3X20 series backhoe

[JDTank]

Which backhoe is the latest and greatest these days for the John Deere 3x20 series machines?

My dealer is starting to clear out 2013 models to make way for the new 3R machines early next year. If I am lucky, maybe I can scoop one up for a good deal.

 

[arlen4720]

The 485 will go on an open station only, and the smaller 375 will go on either the cab or open station. Are you thinking cab, or open station?

 

[JDTank]

The 485 will go on an open station only, and the smaller 375 will go on either the cab or open station. Are you thinking cab, or open station?

Definitely open station.

I simply wouldn't use the machine enough to justify the cost of a cab. Truthfully speaking I will probably only put on 75 hours per year, the rest of the time it will be garaged. The money saved on a cab will more then pay for a backhoe attachment, which I need badly. All of my plans require more traction then HP, so I want to stick with the 3320. No bush hogging or chipping, just backhoe and loader work with the occasional rear blade or box work.

 

[dkhntr04]

Owning the 375, I would go with the 485. The 375 is a nice machine, but I would like more capability. If money is not the issue get the biggest that will fit. More digging capability and power are never a bad thing with back hoes or excavators.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

had a 2008 3320 O/S with 447 BH - essentially the 375. Dug a few trenches / flower beds / stumps and found it to be quite capable and string enough to sometimes pull the tractor around. Relatively easy "homeowner" type things so never really felt the need for 448/485 - dig deeper / stronger. Larger stumps might benefit from the 485, but be prepared to drag the tractor around more. Sometimes found the controls to be a bit jerky, more so as RPM's were increased.

Sold that and purchased 2007 CAB with Wallenstein GX720. Specs are very similar. IMO fit & finish were probably better on the JD, but the controls on the GX do tend to operate smoother. Perhaps the mounting system has changed on the newer JD Hoe. The JD mount seemed to work extremely well on the demo video, but in real life, at least for me, could be a bit of PITA to install / remove. For me the GX has a much easier mounting system.

 

[JDTank]

Is there a large price difference between the 375 and 485?

So are you saying the 375 BH has smoother hydraulic movements?

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

No, I am saying the Wallenstein GX720 I have is smoother than the 447 I had - cannot speak to the 375, but AFAIK it is just 447 rebadged and with a mount that pushes the BH about 6" to the rear so it can mount on a CAB 3x20 series.