Backhoe vs Tractor with backhoe

[QRTRHRS]

I suppose removing and reinstalling a backhoe attachment from a tractor could be a chore, and I suppose many prefer just to leave them on all the time if they can.

I had a compact 36HP PTO Massey with a Woods backhoe. I would back up to the hoe, slip the hydraulic pump onto the PTO then back into the hoe adjusting it to line up then slip the pins in to hold it. I had the optional subframe which permanently mounted to the hoe. The subframe came with plates to replace the stock plates that bolt under the rear axle. The subframe slipped into those plates then two pins under the front end loader supports held the hoe in place. Took all of five minutes to hook up.

The hoe would only dig to about six feet but I moved alot of dirt with it. If I was to ever have a set up like that again, I would want a larger tractor and a hoe able to dig deeper.

FWIW, I would never depend on the 3PT to support a backhoe. I saw a similar setup with the rear axle housing split wide open.

 

[hodge]

I've got $7000 (previous owner replaced almost all of the hoses, so it could be argued that there's less money in it), in a John Deere 310 backhoe. It has 3300 hours (low for a full size backhoe), and it runs great. Don't discount the option of buying a full size backhoe, because it can be the best value going.

 

[Hay Dude]

I looked at the Kubota dedicated TLB's a couple years ago. Problem is, here in Canada, the price they want for them I can buy an almost new full size construction backhoe that has a cab and air conditioning

Always seems that way.
I get a chuckle when I see what they want for smaller equipment. They want outrageous money for it because it‘s Small?
IMO, one of the best deals out there is a used Case, New Holland, etc. backhoe. For about $25,000 you can have a solid used backhoe with a cab that can do almost any task except crop farming, for less than a small mostly chinese built sub compact.
You can start a business with a backhoe and maintain your large property, too.

Not suggesting everyone should run out and buy a backhoe, but the prices for smaller, newer equipment have gone into the “luxury life” category along with large boats and exotic cars.

 

[pokey1416]

I have the tractor with a BH and once the BH is mounted in June - it stays on until October. I don’t have a brush hog so I finish my drive grading and spring tilling then install BH. In the fall I finish digging projects, do fall grading and tilling then set up for snow plowing. I’m fortunate I can pick my jobs so mostly it’s based around how my tractor is set up.

Taking BH on and off is easy. Putting the 3PH and then QH is kind of a PITA for this old body. BH sits in garage so it’s an easy hook/unhook. Also, in IMO the BH was the best attachment I bought.

 

[Notforhire]

I thought about a Deere 310 instead of buy ing my L47.

I didn't see anything decent in the $25 range but I think $35 would have covered it.
OK so now I've got a TLB. Now I need a 45hp, 4 wd tractor to do what the TLB can't, like mowing etc.

I decided that it was best to let a $10k backhoe attachment sit most of the time rather than let the 310 take up storage space.
(It would be even more space than a backhoe attachment.)

If I constantly needed a full size TLB, things would be different. Another problem with the full size is that I have no way to transport it.

So right or wrong I spent about $50k for a brand new machine that can do 90% of what I need.
I maintain one tractor and store one tractor.

BTW I used to have a Ford 655e back in the 90's and it was a much better TLB than the L47 as far a digging and moving material goes. ( it had a 1 yard bucket.)

 

[Hay Dude]

I thought about a Deere 310 instead of buy ing my L47.

I didn't see anything decent in the $25 range but I think $35 would have covered it.
OK so now I've got a TLB. Now I need a 45hp, 4 wd tractor to do what the TLB can't, like mowing etc.

I decided that it was best to let a $10k backhoe attachment sit most of the time rather than let the 310 take up storage space.
(It would be even more space than a backhoe attachment.)

If I constantly needed a full size TLB, things would be different. Another problem with the full size is that I have no way to transport it.

So right or wrong I spent about $50k for a brand new machine that can do 90% of what I need.
I maintain one tractor and store one tractor.

BTW I used to have a Ford 655e back in the 90's and it was a much better TLB than the L47 as far a digging and moving material goes. ( it had a 1 yard bucket.)

Well, you can just drive them down the road if all your projects are local.
I did that, then I bought a dump truck & trailer.

 

[Notforhire]

Well, you can just drive them down the road if all your projects are local.
I did that, then I bought a dump truck & trailer.

Frankly I do run on the road between properties.
What I was thinking of at the time, was if for some reason it broke down and wasn't drivable. It's 25-50 miles to a dealer depending on brand.

No matter. That was only one of the many reasons I didn't need a full size machine. Don't forget, I already had owned a 655 years back.
It's kinda like why I don't own a school bus for my daily transportation.

If I was doing excavation work as a regularly business I'm sure I would feel differently.

 

[rScotty]

Silly question, but here it goes.

Which would be most ideal for a 6 acre property with long driveway, mature trees, snow removal, and making and maintaining a small veggie garden. A midsize backhoe with loader or a midsize tractor with backhoe and loader?

It also depends on what your property is like and whether you already have a house and barn or are planning on doing some building. Also on your plans for the trees.

The used construction TLBs like the Deere 310 are at a sweet spot on the market right now. If you are willing to take your time and research local schools, parks, city maintenance shops and such I'll bet you can pick up a good used TLB for way less than a compact tractor. Those old 310s are comfortable, durable, parts are fair, and the yellow Deere mechanics and dealers are pros.

We have a long driveway in the mountains and use our old 310 to plow snow. No special attachments necessary....just lower the bucket so it skims the ground and drive forward. Not much stops it.

About the only thing it won't do is till the garden - but it will even do that where the hoe bucket can reach.
Maybe someday a clever guy will make a tilling attachment for a backhoe bucket.

For 6 acres of suburban lawn the 310 would be out of place, but for a few acres of more rugged rural woodland it would be a reasonable choice.

rScotty

 

[MaxLee]

I suppose removing and reinstalling a backhoe attachment from a tractor could be a chore, and I suppose many prefer just to leave them on all the time if they can.

takes 5 mins to remove and install back hoe on compact tractor.

 

[MaxLee]

If ya loaded with cash buy both, if not , get the tractor with BH and add attacments. Back hoe alone is not versatile enough for your intented use