Great Bend vs Kubota Backhoe

[jwb467]

Well, thanks to the great info on this site I just discovered last week, and a quick read through Muhammed's book, I'm ready to take the plunge. I'm going to buy a B2710 this weekend. One of the details I need to work out is the backhoe. Do I get the Kubota BL4690A or the Great Bend 751? The GB looked solid. Which would hold up better? What is the practical difference between the single cylinder chain swing (Kubota) and Dual cylinder swing (GB)? Anyone had problems or praises for either?

 

[Snell]

Great Bend is now actually owned by Bush Hog who in turn have all their backhoes made by Ameriquip (sp?)... which is neither here nor there but sometimes it is nice to know what the actual equipment is beneath the label. As for the comparisons of the backhoes, practical differences in terms of perfomance are going to be mimimal. Some differences you may want to consider - Kubota has replacable bushings where the GB does not, dual cylinder swing means twice as many parts with the potential for wear, Kubota includes the heavy duty top link... Any trade off may be well worth it in $$'s but that has to be your call. Any chance of seeing them side by side? Sometimes that answers any doubts you may have in your mind.

 

[jwb467]

Thanks for the info on the bushings. I went back to the dealer today and learned the GB can be either 3-point or frame mounted. Another question. At the dealer, I saw a Rankin Adjustable thumb for the backhoe. It folds out of the way when not in use. When you need to pick something up, the thumb fold out toward the bucket. It's rigid, but adjustable. The movement is provided by the bucket. The thumb supposedly has the same rating as the hoe. The idea of the thumb appeals to me. Anyone have experience with one.

Also, regarding the side-by-side, the GB has a good fit and finish and looks as or more solid than the Kubota. The dealer says the GB outsells the Kubota by a wide margin. Heading back tommorrow to dig some dirt with it. The GB also uses the tractor's hydraulics.

 

[RIRICH]

I'm between the choice of a woods or Kubota hoe. Don't even what to ask the dealer if Great Bend is an option. I'm real now to this and haven't used one before, so I guess I don't have any habits to break. Any worldly advice?
Thanks