everybody wants a backhoe but how much are you REALLY going to use it?

Good luck and have fun!

MaineTom · Mar 13, 2015

I need the BH - I have a lot of drainage work to do, putting in culverts etc. If I need a carry all I can either use the FEL or build a box I can pick up with the grapple and move it where I need to work. The only snow work I plan to do is maybe moving some back from the edges of the drive when it gets too deep...like this winter. I have a 2500HD GMC with a plow to do the heavy snow work. My logging roads are pretty clear and the BX is pretty maneuverable even with the BH from what I've seen. I'll be using the BH to rip stumps and the grapple to move brush, stumps, logs etc. I guess having the 3PH in the box isn't such a bad thing!

Tractor Seabee · Mar 13, 2015

As far as I know you can't buy the BX25 w/o the BH. Yes the 3PH is an extra on the BX. They threw in the 3PH to sweeten the deal when I bought mine as I bought several implements. Use your $13K for something else and buy a new BX25 on the 0 down 0 interest 5 year plan. Implements can go on the financing also. That gives more wiggle room for the dealer. I use my BH about 25% of the total hours. I work in sloped woods also. The BH is a great movable ballast box when on side hills by keeping it swung on the uphill side. I also have 500# of suitcase weights in 50# increments that I use on the 3PT QH as ballast when the BH is off and using the FEL to lift a 55GL oil drum.

Ron

RoyJackson · Mar 14, 2015

I'm also a proponent of getting the 3PH (if fact, I'm very surprised it's an optional item on any tractor!!). You'll probably want a draw bar too, in case that doesn't come as standard equipment.
You may end up wanting powered implements eventually...a chipper, RFM or rotary cutter, post hole digger. And adding the 3PH "option" is probably cheaper when adding it as an option rather then buying it after the fact.

Me, I'm in the opposite situation...I bought my used Deere 4520 with a backhoe. I don't have much need for a backhoe, but the dealer wouldn't split it off the tractor. I did get all of the 3PH components though (came with the tractor)...not sure about the draw bar though. Wasn't with the 3PH arms and such, but I guess I'll find out if I have one when I drop the backhoe off.

paulfun9 · Mar 14, 2015

I cant understand why they would sell a tractor without a 3 point and a draw bar! Me personally I would tell the dealer straight out if its not included at no additional charge I will spend my hard earned cash on a tractor backhoe combo that it is included on.

jenkinsph · Mar 14, 2015

It would be better to try this rig out on your property to make sure it is big enough. Sounds to be too small for your intended uses. At any rate get the 3ph with what ever you buy.

Zebrafive · Mar 14, 2015

bigtiller said:
Id rather have one in a box on the shelf the day i need one, rather than ordering one and waiting for it. I bet it is cheaper today then it will be when you need one in _ _ years.

My thought too. Cheaper as part of the deal, than to even come back and buy after the initial purchase. Plus if you ever trade up or sell, first thing the buyer will want to know is there a 3pt hitch that goes with it? Get it when you buy!

nybirdman · Mar 14, 2015

BX and woods work.........low clearances even with a skid plate you are going to high center.I would upsize for your intended work and rent a back hoe when needed.Go to at least a "B" series.

MaineTom · Mar 14, 2015

One of the reasons I need the BX rather than the B, is a clearance issue I have getting into my dog kennels to clean up. It's only 6ft on one end so I can just make it with the ROPS folded, and BH will help with what I need to do there as well. I've been watching a lot of videos of BX owners working in the woods with no issues, I think I can handle it. Yes I've been convinces to get the 3PH with the purchase! Thanks for the discussion! :thumbsup:

MaineTom · Mar 15, 2015

Well now I really need the 3PH! I just discovered I have an old plow for my garden tractor that I don't use. I'll convert that into a nice rear scraper blade when I get a chance!

MaineTom · Mar 16, 2015

Sure wish I had that BX about now...Murphy's Law - if there's more than 6" of snow my plow on the truck breaks and needs parts that can't get here for a week! :thumbdown:

:mur: