Educate Me on Older Kubota

[The Gardener]

I think weighing it is the safest approach.

Thanks!
The Gardener

 

[DiezNutz]

Got a landfill nearby? Free scale. Trailer it across their scale then weigh empty trailer. You'll get alot of curious looks too

 

[The Gardener]

I am curious.

I have been comparing the specs between the B26 backhoe, the Kubota KX71-3, and the BH80-X 4pt backhoe. Having not used any of the three units, I am unsure if the specs and actual on-site use are accurately reflected by the specs.

Are the backhoes close in ability or is the KX71-3 in a different league altogether as far as lifting and digging?

Thanks!

 

[rbargeron]

Your earlier posts sounded like the B26 was a pretty firm decision - but now that the door may be open a crack to something else, I'll make the comment I was thinking about earlier. When you mentioned not wanting to take off the backhoe, and having limited spaces between buildings, I was thinking a small excavator would way out-perform the B26, especially if you are planning on a second tractor for field maintenance, wood lot and stone work. The huge advantages of an excavator are much more reach, great maneuverability, and the ability to swing anywhere with the spoils. A TLB is limited in some ways but if you have just one machine having a backhoe attachment is a lot better than digging with a shovel. Another idea that came to mind is maybe something like an L39 would do everything for a smaller total investment? There could be some great deals out there next spring as people get trading fever.

 

[DiezNutz]

Are the backhoes close in ability or is the KX71-3 in a different league altogether as far as lifting and digging?

Yeah, not alot of comparison here... the stuff RB said, plus having multiple variable displacement pumps means more responsive controls and the ability to do simultaneous ops that you can't do with a hoe on a single-pump open-center loop. If you strictly want a digging machine you can't beat a mini-X. You'll lose some versatility (e.g., FEL) and you'd better have a fat piggy bank. Something like this I'd look for used.

 

[The Gardener]

Your earlier posts sounded like the B26 was a pretty firm decision - but now that the door may be open a crack to something else, I'll make the comment I was thinking about earlier.

The one advantage of having started my search and brain teasing exploration so early is the opportunity to consider lots of different options. I'd rather have the funds to buy now, and begin using the machine. But, since that is not an option, I figure that I should continue to tap the wealth of knowledge and experience that exists on TBN to hopefully make a highly informed decision.

I agree with you completely that a mini excavator is unparalleled in the area of digging. I especially like their manueverability vs the need to rely on stabilizers and a seat change.

My problem is that I see the absolute need for a tractor with a FEL to support a mini excavator. Shuttling rocks and trees over longer distances would fall to the tractor. I cannot buy both at once, and digging is our number one priority: rock work, garden expansion, creating a small pond, some fencing, dredging an overgrown creek, etc. are all on the 'to do list'.

My one thought to allow for a used mini excavator as our first purchase is to buy an open trailer as the support unit. I could use the trailer as the substitute to a FEL to move items to and from and figure out some means of pulling a trailer with the mini excavator. That would buy me the necessary time to pay down the cost of the mini excavator before pursuing a used tractor.

I like the digging numbers of the KX71-3, and its weight. Assuming that I have read everything correctly, the break out force lines up in this order:

KX91-3 ............. 8059 lbs
KX71-3 ............. 6350 lbs
L39 .................. 5825 lbs
B26 .................. 4210 lbs

Dreaming sure brings a smile ...

 

[rbargeron]

.......Shuttling rocks and trees over longer distances would fall to the tractor. I cannot buy both at once, and digging is our number one priority: rock work, garden expansion, creating a small pond, some fencing, dredging an overgrown creek, etc. are all on the 'to do list'.....

If you really want an opinion from someone who has been there and done that, based on your to-do list I'd go spend $20k on a Used Case 580 4wd and use it for a couple years doing all your major site remodeling, then sell it for the same $20k and get a property maintenance tractor in the 40 hp range. Hire somebody to cut your open land a couple times this year and next.

P.S. On the subject of weighing tractors for compliance with the little book, If you do that I'll bet some day you'll look back and be amused. Take care, Dick B

 

[The Gardener]

Used Case 580 4wd[/URL] and use it for a couple years doing all your major site remodeling, then sell it for the same $20k

We have actually looked at similar Case and equivalent options. It did enter our "what about this" approach. Our neighbor has a yellow bomb that looks a lot like the Case pictured. His is another brand, but it is similar in size and beef. The problem is that he's mechanically inclined, and I am not. His TLB is always needing some type of fix.


I'll bet some day you'll look back and be amused.

If I ever reach that point, I'll have all of you to thank. It will signify that I have actually gained some knowledge and operator experience through the help of many TBN contributors.

 

[N80]

Look at a gear drive L3400 or L4400. Lots of tractor. Low price.