backhoe vs skid steer hoe?

[DK35vince]

If a commercial or heavy usage rate operator, no way would I take a rear mounted anything when you can get a front mounted doo dad like can be had with Skid Steer attachments. I use old school tractor stuff but lots of construction going on around me from A to Z and hands down, the Skid Steer and attachments are the way to go.

Even mounted on a skid steer would you want the non swing backhoe the OP posted vs a normal swing type backhoe for the front?
I sure wouldn't.

 

[Texasmark]

Even mounted on a skid steer would you want the non swing backhoe the OP posted vs a normal swing type backhoe for the front?
I sure wouldn't.

My answer is more directed at versatility of the steer mounted implements vs tractor 3 pt. Will give you the doubt, for some work, a swinging hoe, however mounted, would be more versatile but considering the maneuverability, lack of a requirement to position the machine and rotate the seat to the rear, and speed of the Bobcat, I doubt it would matter. Bobcat operators around here are smoking fast and get a lot of work done in short order. I watched a building pad being prepared recently by a pair of Bobcats and recall D4-D6 Cats doing the same job on previous occasions. Hands down the BCs did it faster and the results were baby skin smooth.....almost. Grin.

 

[Xfaxman]

I considered getting a swing arm backhoe for my Versahandler, but so far the long stump bucket has done what I needed to dig or dig out.

 

[4570Man]

My answer is more directed at versatility of the steer mounted implements vs tractor 3 pt. Will give you the doubt, for some work, a swinging hoe, however mounted, would be more versatile but considering the maneuverability, lack of a requirement to position the machine and rotate the seat to the rear, and speed of the Bobcat, I doubt it would matter. Bobcat operators around here are smoking fast and get a lot of work done in short order. I watched a building pad being prepared recently by a pair of Bobcats and recall D4-D6 Cats doing the same job on previous occasions. Hands down the BCs did it faster and the results were baby skin smooth.....almost. Grin.

The skid steer backhoes even the better ones suck. I agree on the usefulness of a skid steer but this isn’t their speciality.

 

[Sysop]

All the machines mentioned do have a "best case scenario" where they would perform as well or better than the other alternatives, and they all have situations "they suck".

That being said, the best kind of backhoe is one that is intended for the machine you own. If you own a skidsteer, a skidsteer backhoe is the best option. If you own a tractor, a tractor backhoe is the best option.

As for cost difference, if you look at a model that is used across the various mounting methods, the bare unit to be used on a tractor subframe costs the least, a 3 point kit is the middle of the pack, and the skidsteer model is most expensive. Where tractor fitment ends up costing more than 3 point or skidsteer mount, is you need to supply a subframe for your tractor. The subframes are generally supplied by the tractor manufacturer since the mounting points vary by tractor model.

 

[4570Man]

I can’t think of what that might be unless the scenario is you have a skid steer and only 2 k and really need a backhoe. As to actually digging those are pretty useless.

 

[Texasmark]

The skid steer backhoes even the better ones suck. I agree on the usefulness of a skid steer but this isn’t their speciality.

Okayeee. I never had nor operated one. Just watched experienced operators whiz through their jobs....but none were backhoe functions.

 

[laurencen]

Is there something I'm missing regarding backhoes and skid steer hoes?

Why would anybody order and pay $6000-8000+ on a back of the tractor mounted backhoe with a frame, when you can get a skid steer quick attach for a front loader and get a skid steer attachment hoe for about $2000?

Like this New Backhoe Skid Steer - farm & garden - by owner - sale

Why the absolutely humongous difference in price???

I could not consider this type of hoe, after a couple buckets Id be going to the rental store for a mini ex