Backhoe Backhoe

[Riddler]

My wife has had such a good time operating the new TC45DA that all resistance to purchasing a backhoe has evaporated. Wasting no time, I intend to visit my trusty dealer to discuss the backhoe purchase. I have read enough over the past few months to be convinced that OEM subframe mount units are the best, if saving a few dollars is not critical. That said, I thought I ought to solicit any last minute comments that folks might be willing to offer regarding the 758C unit that NH offers for the 45DA. NH states on its website that the BH can be installed quickly, without having to remove the 3pt links. I suspect that it is trickier to install and remove than NH would have you believe, but I'll get use to it, I assume. Also, I have TnT, so I will make sure I find out from the dealer whether this complicates matters. If there is anything else I should consider before I pull the trigger on the 758C, please let me know.

 

[PineRidge]

The sub-frame mounted backhoes come off a lot easier than they mount but you will get used to the procedure. It gets quicker each time that you go through the process. There have been lots of guys including myself that have made dollies to make lineup a bit easier also. Just smile and think of all the holes that you are going to be able to dig shortly.

 

[Propertymaint]

The 758C is a nice match to the tractor and you will be glad you got the subframe when you see how much force is exerted on the tractor when your digging a stubborn stump etc. As far as install/removal - I agree with Pine Ridge - it gets a lot easier on the second and third time and a snap after that. Just be sure to back up square to the subframe.
Good Luck
Peter

 

[TV372]

IMO go with a Bradco 509. On and off ia a lot easier the the NH model. Might be a few $'s more but it will be worth it if you want a strong hoe. Othere positive note worthy advantages no loss of ground clearence, better angle of departure, & heavy duty pistons.

DX45 with Bradco 509

 

[Red_Dog]

We have no regrets with purchasing the 758C for our TC40D. It has been a great asset and after digging several hundred feet of trench, 75+ stumps, we are just getting warmed up for years of service. We also looked at Woods and Bradco hoes, but one problem/concern always arose. Warranty! Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that New Holland only warranties a NH backhoe on the New Holland CUTs. After spending almost $30K on the complete setup, we did not want to run into a warranty issue and have multiple vendors pointing fingers at each other if we had a failure.

 

[jd2210va]

Nice setup with the Bradco. I thought I had read elsewhere in TBN that Bradco makes the backhoes for New Holland? Can anyone confirm or deny that?

All these discussions on backhoes are making me get ideas I probably can't afford! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DK35vince]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Nice setup with the Bradco. I thought I had read elsewhere in TBN that Bradco makes the backhoes for New Holland? Can anyone confirm or deny that? )</font>

Rhino builds the ones that I have seen.
My Rhino 85 is the same hoe as the NH 758c

 

[TV372]

Bradco makes attachments for Case IH & NH's skid steers. From what I know Case IH & NH's tractors backhoes are made by SMC. The loaders are the only attachment that I know of that are made inhouse.

 

[DK35vince]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( From what I know Case IH & NH's tractors backhoes are made by SMC. )</font>

Yes,
SMC/Rhino are somehow the same thing.

 

[AndyMA]

I ran a 758 hoe on a Ford 2120 from 1987 to a couple of years ago when I traded it for a larger hoe for my TN. The Ford/NH hoe worked fine for the thousand or so hours I used it. I dug out many large stumps, and moved huge bolders by using leverage. Off was easy, and on was ok on firm level ground. I found a jack to be a great asset to get it on quickly and easily.

Andy

 

[anonz]

Riddler - I had a similar experience with the wife. She had a long list of trenches to be dug, water lines to be laid, wiring to be run to the barn, etc. My 758C was purchased through my dealer when I picked up a used 45D he had taken as trade-in. The first weekend saw 4 hours of seat time with the hoe. Other than the operator being a rookie, the whole set up has been great. Even with my short experience, the subframe mount is a must. I think my dealer said it right - if you are going to use the hoe, the 758C will work great - if you are going to be putting a crew on the hoe that don't give a hoot about it, you might want to look at the Bradco (infering it was a bit beefier). Since he and I struck the deal on the 45D, he sold me the hoe at his cost + shipping and setup. I won't need anything more than the 758C.

PS - I was almost talked into the 24 inch bucket. With the trenching I have done, I have been happy with the 18 inch.

 

[Riddler]

Anonz and others, thanks for the input. It is too bad that NH plays the warranty card to discourage owners from considering a quality alternative, like Bradco. I am fan of choices. That said, for my purposes, it sounds like I will be just fine with the 758C. I am already lining up the jobs I'll tackle when I finally get my hands on the backhoe!!