Kubota utility tractors - available backhoes?

[FlyFishn]

Hi. We're looking at tractor options and I'm curious if anyone knows if a backhoe attachment is available for the M4?

We ended up with an International 444 loader tractor earlier (42hp machine, 2wd), however at the time we were considering an LX3520HSDC. After running the 444 it is apparent we need a bigger machine. We have a 2 bottom Dearborn plow and an 8ft disk. The 444 is just adequate with a lot of wheel slip and feathering the 3pt up and down running them.

That said, we're eyeballing the MX's and M4's. Everything I see from the MX down to the very small sub-compacts have backhoe options. I wouldn't personally spec a tractor based on having that, but my better half sees that as adding to the versatility in a "one machine to do it all". I get her point, but my hunch is a separate mini excavator is probably a better option - a dedicated machine, whereas a tractor is a general all around the farm machine. And from an investment perspective - what we absolutely need is a tractor, not a digger = better use of the tied up funds. That isn't to say a digger wouldn't be very handy... but a tractor can do work most days. A digger is only for specific spread out tasks.

 

[murse72]

yes there is m4011

 

[Carl_NH]

That's a nice looking BH Murse - I like the ground clearance and attachment setup looks rugged.

As far as BH vs Mini - that is discussed many times here, and the consensus is get a used Mini for $20K or so that is 5-6000 pounds (3 Ton) and a tractor with FEL. You can get a chinese mini like the Rippa 22 (5K weight) for $24K and the 3.2 series (6500 lbs) for $27 new and they are nice machines with 2 speed drives. Then the smaller diesel minis new can be had fior $10K if you just want an occasional digger,

The biggest down side to Mini is covering large areas - they are slow and can't transport dirt or materials.

 

[big bubba]

don't have back hoe experience, etc, but given the investment of a back hoe alone, i would recommend purchasing as large a tractor as possible. at 1st glance, the MX series seems small (had MX5000 once). highly recommend jumping up to a utility M series unless you have to have hydrostat. but there lots of options for you, just go large as possible
weight & frame size will be your friend

 

[TMGT]

yes there is m4011 View attachment 3515984

Those are nice hoes, thats a Bradco 611B rebadged for Kubota. I have the earlier version on my L3240 and it does a very nice job, I'm sure it's even better on a heavier tractor.

 

[FlyFishn]

yes there is m4011 View attachment 3515984

That looks like an open station machine? We're interested in the cab machines.

As to the latter comment on tractor weight and size - right. Thats the issue with our tillage. I dont need to go huge though, just enough to get good power to the ground is all with what we have.

 

[5030]

Then you want a tractor with draft control. Draft control will pull the ground engaging implement up out of the ground if the wheels start loosing traction.

I use mine all the time for plowing and discing but you have to know how to set it. Both my M's came with it.

 

[5030]

Those are nice hoes, thats a Bradco 611B rebadged for Kubota. I have the earlier version on my L3240 and it does a very nice job, I'm sure it's even better on a heavier tractor.

Care to substantiate that? Reason I say that is I work at a Kubota dealer part time and all of our BH attachements are coming out of Kubota in Georgia. Never seen any Bradco labelling on any of them, anywhere.

 

[murse72]

i decided to go with a back hoe on the tractor instead of a small track hoe is be cause i have 61 acres and will inherit another 50 that joins mine. it would take a while to track that mini around the place. i already had a tractor also. The backhoe with the hydraulic thumb and a grapple in the front is very handy. i have only two places on my place that is open enough to burn stuff. Once you rip stuff out of the ground you can quickly carry it to a burn pile. I have the 8 sp which has the lower flow pump but it works just fine for me. Outriggers down and loader on the ground that backhoe will dragging the tractor around very easily if you are not careful

 

[murse72]

also if you wanted the hydraulic thumb you will end up with the 18 inch bucket. it is what lines up with the thumb.