2520 with 46 Backhoe

[ChuckinNH]

I would stay away from the 3pt hitch backhoes in general, and I guess we all come to the conclusion sooner, or later that the switch back, and forth between backhoe, and mmm can be tedious to say the least. I have come to the decision that I will not put a backhoe on any machine used for finish mowing on a regular basis. The other thing that sinks in somewhat more slowly is that when one is mowing he would rather have something more manuverable rather than less manuverable as in the case of a tractor large enough to handle a reasonable backhoe.

 

[Phunge]

The new 270 backhoe that deere is coming out with will be much easier to put on and off than the 46. It's compatible with a MMM, and even lets you keep the 3PH arms in place.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-new-265-backhoe-2320-2520-a.html#post2345370

 

[Tenn_Blue]

Another option would be to get a dedicated small mini-excavator instead of adding a hoe to your tractor.

I had planned to get a backhoe for our 2320, but fell into a deal on a bobcat 322 (2 ton machine). Cost was about the same as the deere hoe would have been (once you figure the mounts, power beyond, buckets, etc...).

Digging performance is MUCH better on the dedicated machine, and I still can use my tractor at the same time (with 2 operators). The mini-x is heavier than the tractor, and with the tracks, it gets thrown around less and can go more places. Having run a tractor mounted hoe before, there is no comparison with the mini-x.....

It IS one more engine to keep up with, but I think it was worth it. Admittedly, I got a GREAT deal on mine, but there are a lot of used mini's out there for reasonable money. You may get much more machine for a few dollars more.