I have been requesting quotes from a few different places, and it seems that somewhere around 11,000 for the backhoe, mech thumb, pto pump, and subframe is where they all stand. One of the places I have caught the name of several times on this website is Rosseels out of MI. They sent me back the most organized quote so far, breaking down the price of each item and explaining things well. One thing that was mentioned in their email is that the subframe for my tractor will work as long as I have a front end loader. My question to those of you that have one of these on a similar tractor....Can the loader still be taken off and on your tractor with this subframe on? I love how quickly and easily the 400CX loader comes off and on, and I don't want to lose that functionality.
Backhoe Backhoe for John Deere 4720
- Thread starter Deere4720
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I can take off the loader anytime I want on my JD4720 with Woods BH90X and subframe. I just don't want to. Done it twice in 8 years. I would not ever use the BH without the loader on as the loader is a point of stabilization.
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
Before spending $11,000 on a backhoe attachment on your tractor I would suggest you consider buying a used 110tlb. I bought the 110 first new with cab in 2005 with 7 function hoe and all hydraulics including top and tilt. Worked great but found that for a lot of my jobs that I wanted a separate tractor for 3 point work. So I bought the 4520 cab in 2009 without fel and moved all the hydraulics to the rear. This combination has worked well for me as the 4520 is much easier to use in tight spaces and I seldom have to remove the hoe from the 110. Their are other benefits to the 110, full belly pan, fixed stronger fel, front aux. hydraulics for a grapple or 4 in one bucket, 10' backhoe with aux. circuit for thumb or hydraulic auger or hammer. Creep to reposition is a very real benefit combined with being able to reach the front fel control from the backhoe seat.
I would suggest you do a little searching for a used 110 before putting that much money in a backhoe for the 4720. Having both the 110tlb and the 4520 cab (60hp.) I know the differences and short comings of what you are proposing and know for a fact that I would not do it.
I definitely would not take the loader off with the hoe still on. Honestly the hoe will only be on the tractor occasionally. If I could find a very nice used hoe attachment I would just buy it. It will probably spend more time in the shed then on the tractor. Most of the 110s I have seen are pretty pricey, and I don't think I would use it enough to justify having another whole machine to care for.
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
If you would only use it occasionally then it would be cheaper to rent. This also allows you to choose the right size machine for the job. You may want to consider a used mini excavator too. I would consider a good used hoe for your tractor for about half of the cost of a new one if you can find one. My point is I would be leary of spending $11k on a new hoe for an 8 year old tractor and not loosing too much money trading later on. I suspect buying a mini excavator about 3 ton size used would allow you to own it for a few years and get more of your money back.
jloven
Bronze Member
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- 2013 John Deere 4720, 2014 New Holland T5.115, 2017 JD 4066R cab
I have a 4720 and added a 448 backhoe that I purchased used for around $3k a few years ago. I had it on a 3720 so when I traded tractors, I had to purchase the backhoe bracket (LVB26163) for the hoe which I found on eBay for $300 shipped to my door from a nice guy in Massachusetts. He also sold me the creep control off his 485 hoe that he was not using for $250. I ended up having to buy the bracket for the 4720 new (LVB26148, list for $1150). This bracket permanently mounts on the 4720 and provides connection to the tractor frame for the backhoe. I also had to buy the power beyond kit (LVB26066 list for $400). I got both as part of the deal with the tractor, so I paid $1,100 for both. Finally I had to purchase the creep to re-position cable for the 4720 tractor for $100. So, it took around $1800 to move the 448 backhoe from a 3720 to my new 4720.
Its a great backhoe and I wouldn't take anything for my setup now. Easy to get on and off and digs very well for its size. I never thought I would use it as much as I do. I probably take it on and off 8-10 times each year. I always keep the loader on for weight and balance.
I would suggest you look around for a used 448 or 485 backhoe. There is a 448 that looks to be in great shape just outside of Charlotte (on craigslist) and the asking price is $3k. Probably can get it for $2500. 4000 series backhoe brackets are all over craigslist and eBay for less than $300. Even if you put $2500 in getting it connected, you are less than half of your quoted price plus you are getting a John Deere designed backhoe attachment with no PTO pump. It was a no-brainer for me plus I like these type of projects.
Its a great backhoe and I wouldn't take anything for my setup now. Easy to get on and off and digs very well for its size. I never thought I would use it as much as I do. I probably take it on and off 8-10 times each year. I always keep the loader on for weight and balance.
I would suggest you look around for a used 448 or 485 backhoe. There is a 448 that looks to be in great shape just outside of Charlotte (on craigslist) and the asking price is $3k. Probably can get it for $2500. 4000 series backhoe brackets are all over craigslist and eBay for less than $300. Even if you put $2500 in getting it connected, you are less than half of your quoted price plus you are getting a John Deere designed backhoe attachment with no PTO pump. It was a no-brainer for me plus I like these type of projects.
GManBart
Elite Member
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I'm thinking along the lines of what Jenkinsph said. Renting for a few times a year, or buying a dedicated loader/backhoe sounds like it might make more sense.
For around $11K you can buy a used backhoe that will be far more capable, and not tie up your primary tractor....especially if you're only going to use it a few times a year. I also suspect it would be much, much easier to sell a loader/backhoe if you find you no longer need it, where selling a backhoe attachment is going to be harder...far fewer people shopping for them, and then they have to own the right tractor to consider it.
I'd go look for something like these....they won't really decrease in value unless you abuse them, and will do way more work in a shorter period of time:
https://wichita.craigslist.org/grq/5390921470.html
https://wichita.craigslist.org/hvd/5365787715.html
https://wichita.craigslist.org/hvd/5328990105.html
https://topeka.craigslist.org/hvo/5403689321.html
https://stjoseph.craigslist.org/grd/5401456957.html
For around $11K you can buy a used backhoe that will be far more capable, and not tie up your primary tractor....especially if you're only going to use it a few times a year. I also suspect it would be much, much easier to sell a loader/backhoe if you find you no longer need it, where selling a backhoe attachment is going to be harder...far fewer people shopping for them, and then they have to own the right tractor to consider it.
I'd go look for something like these....they won't really decrease in value unless you abuse them, and will do way more work in a shorter period of time:
https://wichita.craigslist.org/grq/5390921470.html
https://wichita.craigslist.org/hvd/5365787715.html
https://wichita.craigslist.org/hvd/5328990105.html
https://topeka.craigslist.org/hvo/5403689321.html
https://stjoseph.craigslist.org/grd/5401456957.html
There are lots of different ways to go regarding a backhoe: add-on attachment, rental, old-beater full size TLB, another dedicated TLB, mini-ex, etc. There is nothing wrong with the add-on attachment, though. That has been a very practical, useful tool for us for more than 10 years. It's here when we need it, easy to install/remove when needed, capable of doing anything we need done and doesn't take up a lot of space. Everyone's situation is unique, of course, so by all means look at all the options, but having a BH attachment for your tractor can definitely work.
Not to muddy the water, but Deere and Woods aren't the only choices in backhoes and there is some seriously good equipment offered by others as well. Bradco has always stood out for well-made, rugged BH's, and other makes such as Bush Hog or Wallenstein are out there also.
Important to go with a subframe mounted BH for serious work. Any of the major suppliers will be compatible with the FEL on your tractor since the loader balances the weight of the BH. Look at the individual subframe and mounting designs offered by the various manufacturers. The better designs tuck the BH close to the rear of the tractor rather than sticking out, and have a subframe that does not reduce ground clearance significantly.
Not to muddy the water, but Deere and Woods aren't the only choices in backhoes and there is some seriously good equipment offered by others as well. Bradco has always stood out for well-made, rugged BH's, and other makes such as Bush Hog or Wallenstein are out there also.
Important to go with a subframe mounted BH for serious work. Any of the major suppliers will be compatible with the FEL on your tractor since the loader balances the weight of the BH. Look at the individual subframe and mounting designs offered by the various manufacturers. The better designs tuck the BH close to the rear of the tractor rather than sticking out, and have a subframe that does not reduce ground clearance significantly.
