Bigger tractor or smaller tractor w/backhoe

[aerojunkie]

I was looking around craigslist the other day and saw some adds my dealer had posted on the new tractors they sell. They have a 2555 listed that would cost me very close in upgrade fees to adding a backhoe to my 2538. Im after clearing the woods of the dead trees behind my house and getting some clear trails cut and so far the 2538 has done fine but have had several threads about adding a backhoe to make removing stumps and general clearing easier. Would the 2555 without the backhoe be comparable, better or worse than my 2538 with a backhoe? I have a stump bucket that would no doubt work better on the 2555 and adding a toothbar is in the near future for either tractor. Im thinking the backhoe is the better option since it could dig deeper and do more things than just the added lift and hp of a bigger tractor. Just looking for some opinions and thoughts please.

 

[tracydj]

I have a 2538 with a backhoe. The backhoe adds a ton of counterweight which greatly helps with lifting. I have dug out many stumps with it. It has also came in handy for many other projects. The downfalls are that it adds a lot of length to the tractor which can be interesting in the woods. I like the separate seat for the hoe because I have my kids maneuver the tractor to speed up the digging process. The hoe is easy to get off and on once you've done it a couple of times.

 

[RNeumann]

Apples and oranges. If you need a BH the 2555 (without the BH) won't get the job done.

Their are two camps with regards to BHs. Some think renting is the way to go while others "need" to have it all the time. That's up to you.

With the trees and rocks on my property I've rented a mini ex with thumb and had good success.

 

[aerojunkie]

I have a 2538 with a backhoe. The backhoe adds a ton of counterweight which greatly helps with lifting. I have dug out many stumps with it. It has also came in handy for many other projects. The downfalls are that it adds a lot of length to the tractor which can be interesting in the woods. I like the separate seat for the hoe because I have my kids maneuver the tractor to speed up the digging process. The hoe is easy to get off and on once you've done it a couple of times.

Apples and oranges. If you need a BH the 2555 (without the BH) won't get the job done.

Their are two camps with regards to BHs. Some think renting is the way to go while others "need" to have it all the time. That's up to you.

With the trees and rocks on my property I've rented a mini ex with thumb and had good success.

Thanks for the help guys, I was leaning toward the backhoe myself just thought I would run the idea on here as a reality check on it. I figure there are some things my 2538 w/backhoe would do slower over the 2555, but it does get stuff done and would be a lot more versatile than the 2555 by itself. It sucks they wont finance just the backhoe at a later date, its not paying $7000 for one thats the problem its just hard to convince myself to write a single check for $7000. This made the new bigger tractor a little more appealing. I have thought about renting one but the way I like to throw an hour or two here and there it would really be hard. I dont really need one its more of a want, I can always just cut the trees flush to the ground and let them be. I just figure digging with a backhoe and a 12" bucket has to be less stressful on the tractor than digging with my stump bucket. I try to take it easy on the tractor, but even going very slow and shaving the ground away there are roots that stop it instantly.

 

[audsp98]

Thanks for the help guys, I was leaning toward the backhoe myself just thought I would run the idea on here as a reality check on it. I figure there are some things my 2538 w/backhoe would do slower over the 2555, but it does get stuff done and would be a lot more versatile than the 2555 by itself. It sucks they wont finance just the backhoe at a later date, its not paying $7000 for one thats the problem its just hard to convince myself to write a single check for $7000. This made the new bigger tractor a little more appealing. I have thought about renting one but the way I like to throw an hour or two here and there it would really be hard. I dont really need one its more of a want, I can always just cut the trees flush to the ground and let them be. I just figure digging with a backhoe and a 12" bucket has to be less stressful on the tractor than digging with my stump bucket. I try to take it easy on the tractor, but even going very slow and shaving the ground away there are roots that stop it instantly.

First let me say that I purchased a BH with my tractor and do not regret it. I've got a 3550 with the 75B BH, it's a beast.

I'd recommend shopping around for a used mini-ex for what you're wanting to spend on the BH. I did the same for about 2 or 3 weeks before pulling the trigger on adding the BH to my tractor purchase. I couldn't find any acceptable mini-exs in my area that fit my requirements so I purchased the BH.

The only downside I've encountered to have a tractor mounted BH is the lack of quick flexibility. I've had multiple occasions where I've been doing BH work, then need to switch to a rear blade, then back to BH. It's not necessarily the amount of time needed to switch everything around it's just the hassle of it.

The other positive of buying the mini-ex is if you ever run out of uses for it, you can sell it. Likely for close to what you paid for it. I'd imagine selling the BH specifically for a 2538 will be considerably more difficult and likely not bring nearly as much in return.

Just passing along what I've "learned" since my purchase.

 

[hkbirdman]

Thanks for the help guys, I was leaning toward the backhoe myself just thought I would run the idea on here as a reality check on it. I figure there are some things my 2538 w/backhoe would do slower over the 2555, but it does get stuff done and would be a lot more versatile than the 2555 by itself. It sucks they wont finance just the backhoe at a later date, its not paying $7000 for one thats the problem its just hard to convince myself to write a single check for $7000. This made the new bigger tractor a little more appealing. I have thought about renting one but the way I like to throw an hour or two here and there it would really be hard. I dont really need one its more of a want, I can always just cut the trees flush to the ground and let them be. I just figure digging with a backhoe and a 12" bucket has to be less stressful on the tractor than digging with my stump bucket. I try to take it easy on the tractor, but even going very slow and shaving the ground away there are roots that stop it instantly.

Hi Aerojunkie: Just a thought - You could sell or trade your 2538 with no backhoe and buy a 2555 HST with backhoe and finance the whole package. In addition - you can still get the 75B backhoe and not settle for the 2538B backhoe (I just did this and took delivery in 3/16). It is more expensive - but the 75B backhoe is another animal. Check out these specs: Digging depth---115" vs 92" for 2538B. Digging force-bucket---5676 lbs. vs 3190 for 2538B. Digging force-dipper---2754 lbs. vs 1980 for 2538B. As I said - the 75B is a beast - digs 25% more, bucket digging force is 78% more, and dipper digging force is 39% more than 2538B backhoe. Best of luck in your shopping. I just love spending other people's money.

 

[ktoom]

Hi Aerojunkie: Just a thought - You could sell or trade your 2538 with no backhoe and buy a 2555 HST with backhoe and finance the whole package. In addition - you can still get the 75B backhoe and not settle for the 2538B backhoe (I just did this and took delivery in 3/16). It is more expensive - but the 75B backhoe is another animal. Check out these specs: Digging depth---115" vs 92" for 2538B. Digging force-bucket---5676 lbs. vs 3190 for 2538B. Digging force-dipper---2754 lbs. vs 1980 for 2538B. As I said - the 75B is a beast - digs 25% more, bucket digging force is 78% more, and dipper digging force is 39% more than 2538B backhoe. Best of luck in your shopping. I just love spending other people's money.

If you dont mind me asking, what was the total cost for everything? Im looking to buy that same exact package. If you dont wont to say here, just send me a private message.
Thanks

 

[audsp98]

In addition - you can still get the 75B backhoe

It's unlikely he'll be able to get the 75B. In March I'm sure there were some still kicking around dealers but I'd venture to say the chances are low he'd find a 2555 with a 75B.

 

[audsp98]

If you dont mind me asking, what was the total cost for everything? Im looking to buy that same exact package. If you dont wont to say here, just send me a private message.
Thanks

You can expect to pay in the $35000-40000 range for a 2555 with backhoe.

 

[hkbirdman]

I believe you can still get a 75B backhoe since they are still offered on other size Mahindras. My dealer did not have a 75B hoe in stock and ordered one and mounted to a 2555 HST without backhoe that he did have in stock. I think the frame mounting kits are the same for the 75B and 2538B hoes.