Backhoe Is your backhoe worth it over the long-haul?

[meadowlarkponds]

From a rancher in East Texas, yes definitely worth it. I must admit that the front-end loader gets used much more often than the digger but both are extremely helpful in rural property management. In addition to several of the tasks mentioned, I've used mine to manage ponds...drain them, repair them, maintain them, and dig out trees around them. Very useful implement. Renting would simply not be practical nor economical, in my case.

 

[Highsmith]

I think I would opt for the 4-in1 before the hoe, if only having one was the rule. Anyone want the box blade I have? Have hardly ever used it. The 4 in 1 along with the hoe makes my machine quite capable.
So, if'n it was me, I would get the hoe, and the 4-in-1, I doubt you will regret it.
PR

I would like to understand how the 4-in-1 replaces a box blade? I am researching for my first tractor and attachments and think the 4-in-1 would be great. How would I use it to spread gravel along a drive, which would be my primary use for a box blade.

 

[MarkV]

I would like to understand how the 4-in-1 replaces a box blade? I am researching for my first tractor and attachments and think the 4-in-1 would be great. How would I use it to spread gravel along a drive, which would be my primary use for a box blade.

Highsmith,
A loader bucket is often used to smooth dirt with its rear edge while moving the tractor in reverse. Back dragging or back blading are terms often used when you do this. With the 4in1 buckets ability to open you can expose a cutting edge while doing the same task which makes it more effective. It will also collect dirt in the front half of that opened bucket as the cutting edge scrapes and will deposit the dirt in low spots as you move. When operated this way the 4in1 bucket is performing much like a box blade does with the advantage of all the angle and pressure control the loader offers. As for the other 3 functions of a 4in1 bucket you have a normal bucket when it is closed, the clamping or grapple function to move objects and when fully opened the rear half of the bucket works as a light dozing blade.

Like everything there are down sides to consider. The 4in1 bucket is going to be heavier than a standard bucket effecting how much you can lift with your FEL. That can be a big factor on smaller tractors with limited lift capacity. It will also cost an additional 2 to 3 thousand more for the added hydraulics and the 4in1 bucket over what the standard bucket would cost.

You certainly could move gravel on a drive with a 4in1 bucket although for that application I don’t think I would give up my box blade or rear blade.

MarkV

 

[rcrcomputing]

Just a note. I got a backhoe with my kioti per TBN folks recomendations. I would not have a tractor without one! Period!
However, on the next go-round, if I could afford it, I'd look at one where I wasn't having to get off the hoe seat, reposition, get back on seat, continue digging. Though admittedly many times, I leave the brake off and "push" myself forward a bit.

Maybe a longer unit as well. Though, that's not a big deal for my use..

 

[LBrown59]

Just a note. I got a backhoe with my kioti per TBN folks recomendations. I would not have a tractor without one! Period!
However, on the next go-round, if I could afford it, I'd look at one where I wasn't having to get off the hoe seat, reposition, get back on seat, continue digging. Though admittedly many times, I leave the brake off and "push" myself forward a bit.

Maybe a longer unit as well. Though, that's not a big deal for my use..

Without a hoe
it's not a go.

 

[RoyJackson]

You guys better watch those comments about hoes...see what happened to Don Imus?

 

[Blackfoot]

Have you considered building one of them backhoes that you pull your self around with your hoe. They have some good ones that you can buy the plans for not to much,and if you can weld a bit, couple thousand, and you will have an extra machine that will probaly do all the work you will ever want done.

 

[shvl73]

I'd rather get a tractor mounted hoe than one of those stand-alone units. Keep looking, there are deals out there. There was a 3pt hoe on Craigslist in ME for $2000 recently.

See here: backhoe attachment 3 pt hitch $2000

 

[MadDogDriver]

Of course you could always rescue your horse with one.

the link:
nbc4.tv - Slideshow

 

[DavidVT]

Hmmm,
Brings to mind that my neighbor saw my backhoe and asked me to come up to dig a hole for her old horse.....

In no particular order my used ford blue 7500 woods BH with pto pump has:
Buried pets
Replaced underground power lines (after some idiot on a 3430 ripped it up with the FEL)
Numerous drainage projects (sure beats using the FEL)
Cleared large boulders (dig hole push it into hole)
Saved my back on many occasions.....
And made some really big holes out in the field as I learn to run it..

Seriously, I got a decent deal on a tired but working BH and jumped on it. I need to learn how to replace pins and bushings but meanwhile I run the pto at idle and don't push it very hard. I have never had a problem completing a task even at this low power setting.

This summer I intend to buy the 4 pt mount as the 3 pt mounting really seems to stress the tractor even at the low power setting. I know when I get the pins cleaned up that I will start pushing the BH. I want the mount stronger and safer before then.

If you can afford it, get the BH you will enjoy having it.

If you really need to rationalize or justify the purchase, put it off for some time and pay someone else to do the work. One of these three things may then happen:
1) you run out of things to dig and thus save money in the long run

2) you eventually realize that you should have bought the BH attachment. Hopefully enough time has gone by so that you can find a used or better or less expensive choice.

3) you soon realize that what you really need is a small excavator and you are pleased that you saved the BH money for that larger expense


Again, my .02 is that you buy the BH if you can swing it as it is fairly doubtful that you will regret it. I also am one of those that encourage buyers to buy as much tractor as they can afford.