Backhoe First job with BH92- install an automatic frost free waterer

[4570Man]

I agree, I've noticed those posts. Its funny that it happens so often with BH's. Nobody says a mower, plow, etc is a waste of money. I've become fast enough mounting/dismounting the hoe and 3 point now that I don't even mind putting the BH on just for a quick task.

I can put the backhoe on the subframe in 5 minutes or less and taking it off took 3 minutes. Taking the 3 point arms off wasn't a bad job either. I don't think the time to swap was one of their arguments. If it was either they're using an inferior system to the Kubota or they're wrong.

 

[Steve1300]

It took me a while to get used to removing and installing the BH92 because there is just enough misalignment of the holes on the left side that it has to be "juuuuust right" before it goes in. I am also getting quick with the 3-point arms. I love it.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

It took me a while to get used to removing and installing the BH92 because there is just enough misalignment of the holes on the left side that it has to be "juuuuust right" before it goes in. I am also getting quick with the 3-point arms. I love it.

Mines tight on left side also, have to bang the pin out, cant relieve pressure from it.

 

[Steve1300]

Mines tight on left side also, have to bang the pin out, cant relieve pressure from it.

I took mine back to the dealer for an inline ream. I guess it helped some because now I can sometimes get it in and out fairly quick.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I can put the backhoe on the subframe in 5 minutes or less and taking it off took 3 minutes. Taking the 3 point arms off wasn't a bad job either. I don't think the time to swap was one of their arguments. If it was either they're using an inferior system to the Kubota or they're wrong.

While it's true, installing the BH92 and removing it takes just minutes, that is only part of the job. Installing / removing the drag links, lift arms and stabilizers takes a few more minutes. Then you have the job of installing the implement, driveshaft and hyd. hoses. The occasional lost bolt or misaligned pin adds time as well as fetching and putting away the tools. If you're short on space like I am, there's also the task of moving the hoe to it's storage position in the barn. I'm not one who just drops the hoe in a field somewhere or leaves it outside.

I don't move as fast as I used to. When I was younger, the job took less time and wasn't much of a chore. Now, at 71, working alone, it takes me on average about 20 minutes to completely convert from digging to mowing if all goes well. Multiply that by the number of times I use the hoe in a year and it adds up to a LOT of lost time.

Then there is always the question of how big a job does it have to be before I put the hoe on? It just adds up to more lost time if you do that little job by hand.

There are a lot of opinions on this subject here and everyone has their own set of circumstances. To me, at my age, having a second tractor and leaving the BH on is a no brainer. :2cents:

 

[4570Man]

I've since sold mine so I can't go test it but I'm guessing I could go from box blade to backhoe to back to box blade in 30 minutes. You can't dig a very big hole with a shovel in 30 minutes and unless it's literally next door you can't get to the rental yard and back in 30 minutes. And a half day rental is probably $200. If you're only going to need a backhoe for a couple days renting is probably a better option. I found enough chores to keep mine busy most of which just wouldn't have gotten done without owning my backhoe. The same just rent one once a year logic could be applied to a tractor too. But for some reason no one thinks that's a good idea.

 

[Oldoak]

Before I would own two tractors with one dedicated strictly to leave the backhoe on, I would look into purchasing a used industrial backhoe/loader. While you can accomplish quite a lot with a tractor mounted backhoe, they are not on par with an industrial machine. That or have one tractor and rent an excavator as needed.

I prefer one tractor with a backhoe, detached when not needed, but available at anytime. Besides the initial cost, having two machines is twice the maintenance and expense.

 

[Wolfy]

We have a Woods BH9000 that we used in our construction business to dig out piers for decks . Worked great, minimal mess and nimble.

 

[4570Man]

Before I would own two tractors with one dedicated strictly to leave the backhoe on, I would look into purchasing a used industrial backhoe/loader. While you can accomplish quite a lot with a tractor mounted backhoe, they are not on par with an industrial machine. That or have one tractor and rent an excavator as needed.

I prefer one tractor with a backhoe, detached when not needed, but available at anytime. Besides the initial cost, having two machines is twice the maintenance and expense.

It's more money tied up in equipment, but the maintenance isn't twice as much. It takes twice as long before each machine needs servicing. And I agree with buying a mini excavator instead of a tractor dedicated for backhoe work.

 

[shucksters]

I've since sold mine so I can't go test it but I'm guessing I could go from box blade to backhoe to back to box blade in 30 minutes. You can't dig a very big hole with a shovel in 30 minutes and unless it's literally next door you can't get to the rental yard and back in 30 minutes. And a half day rental is probably $200. If you're only going to need a backhoe for a couple days renting is probably a better option. I found enough chores to keep mine busy most of which just wouldn't have gotten done without owning my backhoe. The same just rent one once a year logic could be applied to a tractor too. But for some reason no one thinks that's a good idea.

Bingo- for me, it was economical- tractor's paid off and I have a thousand jobs for it. The 30 minute change out is no big deal for me. If I waited to rent something, I would have have it once every 5 years because it takes a full day to haul it back and forth. Now- it's mine and if I want to use it, I can. There are a ton of jobs that just didn't get done before I had it (stumps for example), AND I'm happy and having fun. I work full time and take of my 12 acre horse property pretty much by myself. Good equipment allows me to make SURE that I have plenty of time to ride those beautiful horses in addition to taking care of the place. All in all, I am blessed to be able to enjoy it all!!