Any recommendations

[JayC]

Machines like the Deere 110, Kubota L39 & 48 all have removable backhoes which allows you to use the 3PH. The FEL's, however, are not removable. When I read your thread the first thing I thought of was you should look at these types of machines. The are more rugged than the typical CUT. The Deere has a feature called Creep-to-Reposition. When you are use the hoe and you want to move all you have to do is push a little ricker switch located on the dash panel. Those who are experienced hoe operators may not use such a feature if they just use the hoe to move the machine. The Deere also has the option to put a factory hydraulic thumb on the hoe if desired. Being you will be working with trees, I was thinking the FOPS structures these machines offer will be good when dealing with trees. The 110 and L48 both have HST transmissions - the 110 a dual pedal and the L48 a single pedal. With the 110 you would be able to easily use the differential braking which would aid in maneuvering in tight areas. With the single pedal, the brakes are on the same side and that would make it difficult to use differential braking if needed. The L39 is a gear tanny. It uses Kubotas GST system if I remember right. That is a clutchless gear transmission. All you have to do is move the gear shift without the need of the clutch. This could make for easy shuttling when doing FEL work. Something you could do if you wanted would be to go to Deere's site and read the manuals of the machines you are considering. That would give you an edge in the final decision. Good luck in your search! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[bugstruck]

Big Al, Had seen primarily good comments on Kioti including quality but particularly on value. I'll have to do a dealer locate and at least have a look at the equipment/dealer/service in my area. I spotted this one used, which is the only Kioti model (my best recall is it is the LK3054) I'm aware of that has been suffering some rather serious steering problems.... but what a price! I know it's std. trans, the hours aren't listed, and you'd need to stack on the FEL etc. .... but $6,500.00 for what appears a rather modern 30 HP? This could be of use to someone so here's the link: http://www.equipment-locator.com/asp/eDetails.aspx?eqID=178292&eID=1&loc=na-en&u=&ind=ag# I saw, on one of the forums, that Kioti was trying to work a replacement steering box solution on that Model and one member thought it was a hyd. line location/ foaming oil problem. So it sounds solvable. That's the only negative issue (albeit it big one) I've heard of, and I'm pretty sure it's limited to that model. Still at $6,500.00.... Nuff to make you salavate.

John, Here's my ignorance. I wasn't aware anyone could mount a backhoe directly to the TPH wihout a subframe. Maybe it's just the heavy equipment I have been around but I can't even imagine that! No solid connection? Bet thats a real treat to operate. That a heads up for me at this stage. I'm betting that the Bradco that TV recommends has a subframe mount though. It sounds like he's into powerful stuff. He may sound in on that. Based on the quotes I've gotten, I thought the subframe was just a required accessory for any tractor mounted hoe. Thanks!

Thanks again!

 

[johnday]

Bug; I looked at TV's photos of his Case [isn't it amazing they look like a red NH?] /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. His hoe looked like it was subframe mounted and well made. I'm really not sure, but the TPH mounted ones might be for a smaller machine. When you find out, let at least me know. I wonder what the price is for the Bradco? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[JayC]

The Deere hoes (from mid-size chassis to large chassis machines) don't have subframes. The tractors already have improved frames for the hoes. Deere uses what they call Rockshaft Assist. That allows you to hook the hoe up easily. It looks like 3PH mount but it's not. The same goes for the 110. I'm not sure about the normal CUTs, but you have to put the 3PH on after you take the hoe off the 110 and vice versa. Also, I think that is the way the L39 and L48 work, too.

Hoes that actually use the 3PH are very hard on a tractor. I have read stories on here about people actually splitting their machines in half because of using 3PH. I don't remember if the person was using a 3PH hoe, but there were some pictures of a mid-chassis New Holland that broke in the middle. When using on a maching other than a Deere with Rockshaft Assist, it is best to use a hoe with subframe.

 

[grandad]

Chris, your project and how you are approaching it sounds very much like what I've been chipping away at for the last 2 years... maybe on a slightly smaller scale, but not much. What everyone else has said here regarding the different brands and models all makes pretty good sense to me, so here's some "voice of experience" advice, regardless of which brand tickles your fancy.

Your immediate tasks are much heavier than what you may find yourself doing after all those trees and dirt are attended to. So, initially, the more HP and weight you have available, the more efficient you will be in getting the job done. I think a large-frame CUT of at least 30 HP is needed for what you are attempting, and if your finances allow you to get up into the 40+ HP range, you will find payoffs in FEL capacity and pulling power, etc.

In fact, you might even consider a used, full-size TLB for your land clearing and re-grading. The Heavy Equipment Trader classifieds have dozens of used ones for sale between, say, $8 and 20K. You could replace it later on with something better suited for ongoing maintenance of your property.

I'm having the time of my life with my project and hope you have many equally rewarding days ahead of you on yours. Best of luck with the tractor shopping also!

 

[TV372]

I'm betting that the Bradco that TV recommends has a subframe mount though. It sounds like he's into powerful stuff. He may sound in on that.

Bugstruck. The bradco is a heavy duty backhoe. It mounts to a subframe that is permantal attached to the tractor. The hoe drops on to 4 hook on the sub frame and has to 2 latching pins. I have 2 hoses to connect. I can detach or attach the hoe in about 10 minutes. The 509 will dig almost 10 feet in depth. The pistons are bigger bore then a hoe that NH or Case has from their own line.
I am a landscaper and had looked for a new machine for 3 years when I had found Case IH ( new dealer in my area). The Bradco was an 8K option due to my addition of flip over stabalizer pads ( asphalt oe dirt). It also comes with the weldments for a thumb already on it. My Case was 8k cheaper then the JD110 in my area. Also Case IH and New Hollad are owned by the same parent company CNH. Since I have gotten the case in early september I have already put 180+ hours on it with no problems. Atleast 100 of the hours are backhoe work alone

 

[johnday]

TV; Good info; looks like a hoe I'd consider. I'm assuming in your business you'd want the TPH available also. Do the lift arms and all stay attached and usable? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Not too smart on my account, /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif just went back and looked at your photos. All your TPH does stay attached. I like it!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[bugstruck]

TV, Took some time to look at the photos. That is one sweet setup. I'm guessing it's out of my price range but maybe not. The NH dealer I'm talking to is dead serious about moving equipment based on the quotes they are putting together. I have to check on Case again to locate another dealer. One I got a quote from on the DX 33 was steep comopared to the NH TC33 w/ same equip. About 10% higher. I prefer the 35 if I make the move to Case/ NH. There's not that much difference in price against the 33. About $800.00 with all the attachments, which supprised me. So moving to the 35 is a no-brainer. The dealer is sitting on both. Regarding the Bradco hoe.. I assume they make one suitable for the 35 with the same 4 point attachment you have. Do you have any knowledge on that? Only drawback I could see to the stock hoe might be warranty.

Grandad, Thanks for the advice! That's another way to skin the cat. I have actually considered that and have been watching Heavy Equipment Trader, Machine Finder, Ebay, etc. in case something too good to refuse pops up on the radar. I'm at that early influx stage on this buy and who knows where I'll land. Piece by piece everybody here is helping me get good and confused. That's all part of it. You have to get educated on this stuff to get enough traction to make a good purchase decision.

Jay, Real good info on the TLB's you mention. I have a better understanding now. Only thing I don't like is the front end not accepting snow blades etc.. That and price could both be sticking points. Although I bet I still put the plow on the little 325 come winter for tidy up on snow operations. That little thing works better than my dealer thought. They know my driveway (paved and steep) and said it wouldn't work at all.
Nonsense. Suprised me how well it actually does in snow up to say 6" dry and 4" wet. After that it become a front end side slipper. So it may still get a little winter clean-up duty. Where I'm going is that I wouldn't absolutely have to get a snow plow. But TV's machine would do everything I have going here and more. I can't be sure but NH makes a neat little subframe that mounts the snow plow on the 33 model. Gets it off the loader arms. I'll have to check the arrangement on the 35 and bigger. Maybe someone knows??

I don't think I've posted the NH TC35DA pricing in this thread so here it is for any comments:
Loader Ready TC 35DA
R4 filled tires
16 LA loader w/ 72" pin on bucket
758 Hoe and subframe
72" front mount blade w/ rebber cutting edge and subframe (tink I just answered my own question from above) /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
pre-delivery
Total before tax $28,698.00

Thanks as always!!

 

[TV372]

The TC 35 can have the Bradco 509 mounted on it. Also for the Xtra money get the skid steer coupler on your loader other wise you will regret if you didnt. I have the coupler I have made a meyers snowplow into a coupler unit. I also use a grapple bucket, stock loader bucket, and a set of forks. For what it sounds like the work you are going to be doing a 4 in 1 bucket or a grappel will real speed things up. My machine was 34k with hoe and aux front hyd circut. I gather you are going to be keep this machine for a long time set it up right the first time. Also get at least one set of aux rear hyd remotes.

 

[bugstruck]

Hey guys, Quick line before bedtime. I'm tracking a 2003 TC 35. May not make it till spring.

Anyone dare comment on internet purcheses and tax exempt status of those sales. I'm sure my Governor wants his take as part of the Md. Sales and Use tax but I'm not so sure he's legally entitled to it. Only if his law supercedes Federal Law. It may. I'd appreciate your oponions on this.

Thanks,

Chris