Backhoe Do I really need a Backhoe on my CUT???

[LBrown59]

Do you NEED power steering? Do you NEED an automatic transmission? Do you NEED a high speed internet connection? Probably not, but they sure are nice when you have them.

If you get a hydraulic thumb, the uses expand. No, you don't NEED a hydraulic thumb , but once you have it...

One thing about rental units, You will spend about 1/4 to 1/2 of the time learning how to use it productively. That will just about always be the case, unless you rent often. You will also be hurrying to get done in the time allotted and that's when boo-boo's occur. Like digging the power line up, or the gas line or the phone line, or...

If you can afford it, it ain't a bad thing to have. I would look for a non-JD unit to save $$. Heck,
1* for 12k you can probably find a used TLB.

jb

1*Like I just said here.

1*You could buy a nice used MF gc2310 for that and you would have the BH with a FEL and a tractor thrown in on the deal.
2*Like getting a nice used Kubota BX23 or 24 and ya get a free tractor and FEL thrown in on the deal with the BH.

 

[santacruzer]

I bought a compact tractor without a backhoe and have been regretting it ever since.... it's endless what a backhoe can accomplish.

If you have a pick and shovel you really don't "need" one, but if you had a horse you wouldn't really "need" a car.

With the amount of land you have, if you can afford it, go for it!

Good lick, Paul

 

[jgrreed]

I second most of the coments here about you will use it for things you would never go and rent one for.
1) turning over the compost pile
2) digging trenches to plant asparagus 18" below grade
3) Stumps, stumps and more stumps. Your trees don't get big enough to warrant a larger machine.
4) re-arranging the landscaping just like you would furniture in the living room.
5) cleanout that ditch TODAY that MIGHT not overflow in the spring and flood your house.

That ditch story sounds like it landed somewhere pretty close to home???!!

-J.

 

[jgrreed]

I'm getting the jyst here....... I can afford it, just have to work a bit more.

It'll be a few months, but I'll post some pics once I have it.

Anyone have an opinion on Woods machines??? Or any other non-JD's for that matter?? Do the non-JD's come with frame reinforcements and Power Beyond???

-Jer.

 

[BungeeII]

For that kind of money, there's no way I'd buy one. In remodeling barns and building a new house on an old farm, I've been able to use one. I'll be burying drainage tile for the gutters and sump-pump, which will be a bit over 100'. It's nice to have for those little projects. Then again, I spent less than 4k for a Taylor-Way. Now that most of the big projects are over, I'd much rather spend the same money on a finish mower, brush-hog and tiller.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

At approx. $ CDN 12,000 it doesn't appear the dealer is giving any / much discount from MSRP. Dealer is quoting on 448 BH. Suggest you check info on 485 BH which is also compatible with 4x20 cab series, if you ever upgrade or want to sell - provides greater market. Think you will find 485 replaces 448 so make sure dealer is not trying to sell non current stock or if he is look for larger discount.

Backhoe Model
Machine Model
485
4300-4400, 4310-4410, 4500-4600, 4510-4710, 4120-4720 (with and without cab)
3120-3720 (without cab only)
375
4105, 4300-4400, 4310-4410,
3120-3720 (with and without cab)

CDN MSRP for 485 is $11,492 with 12" bucket or up to $355 for 36" bucket.

http://configurator.deere.com/servl...lID=Model_US534&baseCode=&futureProduct=false

 

[LBrown59]

1*I bought a compact tractor without a backhoe and have been regretting it ever since....
Paul

I would have beeen doing the sane thing had i bought the BX2230 instead of a BX23.

 

[jpm]

for $12000. i'd look at a used trackhoe. much more usable ie; 360* turn,much longer reach.plus with a blade on it you can get in & out of places you would never get with a tractor hoe. i'd rent one first to get a feel .good luck and really think it over

 

[Botabill]

I didn't get a backhoe when I bought my BX in 2004. I went 3 years wishing I had one because there are some things a FEL will not do. It was more expensive to put one on my tractor after the fact so I ended up buying an excavator. I had an excuse to do that because I needed to do some stuff on the farm. Truth was I wanted one. Now I find I'm picking up some paying jobs with excavator and I'm looking for new machinery. I have no idea where this obsession will end but who cares? You only lives once so you might as well ride the wave.

 

[Gizmo2]

Get the backhoe, you WILL get the money back when you trade or sell the tractor. I would not be without one.