Buying Advice Backhoe on a SCUT - yea or nay?

[Bremse]

When I was looking to buy a scut I went through the same questions of backhoe yes or now. I could probably get by without one for the most part but that is true for the whole tractor in my case (4 wooded acres). I don稚 use the tractor much but when I do I知 glad I have it. Same is true for the backhoe I decided to buy along with the tractor. Yes, it was a few grand but it was a lot less than adding it later (if at all possible). I opted for the lower end tractor model to make up some of the difference (GC1710 vs GC1720) as I see more utility in the hoe than in the extra couple of hp of the higher end model. Another thing to consider is that if you ever want to add rear remotes (really handy for hydraulic top link and tilt on a box blade or if you want to run a log splitter) you already have the power beyond hookup and just need to add a valve when the hoe is off. I don稚 have much time to use my tractor due to work and 4 little kids at home so when I have a bit of time for a small project it痴 usually on short notice and I get interrupted a lot. Renting wouldn稚 be very feasible and I would just end up not doing the project. I don稚 own a truck and my vehicles can稚 tow a the typical rental equipment trailers so I壇 have to arrange (and pay) for delivery on top of the rental itself.
If you get the hoe then definitively spend the few hundred bucks for a thumb. Then you can use your hoe as a long reach grapple and you can easily lift logs to move or to cut up. As others have mentioned, they also make for nice ballast for loader work. I would also add a hook to the bucket.

 

[3Lfarms]

An the best reason to get one...they are fun as all get out.

 

[Gary Fowler]

TLB's are kind of like a gun-better to have it and not need it that to need it and not have it.

 

[fried1765]

TLB's are kind of like a gun-better to have it and not need it that to need it and not have it.

Have had mine for 33 years.
Love it!
Best TOY I have ever owned.

 

[shooterdon]

TLB's are kind of like a gun-better to have it and not need it that to need it and not have it.

Some people use a .300 Win Mag when a .30/30 will get the job done...LOL

 

[4570Man]

Some people use a .300 Win Mag when a .30/30 will get the job done...LOL

Sometimes I use my 310 to do a job that a BX would have done better. I’d rather do a BX job with my 310 than do a 310 job with a BX.

 

[djefferis]

So I'm 95% on getting a tractor with a hoe at this point. Just so much more utility value that can be recouped when resale time comes.

Now to limit it to a brand/model - Deere is well Deere - they are everywhere, everyone knows them and comes with a built in loyal buyer base. The 1025 is marketed heavily and has decent incentives to make up for some of the "premium" they are able to command above other big names. I am considering the move to a 2025, but seems all the incentives are behind the more popular 1025. No more HP in the move up - but larger frame is a big selling point - but how much more...1 grand sure, 3 grand - feels like it could be better spent.

Massey dealer offering a GC1720 for the price of the LS mentioned earlier - just no financing option at that price. Not a huge deal as have the $$.

Kubota is a possible, but having to call and drive around is a pain. New Holland as well - just need to find the right dealer I guess.

 

[dougtrr2]

One issue not mentioned yet is some "attachments" such as FEL, belly mower, and backhoes are unique to a particular tractor. The odds of finding one used at a later date is very slim. I think they are also cheaper to buy upfront as a package rather that after the fact as an add-on.

Doug in SW IA
(Bought BX24 with backhoe and never regretted it.)

 

[shooterdon]

I was not going to read the whole thread again and I did not see much on the first page...but some things to think about.

What are the primary uses? It seems silly to even mention this after 5 pages...so I must have missed it?

If most of your work will be with rear mounted attachments other than the backhoe, how easy is it to mount and dismount the BH? And if so, will you want to add a quick hitch on the 3pt at some time?

You are smart to shop for a good dealer. That will be more important down the road than a feature or two, or $1k in price.

 

[newbury]

Another question - how deep do you want to go?
When I bought the Kubota offering, B4672, was about 5.5' dig depth so I got a Woods BH70-x, which digs about a foot deeper.