Backhoe kioti CK2510 with a woods backhoe

[Bobctat2035]

Different uses I guess. My backhoe is the second most common thing on my tractor, first is the logging winch. Besides, for me to rent something means paying somebody for a 45-60 mile trip one way to deliver; then the same again to pick it up.
Between that and the rental, that $5000 would disappear in a couple of uses.

I second this. The backhoe was like 7 or something for my Bobcat and I knew I would not be using it often but I absolutely loathe wanting to do something (small or large) and not being able to without renting equipment. In the last two months I've used it more than I thought I would with plenty of future projects in store for it. I guess it boils down to How often you plan on using it ✕ How much you care about that 5k ÷ How much you like renting equipment. My math = Get the backhoe. lol

The Bobcat backhoe is likely identical to the Kioti so just know that it's nice to have but you won't be easily obliterating tree stumps or knocking down trees with it. Although....I guess I haven't tried knocking any trees over just yet. Maybe a project for the weekend.

 

[rademamj1]

I third the statement. I purchased a backhoe for my Kioti CK4010 and barely used in the first 12 months of ownership. Initially thought i wasted my money. Since then, it has become my 2nd most popular attachment for my tractor. Installed septic tanks, many culverts, underground rain water collection tanks, trenches for buried powerlines and water stock tanks that hold water even during the hot Texas summers. I only have a 9" bucket for trenching and a 36" for material transfer.

In some cases, renting excavators clearly makes the best choice, but i did manage to find enough work to justify the purchase. And I also turned down several commercial work projects that involved my backhoe. Overall, I think backhoe applications are only limited by your creative thinking.

 

[Buggs67]

I have a CK2510H with the backhoe purchased as a package. It's a good hoe. Very powerful for it's size. Easy to attach and remove. And I use it because I have it. I turned over the garden with it the first time. I use it as a mini crane, digging holes for shrubs, even loosening soil to replant grass.

But ... if I didn't have one I wouldn't lay out the $7 I'd estimate it'd cost. I bought it because I had a big project and to rent a mini-ex or backhoe would've been expensive. And now I own the equip and could sell it.