Buying Advice Backhoe 4 tractor

moosehaven · Jul 20, 2011

I'm looking for some advice on a backhoe for a Mahindra 5035.

One option is the factory unit, made by Bradco - model 495, which mounts via sub frame and has the option for a mechanical thumb. The other option the dealer is pushing is the Wallenstein Ranchho GX 720 w/a hydraulic thumb, also sub frame mounted. Neither void the warrenty.

Looking at the numbers, the Bradco has about 2000lb more bucket digging force, 800lbs more dipper digging force, digs about a foot deeper (114"), weighs about 500 more and costs about the same as the Ranchho - but doesn't have a hydraulic thumb.

I plan on using the hoe to remove small (6") to medium (20") tree stumps, move rocks and dig some drainage ditches.

How much benefit is there to a hydraulic thumb vs. mechanical thumb?

Can you share your experiences with either the Bradco 495 or Ranchho GX 720?

The Ranchho says the boom lift capacity at the end of the dipper 3' off the ground is 925lbs. I'm assuming this means it will pick up a 925 object and move it around, right...Does anyone have a similar spec for the Bradco?

Thanks for your input!

Ed

5030 · Jul 20, 2011

Either you have liquid income or you just want to blow some money (If you wat to blow some money, give it to me and I'll spend it for you....:laughing

Its so much easier and much cheaper to rent a hoe for a job, rather than owning one and having it sit around and becoming a home for yellow jackets to live in.

No maintenance, no payments and no yellow jackets.

Been there, did that, sold it. Rent now.

rtimgray · Jul 20, 2011

I cannot comment on either of the particular choices of backhoe for your tractor, but I would offer a counterpoint to 5030's opinion.

When we were building our house, I had to rent a large backhoe to dig our basement, which required getting it delivered and picked up in a certain time frame. I had to be there to get it delivered and be there when it was picked up. Also, after I dug the basement and the footers, it started raining...and rained and rained and rained. So much dirt/mud washed in and around the site, I had to re-dig the footers. This time, I was able to borrow a backhoe (Kubota L35, I think) from a neighbor. But I still had to go get it, use it, take it back (and I did clean it up and fill it up with fuel, because he would not let me pay him) and do so in a timely fashion (hurry) so as not abuse the borrowing privilege.

As construction of the house continued, I kept needing to dig. My options were to continue to borrow my neighbor's backhoe (and I really don't like doing that), rent a mini backhoe or trackhoe from the rental yard (closest was 30 minute drive one-way) or hire the work. It was at that point I decided to buy a hoe for my Kioti DK45.

I used it and used it and used it for digging more footers, water lines, elec line, etc. General site work, landscaping, digging stumps, etc. I didn't have extra money laying around, but I was fortunate to be able to finance it with a 0% offer for three years. I can honestly say that I feel it was money well spent.

I will also admit that the hoe spends alot more time sitting still than it does being used on the tractor; however, that is true of all of my implements (I will also admit that the backhoe is my single most expensive implement). There have been a couple of occasions when I have had a busted water line that it was so handy to be able to hook up the backhoe, dig up the line, repair and and re-cover it without ever leaving the farm. I've used it on church projects dealing with septic systems and stormwater issues, helped out other neighbors with digging footings for their barns, etc. Obviously, this convenience comes with a price, but in my case, it is a price that I essentially already paid.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with renting equipment for the job - it is almost always going to be cheaper. My needs involved with building a house just called for a digger on so many days that it was far easier to buy and have it and be able to use it as time, weather and schedule allowed as opposed to having to "block out" time for a rental.
So depending on circumstances that only you can be the judge of, there are several instances when it makes more sense to buy than rent, and vice versa.

As far as mechanical vs. hydraulic thumb, I would bet at the mechanical thumb would be just about as good and have less chance of damage. If it were me, I would go with the largest unit that the tractor can safely handle - mainly because I didn't run out of digging depth nearly as often as I run out of reach.

I have no idea your level of experience with backhoes, but I know that my tractor mounted hoe is no comparison with a real purpose-built TLB, but it is also lightyears better than a shovel. Good luck with your decision and take care.

wedge40 · Jul 20, 2011

5030 said:
Either you have liquid income or you just want to blow some money (If you wat to blow some money, give it to me and I'll spend it for you....:laughing

Its so much easier and much cheaper to rent a hoe for a job, rather than owning one and having it sit around and becoming a home for yellow jackets to live in.

No maintenance, no payments and no yellow jackets.

Been there, did that, sold it. Rent now.

Ya know the same could be said about most people and their cuts.
You could always rent one.

Wedge

Tompet · Jul 20, 2011

I would suggest the Bradco with mechanical thumb...that is a lot more digging force if those numbers are correct. Especially if that is the model suggested for your tractor. I have seen the subject of wether a BH or some other implement is worth it. I agree with wedge40 and rtimgray. People buy motorcycles, antique cars etc. and they do nothing but sit around and do nothing most of the time they are owned. At least with a BH and other implements you can get some work done on your schedule. It all is what you value...enjoy your BH whatever your decision.