Buying Advice best tractor with available backhoe

jacobsdaddy06 · Oct 16, 2011

ok looking into a tractor no smaller than 25hp that has the best tractor/backhoe combo, have 10 acres thats gonna need some things done as far as digging so I figure Im gonna be money ahead to go ahead and get the backhoe with purchase, will also be running a hog, blade, usual 3pt attatchments.. all residential use so just needing something for myself... (digging will consist of tree stumps, ditches, pond work,etc..) thanks for all replies

BethesdaEC · Oct 16, 2011

I have 9 acres and absolutely love my JD2520. JD is replacing the model 46BH with a new model, the 270. It has a shorter sub frame that does not interfere with a belly mower and you do have to remove the 3PH arms to mount the backhoe. I believe the new backhoe will be available in the spring. It is a very strong tractor, JD is very conservative with ratings, the loader is spec'ed for 800 pounds, but I have lifted close to 1100 lbs.

Verticaltrx · Oct 16, 2011

Take a look at the B-series Kubotas. They have one of the cleanest looking factory backhoe packages I've seen. The hoe is mounted in close to the tractor and uses a swivel seat like on the larger units. The Kubota backhoes are also pretty powerful for the size, lots of bucket breakout force.

two_bit_score · Oct 16, 2011

Look at a JD 110 TLB.

Tractor Seabee · Oct 17, 2011

I bought a Kubota BX25 this spring and have put 300 hrs on it to date. I am very pleased. It is a real work horse. They all have the 0 down 0% deal, but in my area Kubotas are $1500 less that a Cub Cadet or JD. Buy American won't fly as all the compacts are foreign made. JD uses the Yanmar engine. JD was out for me as the closest dealer is 60 miles away. My local mechanic had a CC in his garage stripped down as he was replaceing some major frame parts the owner had twisted up. They are stamped sheet steel shapes where the Kubota has much heaver structural hot rolled shapes. That and the fiberglass body parts convinced me the BX 25 was the best deal all around. I have used the backhoe probably 70 of the hours. It has great pull out power on the bucket curl for working in tough dirt and pulling/cutting roots on stumps. I have dug out 6 alder stumps with 10" trunks in good time. It is not something to make money as a production machine but I use it only on my own place. The 8" bucket works better on stump pulling than the 12". If you can afford the extra $400+ get the 12" bucket too. I wish they had a large grading bucket w/smooth edge that fits the pin arrangement as I have a lot of ditch cleaning and slope dressing to do. Working on some ideas to make something this winter to keep me busy. Wish I would have bought the mechanical thumb also.

BethesdaEC · Oct 17, 2011

two_bit_score said:
Look at a JD 110 TLB.

The JD110 is a dedicated construction grade TLB, the loader and backhoe are permanently mounted and it does not have a 3PH or PTO. Very nice, but not the Swiss Army knife a property owner is looking for.

MrWhippy · Oct 17, 2011

We've been very happy with our NH Workmaster 55 with backhoe. Slightly smaller version of the backhoe is available with the Workmaster 45.

By the numbers, the bucket digging force is the highest for any of the major brands (JD, Kubota, MF, Kioti NH). Subframe mounted.

Kyle241 · Oct 17, 2011

Based on your requirements, there are a number of tractors that can be equipped with a BH and do the other tasks you have listed. Do you have a colour preference? Some people will not look at a blue, green, orange, etc. A couple have posted a Deere and NH, I have a Kubota MX5100 with the BH92 so that will give you another possibility. I think first you need to decide what your budget is and what dealers you have close by or are you considering used? Just in the Kubota family, there are several models that would fit your needs most likely and they do come with BH's. There is also Kioti and I'm not sure but I believe Mahindra (sp?) may have a BH as well. All manufacturers have different ways they attach a BH so you may want to look at that as well because if you are removing it and putting it back on frequently, you want it easy. I liked Kubota's design and it takes me minutes to do both. You will also want to try different tractors for look and feel as everyone has their own personal tastes.

A BH definitely adds to the cost of a tractor and I know many do not opt for this attachment and instead rent a mini excavator. Based on my needs and considering I had one before on my Kubota B20, I decided the money was worth it as I have a lot of stumps to remove, a lot of rocks and don't have the means to go rent a unit quickly and transport. Below is my new baby and I am very happy with it so far. The BH has plenty of power and pulled a 26-28" white birch stump with little difficulty at 1700 rpms.

devildog1 · Oct 17, 2011

Is it me or does the right stabilizer arm on the NH Workmaster 55 with backhoe
look bent?
Devildog

MrWhippy · Oct 17, 2011

devildog1 said:
Is it me or does the right stabilizer arm on the NH Workmaster 55 with backhoe
look bent?
Devildog

Both are bent. Comes that way from the factory. (That picture is from when they dropped off the tractor: 3 hours, Backhoe fresh from the factory)

MarkV · Oct 17, 2011

BethesdaEC said:
The JD110 is a dedicated construction grade TLB, the loader and backhoe are permanently mounted and it does not have a 3PH or PTO. Very nice, but not the Swiss Army knife a property owner is looking for.

Afraid you are wrong there. The 110 does have a PTO and the backhoe can be removed. It is also a discontinued model.

To the OP, if you feel that a backhoe will be a primary part of your use and as the title indicated you want the best, it is hard to beat the Kubota TLB's, B26, L39, L45. These would be in your stated hp range. These are a more commercial design with greater loader and backhoe capacities. The backhoes are operated from the drivers seat rather than a separate seat. Great tractors but you do pay a price.

MarkV

JerryK · Oct 17, 2011

The Bradco built hoe on the back of my Mahindra has pretty impressive digging forces, too. I think the reason the Workmaster backhoe arms are bent is because the hoe is mounted without much ground clearance. Looks like only about six inches or so....

two_bit_score · Oct 17, 2011

BethesdaEC said:
The JD110 is a dedicated construction grade TLB, the loader and backhoe are permanently mounted and it does not have a 3PH or PTO. Very nice, but not the Swiss Army knife a property owner is looking for.

Sorry, but you are mistaken about the backhoe being permanently attached. It comes off in about five minutes. They are routinely used on construction sites to do box blade work as much as regular tlb work. There is a thread on TBN of a guy using his for bailing hay. They are versatile. But may not be for everyone, like any other piece of equipment. They also do have a pto and 3 ph. You may want to go back and do some research before you make such absolute statements that are so astoundingly incorrect.

BethesdaEC · Oct 17, 2011

two_bit_score said:
Sorry, but you are mistaken about the backhoe being permanently attached. It comes off in about five minutes. They are routinely used on construction sites to do box blade work as much as regular tlb work. There is a thread on TBN of a guy using his for bailing hay. They are versatile. But may not be for everyone, like any other piece of equipment. They also do have a pto and 3 ph. You may want to go back and do some research before you make such absolute statements that are so astoundingly incorrect.

I stand corrected. Is the loader field removable?

MarkV · Oct 17, 2011

BethesdaEC said:
I stand corrected. Is the loader field removable?

No, the bucket is removable though.

That is one of the things with the JB 110 and the Kubota light commercial TLB's. They run an integrated frame from front to back as well as OSHA approved upper structure (FOPS) for commercial sites. So non removable loader. Adds to the cost but sure does offer a ridged, protected, TLB structure to a small tractor that can still meet PTO and 3pt hitch needs.

MarkV

two_bit_score · Oct 17, 2011

MarkV said:
No, the bucket is removable though.

That is one of the things with the JB 110 and the Kubota light commercial TLB's. They run an integrated frame from front to back as well as OSHA approved upper structure (FOPS) for commercial sites. So non removable loader. Adds to the cost but sure does offer a ridged, protected, TLB structure to a small tractor that can still meet PTO and 3pt hitch needs.

MarkV

And, both use skid steer attachments. Gives more options on front end attachments.

lstinthot · Oct 17, 2011

I will give a plug for the Bobcat CUT. I just bought the CT230. Its 30 HP with backhoe. I also bought the forks which are a great addition. The forks are able to pick up stumps I pull out with the backhoe. The bucket would just push the stumps around where the forks are able to get around and under them enough to move them.

The Bobcat is similar to the Kioti. Bobcat now makes their own loader is the major difference.

My TLB weighs around 5500#, so it is pretty heavy. I think the weights are as follows:
Tractor 3050#
loader 800#
backhoe 1050#
filled tires 700#

I have around 36 hours on the machine in 3 weeks and have been pretty happy with it.

Gittyup · Oct 17, 2011

MarV's suggested Kubota B-series and the JD110 are probably the "best". But, they will cost ya. I think JCB also has one similar to the JD110. Not sure if Case has one that small or not.

For thousands (... and thousands) less, the next "best" are usually the heaviest. Like Kioti, Branson, and Mahindra. Weight is king for backhoe work. I have a Kioti CK25 gear TLB. It weighs in around 5500 lbs with loaded tires. It's a beast of a digger for it's size. Same frame can be had with up to 35 or so HP (CK35). As with all models, bigger tractors increase capability and addss reach to the backhoe. Reach should not be undersestimated.

When choosing a tractor for mainly digging, weight and hydraulic flow are just as important as HP.

There are many older construction backhoes that are exceptionally capable too, if you wanted to go the more specialized route for similar money.