8b vs 448 hoe

jwcinpk · Feb 4, 2006

Is the 448 hoe enough better to negate the purchase of a different tractor for $5k more?
We have been looking at tractor mount backhoes for a small backhoe buisiness for things like digging graves and stump removal or just general jobs the big guys wouldn't bother with and to use on our farm. Had been considering the 990 and 8b. To move up to the 448 would cause us to change the tractor we considered to the 4000 20 series and jack up the price $5k or more. Is it worth the cost?
What are the benefits of the new curved booms?
Any idea if the 448 will be available for the 990 in the future?

JasonMac · Feb 4, 2006

My personal opinion would be to get the 448 Hoe. Along with the twenty series you can't go wrong.

The advantage of the curved booms is pretty good for a number of things. One is the way the boom is designed you can open up more trench without having to reposition your tractor as often. The other big advantage is reaching over and behind obstacles. For a cemetary job, this would be great, especially if you are trying to place soil over and behind an existing grave stone. Because of the small physical size of these backhoes compared to a Case 580 for example, you need to make the best of your overall clearance. Even though Case has straight booms, it is of course mounted higher, and much longer, so reaching over obstacles like grave stones isn't that much of an issue. But with the compact tractor backhoes, you are dealing with a much smaller design, and a stone that might be 36"-42" tall would be a bit of a clearance issue. So yes, you would be making the best of what you can with this 8ft hoe, if it had a curved boom. I've dug a lot of graves in the past, we always used Case 580 series backhoes. They did the job great, but it was a big machine to position in the "Marble Orchard". I would much rather use a smaller manuevrable Compact Tractor.

Of course the 448 has a few other advantages over the older 8B design. I love how the backhoe locks up and over in the transport position, much like the over center design of the Case 580's. Why this is great is because of clearance between the ground and the bucket. Also you can climb a stockpile of dirt with your tractor and not worry about scraping and dragging your bucket on the ground. Also the vertical transport design of the machine makes the overall length of the tractor much shorter than having a boom hanging at a 60degree angle behind you.

And of course, removal/installation has really even been simplified even more with this design.

Hoe is much more stronger too.

And my personal opinion, which is just my opinion, A hydro machine will be a lot easier to manipulate and control in a cemetary than a clutch tractor. Movements are precise and smooth.

It'd be a no-brainer for me...448 with a 20series.

tarscraper · Feb 5, 2006

Woods makes a backhoe that would be a good match for the 990. I am looking at it for my 990. Well when I finally take delivery. It is the BH80-X . 5K is alot of money and the 990 is a powerful machine.

JasonMac · Feb 6, 2006

It's worth 5K to me, better tractor, better hoe, especially for cemetary use. It's worth it. Why sell yourself short? Do it right, and have no regrets later on, because you pinched pennies.

Hydro machine w/Loadmatch
Easy to use in the confinements of a cemetary.
Vertical Transport Position of Backhoe (excellent Clearance)
End Of Pin Lubrication Points
Curved Excavator Style Boom.

I'd Pay the 5K in a heartbeat, and I'd be happy after doing it.

plowrup · Feb 6, 2006

Where I think the REAL advantage is is in the Hydrualic power on a 3 or 4020 Series. The 990 is a nice all around chore Tractor, but you have to remember that it's design is now over 20 years old (remember the 950?) The 3 and 4020 Series have far superior Hydraulics to the 990, and coupled with new technology regarding Cylinder sizng and flow makes the 448 a real Backhoe (compared to the 8A, 8B-)

JasonMac · Feb 6, 2006

I agree with you totally. It's a very modern machine, sleek, ergonomics, pumps, yeah it costs more, because you are getting more, more of the best of everything.

tarscraper · Feb 6, 2006

If you are going to blow 28k on a CUT than you might as well
find a low hour used Case 580 and get a real loader/backhoe. 28k would get you a 580 in very good condition and it would bury a CUT in work capacity very quickly. I would think digging graves and moving headstones would be short work with the Case. I guess it depends on how much cash you have to burn.

jwcinpk · Feb 6, 2006

The curved boom and hydro tranny got me thinking, but the more I look it's gonna be closer to 10k than 5. I love the 20 series tractors, but wow the money. Most everyone here is using a deere like the 4310 for cemetery work. It's definately not the place for a case 580. I am in SE Ky and it takes something awfully nimble to get around the hills and down the rows. Most of our cemeteries are very small and way out in the woods. I really like the looks of those new woods groundbreaker backhoes and they have the curved boom. The biggest reason I was considering the 990 is because what I buy will have to pull double duty and be able to be used here on the farm for moving hay rolls, hogging, tilling, and pulling a hay rake.
Maybe I should just forget the whole cemetery gig and buy he 990 for around the farm and spend the 7100$ somewhere else. No sense buying if you can't get what you want/need. I learned that with the last tractor I bought.

JasonMac · Feb 6, 2006

That's why I was saying, go for it, because the 5k upgrade seemed like an awesome deal. Ten K, might be pushing it for you.

Digging Graves is a great job. I would much rather dig with a Compact tractor in the tight confines of a cemetary, rather than a full blown 580. Don't get me wrong, I love Case Backhoes, with a passion.

But I've done cemetaries, and now you have excellent choices for compacts to do the jobs of the bigger machines.

I wouldn't abandon the idea at all.