I did Rick. A line by line comparison and the FM-BH8 was identical to the LB2100 except .9 inches increased reach and +139 lbs bucket digging force, but the biggest factor for me was more than $3k savings even after adding 2nd bucket, ripper, extended warranty. That made it less than 2/3 the LS price my dealer quoted and that included shipping for the BH8 but not state taxes for LS.
The PTO hydraulics were a non issue as no choice. Looking at it in real life, I don’t see why it couldn’t be converted to tractor powered. That would likely be my fix should the PTO setup fail. In fact someone with more knowledge could probably Tee In and make it either/or.
Having had 3 FM flails over the years, I was fairly confident this would be a good build. Compared to my Kioti kb2375, not disappointed. Would rate build and finish as equal or better.
I do have thoughts regarding a future frame mount, but not near future. My reasoning there would be easier mounting/dismounting. I’ve only mounted this one the 1 time. Compared to my frame mounted Kioti, not that more difficult. I almost always was challenged to get proper alignment with the Kioti subframe. I’m thinking my initial challenge with this bh was not getting started at proper height. Once I got that corrected it went well. Mybplan is modify my dolly to facilitate. With the subframe, unless I had a 2nd person I was repeatedly on and off the tractor. With my dolly, I envision just moving the bk into position with tractor remaining stationary.
Hope this helps. Just ask if anything else or like pics of anything.
