3 point backhoe vs sub-frame mount

[davrow]

I won't be using it for much, just an occasional hole for a pier on a deck job and such.

I got a backhoe because I wanted one, not because I could cost-justify it. So I won't begrudge you getting one. But are you sure it will be worth it?

I always thought post holes were done with a PHD (Post Hole Digger) not a backhoe, which would introduce way too much uncompacted slop.

Home Depot rents Kubota BX25 on a trailer with a backhoe for less than $200 a day. You can rent many times for the price of a backhoe.

 

[bikerdib]

But where is the fun in not owning one, anyone can rent...:laughing:

I agree with you, I bought one because I wanted to own one not because it was the cost efficient way to do the work. Now when I want to go out to the weekend property and do some digging I don't have to plan an extra 4 to 6 hours drive time to the rental store (counting both pick up and return).

 

[Code54]

I can't say I really can justify the cost of our little backhoe for as much as I use it but when you need it or want it - its there. Tonight we decided to redo some of the ditches along our road - they are solid mud with tons of baseball size rocks mixed in. We almost could not dig it with a shovel but the little BX's hoe cleared them right out in no time.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Better to have a bh and not need it, than need it and not have it.

 

[Oaktree]

Doesn't a 3P BH make the tractor kind of tippy when moving on uneven terrain? Seems like the weight would be sitting a good foot or so higher than with a subframe hoe.

 

[Fawken]

Doesn't a 3P BH make the tractor kind of tippy when moving on uneven terrain? Seems like the weight would be sitting a good foot or so higher than with a subframe hoe.

Not that I've noticed. Tractor has water in wheels, though. The main thing for me was keeping the strain off my hydraulic pump.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I used my tractir with and without the 3pt hoe and other than length, I never noticed any stabilty issues.

 

[Caseyb1]

I'm very happy with my 3 point BH, no regrets at all.

 

[Grandad4]

Hi all,
I just bought a 40 hp 4wd Massey Ferguson tractor/loader and have been toying with the idea of getting a backhoe attachment.
What do you all think about the 3 pt hitch vs a sub-frame mount?
I won't be using it for much, just an occasional hole for a pier on a deck job and such.
thanks,
dave

It's always hard to give sensible advice without having walked a mile in the other guy's shoes. So much depends on what you're going to be doing with a backhoe. A 40 hp tractor can handle a respectable size backhoe, and the larger the hoe, the more power it can apply to the ground and the tractor. If you put an 8-9 foot hoe on your tractor, which it can handle, it will be capable of applying some severe forces. To illustrate, here is a picture of a couple of hours work opening up the ground for a burn pit at my place yesterday. Lack of rain has made the ground very hard. When using the hoe to break into the ground, the BH, with 6,000 lbs of curl, was actually lifting the whole front end of an 8,000 lb. tractor if I got too large of an initial bite. If you picture yourself doing things like this with that backhoe, I'd highly recommend you go for a subframe type BH. I would not want to do this sort of job with the 3 point style of BH. A smaller size BH or milder duty would change the picture of course. Depending on how "occasional" your work might be, a rental might be a decent alternative.

 

[GManBart]

When using the hoe to break into the ground, the BH, with 6,000 lbs of curl, was actually lifting the whole front end of an 8,000 lb. tractor if I got too large of an initial bite. If you picture yourself doing things like this with that backhoe, I'd highly recommend you go for a subframe type BH. I would not want to do this sort of job with the 3 point style of BH.

I was thinking along these exact same lines. When I'm using my backhoe (Case 580SM II) it's not uncommon to hook onto a big rock and have it move the entire 18,000lb machine...obviously I try to avoid that, but it happens. If someone is careful with a 3pt backhoe they might be fine, but there's a much bigger safety margin against damage with a subframe unit.