I just ordered a L3130/BH90 and am determining the best bucket combinations to order. I need something to breakup hard/rocky ground here in southern AZ and trench for irrigation lines so thought that the 12" would be the best bet. Also wanted something larger to move greater quantities yet not too large that I'd have trouble excavating -- either 16 or 18", which would also be used for wall foundations. Also interested in thumb attachment but haven't found if one is available. Any BH90 experienced comments/suggestions appreciated.
BH90 Bucket Size?
- Thread starter SV_AZ
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jimainiac
Platinum Member
When we got our L3830 our dealer offered us the choice of either the Kubota BH90 or the Woods BH9000. We chose the Woods, but they are very similar. I didn't know which size bucket to get, and our dealer suggested the 18". It seems like a good compromise between volume and digging strength. I've heard of people who buy a second bucket for a special purpose, like making a narrow trench, though the trenches I've dug for underground electric service have been just right at 18", for seperating the electric conduit from the phone and cable.
Warwagon
Bronze Member
When I bought my BH90, I got both the 12" and the 18" buckets and I am glad I did. I use the 12" for digging around stumps and trenching for water lines or utility extensions (power and phone to barn, etc.) and the 18" for when I am moving dirt and need a wider ditch. It cost more at first, but I am happy I went this way.
Kevin
Kevin
Henro
Elite Member
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Just my opinion....but having 10" and 16" buckets for my smaller backhoe, if I had a BH90 and had decided to go with a 12 inch bucket, MY second bucket would be a 24".
Yes, an 18" is 50% more than a 12 inch...but that is not really that much different. Get double the size, and use the smaller one when you absolutely need it, and have the larger one in your back pocket for when a larger one IS more useful.
Buckets cost enough that it is not practical to have a full range of sizes like one has with a set of drill bits. My gut tells me that if I were doing it over, I would size my buckets so that the second one was double the size of the first...
When I bought my backhoe the first bucket was included in the price...I now know I should have got a 24" and a 12 inch...live and learn... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Yes, an 18" is 50% more than a 12 inch...but that is not really that much different. Get double the size, and use the smaller one when you absolutely need it, and have the larger one in your back pocket for when a larger one IS more useful.
Buckets cost enough that it is not practical to have a full range of sizes like one has with a set of drill bits. My gut tells me that if I were doing it over, I would size my buckets so that the second one was double the size of the first...
When I bought my backhoe the first bucket was included in the price...I now know I should have got a 24" and a 12 inch...live and learn... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
v8dave
Platinum Member
Don't go too wide on your narrow bucket. If you have hard ground the really tough stuff will be somewhat easier to pry up with a narrower bucket. Don't go below 10" though. Henro's got it right. Get a substantially wider second bucket.
If you're new to a backhoe, here are a couple tips I've posted before.
The greatest power of the backhoe is in the bucket curl. And it's best applied closer to the tractor when the curl is coming up out of the hole, this pulls down the back end of the tractor against the outriggers and exerts great force. Running the curl out at the boom extension limit will try to drag the tractor backwards--and it will succeed most of the time.
You will be tempted to operate the curl and boom or dipper simultaneously in hard to dig situations. This actually decreases the power available as the boom or dipper will stall and open the pressure relief valve, dumping hydraulic fluid and power. The bucket curl is the most powerful of the controls, use it alone in tough dig situations.
If you're new to a backhoe, here are a couple tips I've posted before.
The greatest power of the backhoe is in the bucket curl. And it's best applied closer to the tractor when the curl is coming up out of the hole, this pulls down the back end of the tractor against the outriggers and exerts great force. Running the curl out at the boom extension limit will try to drag the tractor backwards--and it will succeed most of the time.
You will be tempted to operate the curl and boom or dipper simultaneously in hard to dig situations. This actually decreases the power available as the boom or dipper will stall and open the pressure relief valve, dumping hydraulic fluid and power. The bucket curl is the most powerful of the controls, use it alone in tough dig situations.
CTyler
Veteran Member
I have been happy with my 12 and 24" buckets and personaly would not want one smaller than 12". The 12" bucket works good for stumps, planting trees, pulling up sod, trenching etc... Now a 12" trench is a bit tight if you have to get in there connecting 6" pipe but its' workable.
5030tinkerer
Gold Member
I just installed the 36" bucket on my BH90 and am amazed at what it can do. I love the 18" bucket that came with it, but digging was just taking too long. While it is likely to be true that I will have to scrape the soil to get through the hard pan in August, once things get going, it will go much faster. I don't see me installing the 18" again until I need a narrow trench or something. When that is the case, I'll likely borrow my friend's 12" version....
