Price Check 48 vs. 47 backhoe...price vs. performance.

adegiulio · Mar 7, 2004

I'm starting to kick around the idea of getting a backhoe. I have a 4310 right now that I find very useful, but think that for the things I need to do around our 14 1/2 acres, an always available backhoe would be nice. What are the real differences between the 48 and 47? I don't think I am ever going to need to dig 8 feet down, so I'm not sure the added cost would be worth it. What should I expect to pay for both? Do people think that the 48 is worth it?

I plan on using it for planting trees and shrubs, removing small stumps, and some small drainage issues.. I was originally just going to get a PHD for digging holes for planting, but our soil is so rocky that it is impractical. My neighbor tried using a PHD on his property and quickly found out that a backhoe was the way to go.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any input..

Anthony

rockyridgefarm · Mar 7, 2004

I hace NEVER wished I had gotten the 48, my uses are much like yours.

I paid ~$5K for mine with the tractor. You need power beyond, and adding plumbing later always seems to cost a little more.

adegiulio · Mar 7, 2004

OK, one vote for the 47.. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

bebster · Mar 7, 2004

Here's a vote for the 48. I considered both, and figured that the added capabilities of the 48 over the 47 were worth the extra $1000 or so. I'm sure I'd be fine with the 48, but the extra reach of the 48 is nice. I use it a lot to remove stumps, and find that even with its reach I sometimes have to move the tractor to get a better angle on the stump. If you can afford it, go for the 48. If you get the 47 you'll be satisfied too.

Bob_S · Mar 8, 2004

I also have the 47. Works well. Sometimes almost too well and the tractor gets tossed around quite a bit /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I always keep it on the tractor when not using my bush hog and I prefer the lighter weight , increased mobility and clearance.

chevy · Mar 8, 2004

I had a 48 BH on a 4400. With the heavy clay soil that we have the backhoe would really toss the tractor around. I think that the 4710/48BH that I now have is a much better match. With the type of work you are planning on doing the 47 should be fine.

rockyridgefarm · Mar 8, 2004

One way that the 48 makes sense, what if you end up trading up on the tractor? Unless I am mistaken, the 48 fits on up to the 4710, the 47 fits the mid-chassis only.

SteveH_CT · Mar 9, 2004

Here is another opinion - I've got the 4310 and the 48 BH. It is a powerful tool and will move the tractor fairly easily even though I'm locking the brake - dropping the front bucket and using the stabilizers. I've seen the same thing happen on my friend's Fermec though, which weighs about 18,000 lbs so I don't think it's a mismatch for the 4310. I can say without a doubt that the better I get at operating the BH, the more useful it becomes... learning curve and all. I've removed some very large stumps and rocks... and if the work you envision includes that type of stuff I would say go for it. If you only plan on doing light duty work, maybe the 47 is a better choice for you.

Funny how you never get a definite answer out of us - but the bottom line is for what you describe I doubt you'd need the model 48, but I think for the $1000 or so difference it may be worth it for projects you haven't thought of yet.

newaukum · Mar 9, 2004

I would recommend the 48. I dig quite a few ditches, and the extra reach keeps me from having to move the tractor as much. It also allows you to place the spoils farther away from the ditch. The only draw back of the 48 is the smallest bucket is 12". If you do much work with 4" tight lines, the 9" bucket would be better. Practice will all but eliminate "tossing" the machine around.

jdmar · Mar 12, 2004

I have the 47 (came with my 4300 that I got "used" with 100 hours). The guy I bought it from got the 47 because it can use the small 9" bucket and he did a lot of trenching and wanted to move less dirt for 4" drain pipes. I hate the 9" bucket since it does not empty as well as the rest of the larger buckets...ends up taking longer. I do love the 47 though. I have dug farely large holes with my larger bucket. I use it to lift stones for a barnstone wall. I tear out trees and brush. I wave to the kids (most important use!). I used it to tear the siding from an older barn. It has the strentgh to do anything...including lift the tractor.
The one advantage I can see for the 48 is in the reach. Less moving for trenching saves a lot of time...but more time on the tractor is not a bad thing either! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I am happy with the 47. $1000 seems like a lot of extra cash unless you really NEED the longer reach/depth of dig (I believe the 47 digs to 7'6") Good luck, both work hard and are not flimsy...either will serve you well forever.
Peter