Backhoe Backhoe

johnny h · Jan 21, 2011

Hi to all those looking.

I own a Lenar 254II compact tractor, the dealer I purchased it from now calls it a Mahindra ?? Still not to worry.

I'm after a backhoe to suit but am completely confused by all the dealer termanolgy like "yeah don't buy that one because it uses the tractors hydrolics" or "this italian one is better than the last type we sold " does any one know whats what.

I'm also in the market for a log splitter and possibly a chipper that both run of the tractor. I have already brought a front loader from the dealer in question but I'm now being told by the main agent that the front loader i have is possibly the wrong one.

Jeeze it's hard to know whats what.

For info, I'm in the UK and the tractor is in France.

In anticipation of some truth

Regards johnny

Craig Clayton · Jan 21, 2011

Info from the colonies. You are already having questions about your dealer, maybe you should check down the Lane with another rep. There is alot of help to be found here on the site.
Craig Clayton

johnny h · Jan 21, 2011

Craig Clayton said:
Info from the colonies. You are already having questions about your dealer, maybe you should check down the Lane with another rep. There is alot of help to be found here on the site.
Craig Clayton

Craige, thanks for the advice. It's just knowing where to go and who to believe. Times are tuff, and people just want to take your hard earned bucks.

I wont be using the dealer / agent in question agian, however, I may have to stick with the main importer / dealership to ensure contiuity.

As I ask, any advice is welcome.

Hope you're all okay out their.

Sweden-Art · Jan 21, 2011

johnny h said:
Hi to all those looking.

I own a Lenar 254II compact tractor, the dealer I purchased it from now calls it a Mahindra ?? Still not to worry.

I'm after a backhoe to suit but am completely confused by all the dealer termanolgy like "yeah don't buy that one because it uses the tractors hydrolics" or "this italian one is better than the last type we sold " does any one know whats what.

I'm also in the market for a log splitter and possibly a chipper that both run of the tractor. I have already brought a front loader from the dealer in question but I'm now being told by the main agent that the front loader i have is possibly the wrong one.

Jeeze it's hard to know whats what.

For info, I'm in the UK and the tractor is in France.

In anticipation of some truth

Regards johnny

Hey Johnny.

I have a Mahindra 2541 (Mahindra 2525 in US) which is the former Lenar 254.

When I made an choice for which backhoe to fit on it I made a a lot of research before I decided. I read that many people has had problems with the Chinese backhoe so I decided to go for a Italian type.

I am not afraid to do my own imports without any dealer support to save a lot of money, so both the tractor and the backhoe I order directly from the factory where they are made.

The Italian backhoe is a -2010- Gherardi Backhoe 7,2' Digging depth, 4850 lbs breakout force, Side Shift type. I have made a custom sub-frame for it. It was delivered as a 5 point setup instead as the common 3 point. But with a breakout force of 4850 lbs/ 2200kg I decide go for a sub-frame.
I am very pleased with it so far, it is fast and very very precise in the movements, you can operate it with simultaneous movements and its very strong.

My backhoe has its own PTO pump and oil reservoir. This feels for me much better then charing my common sump with the backhoe. With its own hydraulics I have a clean hydraulic oil with its own circulation filtered by a 10 micron return filter and I know that the pump capacity is rated for the hoe for best performance considering pressure and flow.

If I make a comparison against the price in France on a Chinese backhoe which according to they're site cost 3908 Euro inc VAT. I payed 4056 Euro incl VAT for the Gherardi. But then I had to pay shipping to Sweden also but still it is almost what a Chinese backhoe cost here in Sweden.

Just some input on why I choose a Italian type with its own hydraulic pump system

What kind of FEL do you have?

Here is some pictures on my rig and on the backhoe.

johnny h · Jan 24, 2011

Many thanks again, looks pretty active and solid, I am waiting for the main agent I mentioned ealier to come up with some pictures of the Italian Backhoe they are recommending. They say not to buy the chinese as they are of poor quality and it seems that Italians are making better machines.

I have a preference to purchase both the Backhoe and a log splitter from the same source as I need them delivering to France which is where my Lenar / Mahindra currently is.

I'll keep you up to speed as things progress.

Once agian thanks for the help and support, appreciated.

Ductape · Jan 24, 2011

FWIW, the Italian made hoes generally get excellent reviews here in the states....... the Chinese made hoes, not as much. Powering the hoe is cheapest by using the tractor's hydraulic power. This is how mine is done. and I don't worry about contamination since the hoe is only ever on my one tractor. A seperate PTO pump is always a good option if the money is not a concern.

galaxie428 · Jan 24, 2011

Sweden-art, I assume by your pics and what you called side shift that you can move your hoe to the left or right side of your tractor? Is that done by the hydraulics? That is a cool idea and would come in very handy for digging around buildings.

I have a Woods BH on my tractor and while I am very satisfied with it, that feature would have been nice. I have the need to dig around my house foundation to lay some drain tile to help keep the basement from getting wet. Your configuration would work pretty nice for that, mine is going to be a little more difficult or at least will require a larger hole.

Sweden-Art · Jan 24, 2011

galaxie428 said:
Sweden-art, I assume by your pics and what you called side shift that you can move your hoe to the left or right side of your tractor? Is that done by the hydraulics? That is a cool idea and would come in very handy for digging around buildings.

I have a Woods BH on my tractor and while I am very satisfied with it, that feature would have been nice. I have the need to dig around my house foundation to lay some drain tile to help keep the basement from getting wet. Your configuration would work pretty nice for that, mine is going to be a little more difficult or at least will require a larger hole.

Hey.

Thats correct. It can be moved from side to side. As you mention it can be very handy when digging near walls and foundations. The frame/outriggers width is 5' (150 cm) thats is slightly wider than my tractor. But i guess I loose some stability with this type comparing with standard center pivot outriggers. But frankly I cant see how it could be more stable than it is

Guess my sub frame is helping a lot for the stability.
The lock/unlock for it is hydraulic but to move it sideways you need to push with the dipper stick.

The woods model looks very nice. I sure would have taken a closer look at them if we would have a dealer in Europe. But i dont think there is any woods representation here. I did did not find any though.

Here is a youtube video showing the side shift type. Not the same brand as mine but it works the same. There you can see how to shift it from side to side.

YouTube - Tifermec Heckbagger Mobilbagger