3PT backhoe vs OEM frame mount, advantages/disadvantages

[bikerdib]

I really don't have that much of a need for a backhoe but then again, I could have gotten by without the B3300 also. :laughing:

I'm kicking around getting one though because I'm working on digging out a creekbed to make a pond. The creekbed is already isolated from flow by a neighbors pond so actually, it's just a depression on my land. I thought I'd put it to use as a pond since I never use the area for anything as it is. I've already removed most of the trees and underbrush from the area using a chain to pull them down with my tractor. A note here for those that worry; I put horse panel on the backside of my ROP to stop a chain from slapping me in the back of the head in case one breaks and I'm using 3/8 grade 70 chain.

Now to the point, I know I can get a frame mount BH77 and a quick mount 4 point attachment kit from Kubota which is the direct application for my tractor. It is compatible with the LA504 loader I have. Going this way should eliminate any possibility of mounting problems and it is probably the strongest. However, to add this now would run around $8000+ by the time I'm finished.

Or, there appears to be a couple of aftermarket 3pt backhoes that should work on my tractor. They wouldn't require plumbing in to the hydraulics because they use a PTO driven pump. These run around $4000 or so.

Like I already said, I'm pretty sure the frame mounted unit would be the strongest but by how much.

Come on all you tractor gurus, enlighten me. Give me all the +'s and the -'s.

 

[slowzuki]

I wouldn't use a 3 point mounted backhoe on a compact tractor for any type of stump or rock digging. Too many photos over the years on here of mangled castings were the top link connects.

Why not rent a small track hoe? A 5 ton machine will out dig a BH77 10 to 1 and costs about 150$ a day to rent up here. If it breaks you send it back. It doesn't sit there losing you money all year long.

 

[bikerdib]

Renting is of course the other option. Only problem, being self employed, I can't always plan ahead. I'm doing this in my spare time. I realize renting is the most "sensible" option, it's just harder to plan for. In fact, that is the way I've been leaning; it's just seeing all the nice tractor/BH combos on TBN got me thinking about the pride of ownership.

 

[slowzuki]

I'm in sort of the same situation, outside of town too so there is a 45 min haul each way to rent. I've found for me, I have to balance the love of doing the work against getting it done. There is a local guy with a huge hoe that works for 100$ an hour that I use when the project just has to get done.

The other trick is over a weekend, many rental places with do an 8 machine hr rental from fri pm to mon am for the same price as a weekday rental. Leaves 2 days open.

The way I figure, you can blow a few rentals and still be way ahead unless you use the back hoe everyday.

 

[bikerdib]

I have 3 Kubota dealerships within 25 miles of where I live. However, I prefer one of those over the other 2. I talked to them and they have a machine they rent out. The salesman I usually deal with said he could let me have the machine Friday evening and I wouldn't have to bring it back till Sunday evening or maybe even first thing Monday. That's probably what I'll do. For 8 hours on the meter it's $225 and another $50 for their trailer. I'd do the trailer from them since my tandem only has 3500# axles. By the time I subtract the weight of the trailer I can only haul 5500# and that's maxed out. I'd rather rent a trailer with more margin. They also require a $250 deposit; I think that is to cover the deductible in case the machine is damaged by the renter. I also have about a hour drive each way from the rental location.

I was thinking that if I bought a BH I'd get all my projects done then resell it but I think I could rent several weekends and still come out better.

Sometimes I'm like a kid in a toy store; I see a toy and think I just have to have it.