Backhoe Is this Long Backhoe worth it?

teg · Mar 7, 2006

Thanks to all those that answer questions.... I'm looking at buying a Long Backhoe (not sure of model #, other than it's old), of course the price is right, $700. I'll test dig with it in the morning but it goes on a big (70hp, cat 2) JD. It has it's own PTO pump, but I wonder if my Kubota L2800 w/ FEL would be able to pick it up. I plan to look into the reinforced top link and would love to get a subframe for it. I would have to guess it might have to be fabricated.

http://www4.ncsu.edu/~dmott/farm/backhoe/

Hope the link works, I'll attach a photo, just in case.

Bully · Mar 8, 2006

$700 jump on it you can beat that thing to death and it won't owe you a dime. I think with a little maintenance you will get a lot of service out of it Gary

EdKing · Mar 8, 2006

I would say that if it works, it is well worth $700. I would also be very careful using it on your Kubota without a subframe, if it was meant for a large tractor it could easily have the power to do serious damage to the 3ph/castings of your smaller tractor if used to aggressively.

teg · Mar 8, 2006

Thanks Bully, I understand it's a good price but if it's too heavy for my tractor and breaks the 3ph.... then it's not such a good price. The reach of this backhoe is over 10ft, and that might be too much weight for my L2800.

This is my first (& last) tractor and I have not planted my money trees at the farm, yet. So, if the tractor breaks, I'm digging the rest of the stumps by hand. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I'm going to try it out this morning, if everything works, I'll load it up and worry about a subframe next. Anyone have closeup photos of how a subframe and backhoe mate? Would a Kubota subframe work with any 3ph backhoe?

tlbuser · Mar 8, 2006

Might want to PM Bigbear. He made one and showed it here subframe

PineRidge · Mar 8, 2006

I can tell you that a neighbor of mine has one of those BHs mounted on a very old Massey. I've used it myself and it's a very capable BH. Used it to clear a portion of our property and dig the stumps for a pole barn. I would jump on it for that kind of money.

kubotaman68 · Mar 8, 2006

Hey there ,
with the purchase price that low you could buy a 4 pnt woods frame and a good welder could refit that to it and your worries would be over. even with a toplink reinforcement i would be nervous about damage with a frame refit you could have more confidence operating. I don't like spending other peoples money for them but thats a suggestion
kman

MikeD74T · Mar 8, 2006

I've had the same model for about 8 years. I originally had it on a Ford 800 with a homemade subframe that attached to the loader frame. This year I traded to a DK45S Kioti & adapted the backhoe with a Woods 4 point subframe. I ran off the tractor hydraulics on both tractors. You shouldn't have any problem with the JD 3 pt hitch. On smaller tractors its the tractor frame that is vulnerable to stress. Many have broken at the clutch housing with 3 pt. backhoes. If nothing else buy it, weld on brackets to match a Woods subframe (2 pieces of 1/2' x6" x20") & sell it for $2 grand. I also have a Case 580 and keep the Long for small jobs in tight quarters and for home use when the Case is on a job. I'd want a good price to part with mine.

MikeD74T · Mar 8, 2006

Go to the Woods website and look for the owners manual for the subframe that fits your tractor. From there the fit up will be obvious.

Clyde · Mar 8, 2006

Teg - This really has nothing to do with subframe mounts or answers any of your questions. What did impress me is that this backhoe has been sitting for who knows how long and the hydraulics have not bled down. That alone should be worth the money in hydraulic cylinders, controls, and pump. From a practical standpoint, you might have to spend a few grand to get you setup with a subframe mount but you are still way ahead compared to a new backhoe.

Keep us posted and best of luck to you - Clyde